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James William Robinson Jr.American soldier
Date of Birth: 30.08.1940
Country:  USA |
Content:
- James Robinson: American Soldier and Medal of Honor Recipient
- Early Life and Military Career
- Service in Vietnam and Heroic Actions
- The Final Confrontation
- Legacy and Medal of Honor
James Robinson: American Soldier and Medal of Honor Recipient
James Robinson, a valiant American soldier, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery in the Vietnam War. His heroic actions and ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire countless Americans.
Early Life and Military Career
Robinson was born in Hinsdale, Illinois, and graduated from high school in 1958. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served primarily in Okinawa. After his discharge in 1961, Robinson returned to civilian life briefly before reenlisting in 1964. He was assigned to Panama but fervently requested a reassignment to Southeast Asia, which he received in 1965.
Service in Vietnam and Heroic Actions
Tragically, Robinson's time in Vietnam was cut short when he was killed in action on April 11, 1966. During a fierce battle against a Viet Cong battalion, Robinson fearlessly moved among his men, providing support, encouragement, and tactical guidance. Despite enemy snipers concealed in trees, he managed to locate and eliminate the most lethal marksman with a well-placed grenade launcher.
Witnessing the severe injuries sustained by a medic attending to a wounded sergeant, Robinson risked his own life to rescue both men and relocate them to safety. As the battle raged on, Robinson collected weapons from incapacitated soldiers and distributed them to able-bodied comrades, all while engaging the enemy with his own fire.
Discovering another wounded soldier in a perilous position, Robinson again put his life on the line to extract him. While performing this heroic act, he was shot twice, in the shoulder and leg. Despite these injuries, Robinson carried the wounded man to safety.
The Final Confrontation
While tending to his own wounds, Robinson noticed a Viet Cong machine gunner who was wreaking havoc on his unit. With no ammunition left, Robinson grabbed two hand grenades and charged the enemy position. A tracer round struck him in the leg, igniting his clothing, but Robinson paused only to tear off the burning fabric and continue his assault. Hit twice more, Robinson summoned all his remaining strength and hurled the grenades at the machine gunner, killing him but sacrificing his own life in the process.
Legacy and Medal of Honor
James Robinson's story is a testament to his extraordinary courage and unwavering determination, qualities that have made him an enduring symbol of bravery and sacrifice for generations of American servicemen and women. His Medal of Honor was presented to his parents and is now proudly displayed in the main hall of the school named in his honor.
