Harold C. Roberts
Harold Cyrus Roberts (October 1, 1898 – June 18, 1945) was a highly decorated officer in the United States Marine Corps with the rank of colonel. He was the recipient of three Navy Crosses, the United States military's second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat.
Harold Cyrus Roberts | |
|---|---|
Roberts as 2nd lieutenant, USMC | |
| Nickname(s) | "Bob" |
| Born | October 1, 1898 Buffalo, New York, US |
| Died | June 18, 1945 (aged 46) Okinawa, Japan |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1917–1945 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Service number | 0-3825 |
| Commands held | 22nd Marine Regiment 3rd Defense Battalion |
| Battles/wars | World War I
Nicaraguan Campaign |
| Awards | Navy Cross (3) Silver Star Legion of Merit Navy and Marine Corps Medal Purple Heart |
Roberts began his career as a Navy Corpsman attached to 5th Marine Regiment during World War I and earned his first Navy Cross during the Battle of Belleau Wood for evacuation of wounded Marines under heavy machine gun fire. He received his second Navy Cross during the Nicaraguan Campaign in fall 1928, where he distinguished himself while he led several Marine patrols against hostile bandits and the third one for his command of 22nd Marine Regiment during Battle of Okinawa in World War II. Roberts was killed in action by Japanese sniper at the end of Okinawa campaign.