First Lieutenant
United States Marine Corps Reserve
Carlton Rouh
Citation
Citation
FIRST LIEUTENANT CARLTON R. ROUH
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE
For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
while attached to the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division,
during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group,
15 September 1944. Before permitting his men to use an enemy dugout as
a position for an 81-mm. mortar observation post, First Lieutenant Rouh
made a personal reconnaissance of the pillbox and, upon entering, was severely
wounded by Japanese rifle fire from within. Emerging form the dugout, he
was immediately assisted by two Marines to a less exposed area, but while
receiving first aid, was further endangered by an enemy grenade whichwas
thrown into their midst. Quick to act in spite of his weakened condition,
he lurched to a crouching position and thrust both men aside, placing his
own body between them and the grenade and taking the full blast of the
explosion himself. His exceptional spirit of loyalty and
self-sacrifice in the face
of almost certain death reflects the highest credit upon First Lieutenant
Rouh and the United States Naval Service.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
President of the United States
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