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Roecker, Frederick Charles, Jr.

Date of birth:
July 11th, 1919 (Walla Walla/Washington, United States)
Date of death:
July 2nd, 1996 (Ventura/California, United States)
Service number:
O-24681
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
2nd Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army
Major Frederick C. Roecker, Jr., 024681 (then Captain), Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Mortain and Montargis sectors, France, during the period 8 to 23 August 1944. Major Roecker commanded the 2nd Battalion, 134th Infantry, during this period. On 8 August he was given the mission of securing a cross-road south of Mortain. When his leading company was pinned down by machine gun and mortar fire, he proceeded to the company command post, and, although wounded, declined medical attention and personally directed movement of a platoon in an enveloping movement, neutralizing enemy fire and paving the way for the battalion advance to its objective. He received a second and more painful wound, but remained with his command until he assured himself that his executive officer had the situation in hand. After a short period of hospitalization, he returned to duty although his wounds still hampered his movements. On 23 August when he was given the mission of capturing Les Goths, he accompanied leading elements of the battalion and, when heavy enemy machine gun fire was encountered, over-ran the machine gun emplacements and continued forward movement without disorganization, by the exercise of superior and dynamic leadership. Approaching the town of Les Goths, he directed organization of a task force which advanced on tanks well in advance of the battalion column, clearing the way for the battalion proper and enabling them to secure the objective without loss. The superior leadership ability of this officer, his intrepid courage and zealous devotion to duty, reflects credit upon his character as an officer and are in accord with the high traditions of the Army.
Entered United States Military Academy from Washington.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 31 (13 September 1944).
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
2nd Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army
Lieutenant Colonel Frederick C. Roecker Jr., O-24681 (then Major), Infantry, United States Army, for Heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in the vicinity of Morhange, France from 12 to 15 November. During this period, Colonel Roecker, Commanding Officer, Second Battalion, 134th Infantry, led his troops against stubborn enemy resistance, with the objective of seizing the town of Morhange. He accompanied forward elements and moved freely among the men, inspiring the battle weary soldiers to overcome obstacles incident to adverse weather conditions and to push on to their objective. His outstanding leadership and utter disregard for personal safety reflect credit upon his character as an officer.
Entered United States Military Academy from Washington.


Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 55 (5 December 1944).
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army
For wounds received in action on 8 August 1944 in Normandie, France.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 49 (25 June 1945).
Purple Heart
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army
For wounds received in action on 13 August 1944 in Normandie, France.

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 49 (25 June 1945).
Purple Heart
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army
For wounds received in action on 11 September 1944 in France.

This award was obtained in the form of an second Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 36 (24 September 1944).
Purple Heart

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