Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.
Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. had already fought in World War I and served as Governor of Puerto Rico and Governor General of the Philippines before serving in World War II. He was the oldest son of President Theodore Roosevelt. Returning to the Army in 1940, he was promoted to Brigadier General and was second in command of the 1st Infantry Division in North Africa. General Patton did not like his easy ways with the troops, and pulled him from command, leaving Roosevelt to serve in various capacities in Italy. Assigned to help lead the Normandy Invasion, he petitioned to invade with the troops. After several denials, he was allowed to lead the landing of the U.S. 4th Infantry Division's 8th Infantry Regiment and 70th Tank Battalion at Utah Beach. Meanwhile, his son Quentin Roosevelt landed at Omaha Beach. General Roosevelt was 56 years old, and the only general to storm the beach at Normandy with the first wave of soldiers. Roosevelt greeted the troops as they reached the shore. Although the unit was a mile from their landing target, they still met enemy fire. Instead of trying to move to the original landing area, Roosevelt modified the unit’s plans and moved inland in order to engage the enemy from the rear. Roosevelt’s calm under fire inspired the troops and contributed greatly to the success of their mission. Roosevelt died of a heart attack in France a month later. He was recommended for a Distinguished Service Cross, which was upgraded to the Medal of Honor, awarded posthumously in September of 1944. The Medal was one of many Roosevelt had earned through two World Wars.