Rouh, Carlton Robert "Cobber"

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Rouh, Carlton Robert "Cobber"

Date of birth:: May 11th, 1919 (Lindenwold/New Jersey, United States)
Date of death:: December 8th, 1977 (Camden/New Jersey, United States)
Service number:: O-351122
Nationality:: American

Biography

Carlton Robert Rouh was born at Lindenwold, New Jersey on May 11th, 1919. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1942 and after his training was stationed in the Pacific with Company M, 5th Marine Regiment.

Promotions:
?: Private 1st Class;
1942: 2nd Lieutenant;
?: 1st Lieutenant;
?: Captain.

Career:
?: Company M, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment;
?: 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment.

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Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Private First Class (Marine)
Unit:: Company M, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded on:: 1942

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while a member of Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 9 October 1942. While under tremendous hostile fire, Private First Class Rouh, with cool courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety, unhesitatingly volunteered assisting in the transportation of injured personnel to assisting in the transportation of injured personnel to the company aid station until he, himself, was wounded by enemy fire. His heroic conduct, maintained at great risk in the face of grave danger, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

For action which was performed on 9 October 1942 at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

Medal of Honor - Navy/Marine Corps (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)
Unit:: 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded for:: Operation Stalemate II

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st 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, 1st Lt. Rouh made a personal reconnaissance of the pillbox and, upon entering, was severely wounded by Japanese rifle fire from within. Emerging from the dugout, he was immediately assisted by 2 marines to a less exposed area but, while receiving first aid, was further endangered by an enemy grenade which was 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 1st Lt. Rouh and the U.S. Naval Service."

Place and date action: Peleliu Island, Palau group, 15 September 1944.