"For conspicuous gallantry, at risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty," on April 6, 1945, Third Infantry Division Technical Sergeant, Robert D. Maxwell, was awarded the Medal of Honor, our nation's highest.
On September 7, 1944, Sergeant Maxwell and three other soldiers were manning an observation post in France, close to the Swiss/German border, when they came under intense fire from an enemy unit that had managed to slip past the battalion's forward companies. Armed only with 45-automatics, up against close-in machine guns, and grenades, even 20mm flak bursts, Maxwell remained calm and steadfast, by example, then, encouraging his men to keep up the fight, as they bravely defended their post.
At one point in the skirmish, a German grenade landed in the midst of Maxwell's men. Without hesitation, he threw himself on-top of that grenade in time to absorb the explosion with his body, saving the lives of his comrades, as other troops then rushed to their rescue. Miraculously, Sergeant Maxwell somehow survived the blast, but it did leave him "permanently maimed," notes his official citation.
Yet another example of incredible courage, so much a part of America's skilled and proud military tradition, which, when lives are on the line, compels ordinary men to perform extraordinary feats. True often of our first-responders and others in civilian life as well. And here's a happy ending for a change. This past Tuesday, October 26th, our 3rd ID, World War II veteran-hero Robert Maxwell celebrated his 90th birthday! We thank and salute Mr. Maxwell, Medal of Honor recipient, a truly Great American.
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