Theodore (President) Roosevelt

Notes:

26th United States President, 25th United States Vice-President, New York Governor, United States Army Officer, Spanish-American War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served as Governor of New York and later served as President William McKinley's Vice-President. He succeeded McKinley upon the latter's assassination and was reelected in 1904. He advocated a policy of intervention in the Americas. He began construction of the Panama canal. Domestically, he sought to protect America's natural resources against exploitation. He was shot by would-be assassin John Schrank in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1912. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in January 2001 for his bravery in the assault on San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War. His official CMOH citation reads as follows: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt distinguished himself by acts of bravery on 1 July, 1898, near Santiago de Cuba, Republic of Cuba, while leading a daring charge up San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, in total disregard for his personal safety, and accompanied by only four or five men, led a desperate and gallant charge up San Juan Hill, encouraging his troops to continue the assault through withering enemy fire over open countryside. Facing the enemy's heavy fire, he displayed extraordinary bravery throughout the charge, and was the first to reach the enemy trenches, where he quickly killed one of the enemy with his pistol, allowing his men to continue the assault. His leadership and valor turned the tide in the Battle for San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
(findagrave)