Ralph Edward Roach

The database page for Ralph Edward Roach

25 Oct 2003 He was shot and killed while trying to save someone else's life. They said he was a hero and gave him a medal. But I knew his every-day heroism long before that act. He was my big brother and my hero. Eddie D. Roach edroach@cox.net DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HEADQUARTERS 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION (AIRMOBILE) APO San Francisco 96490 31 December 1968 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 15527 AWARD OF THE AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL FOR HEROISM 1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously. ROACH, RALPH E. US54823021 SERGEANT (then SP4) United States Army Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne) (Airmobile), 12th Cavalry Awarded: Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device Date action: 11 December 1968 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Reason: For heroism, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Roach distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 11 December 1968, while serving as a rifleman with Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne) (Airmobile), 12th Cavalry during combat mission near Bong Be, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force and a machine gunner was severely wounded, Specialist Roach exposed himself to hostile fire as he left his secure position and crawled to the location of his injured comrade. While moving his fellow soldier to a secure position, Specialist Roach was mortally wounded. His display of personal bravery and devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army. Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962. FOR THE COMMANDER: ROBERT N. MACKINNON Colonel, GS Chief of Staff

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 11 Dec 1968 the base camp at Bao Loc, located on Highway QL-20 between Nhon Co and Phan Thiet, was attacked and the perimeter breeched. Although the base held out, nine US soldiers were killed in the fighting: C Co, 1st Bn, 12th Cavalry 1LT Alexander Pozmann, Cleveland, OH SGT Jake E. Hurst, Houston, TX SGT Ralph E. Roach, Michigan City, IN (Bronze Star "V") SGT Eugene Walters, Patrick, SC SP4 Elijah Miles, Phenix City, AL SP4 Ronald M. Romero, Yoakum, TX SP4 Donald K. Vadakin, Marietta, OH B Btry, 2nd Bn, 19th Artillery 1LT Melvin D. Lembke, Grand Forks, ND C Co, 8th Eng Bn PFC Herman F. Rubin, Pine Island, MN

The point-of-contact for this memorial is his brother, Eddie D. Roach edroach@cox.net

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 25 Oct 2003
Last updated 03/18/2008