| Birth: | Mar. 20, 1915 | | Death: | Sep. 18, 1944 | 
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Army during World War II as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 101st Airborne Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery near Carentan, France, on June 11, 1944. His citation reads "Lt. Col. Cole was personally leading his battalion in forcing the last 4 bridges on the road to Carentan when his entire unit was suddenly pinned to the ground by intense and withering enemy rifle, machinegun, mortar, and artillery fire placed upon them from well-prepared and heavily fortified positions within 150 yards of the foremost elements. After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had for over 1 hour prevented any move and inflicted numerous casualties, Lt. Col. Cole, observing this almost hopeless situation, courageously issued orders to assault the enemy positions with fixed bayonets. With utter disregard for his own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, he rose to his feet in front of his battalion and with drawn pistol shouted to his men to follow him in the assault. Catching up a fallen man's rifle and bayonet, he charged on and led the remnants of his battalion across the bullet-swept open ground and into the enemy position. His heroic and valiant action in so inspiring his men resulted in the complete establishment of our bridgehead across the Douve River. The cool fearlessness, personal bravery, and outstanding leadership displayed by Lt. Col. Cole reflect great credit upon himself and are worthy of the highest praise in the military service." He was later killed in action, and his Medal was posthumously awarded to him on October 4, 1944.
Family links:
Spouse:
Allie Mae Beall (1916 - 2000)*
*Calculated relationship
Search Amazon for Robert Cole | | | Burial:
Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial
Margraten
Eijsden-Margraten Municipality
Limburg, Netherlands
Plot: Plot B, Row 15, Grave 27 |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Originally Created by: Russ Dodge
Record added: Aug 05, 2010
Find A Grave Memorial# 55881287 |
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