Anund C. Roark

Anund Charles Roark (February 17, 1948 – May 16, 1968) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Anund C. Roark
Army Medal of Honor
Born(1948-02-17)February 17, 1948
Vallejo, California
DiedMay 16, 1968(1968-05-16) (aged 20)
near Landing Zone Brillo Pad, Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam
Place of burial
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Army
Years of service1966 - 1968
Rank Sergeant
UnitCompany C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division
Battles/warsVietnam War †
AwardsMedal of Honor

Biography

Roark joined the Army from Los Angeles, California, in 1966, and by May 16, 1968, was serving as a Sergeant in Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On that day, near Landing Zone Brillo Pad in Kontum Province, South Vietnam, during Operation MacArthur Roark smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his body, protecting his fellow soldiers at the cost of his own life.

Roark, aged 20 at his death, was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.

Medal of Honor citation

Sergeant Roark's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Roark distinguished himself by extraordinary gallantry while serving with Company C. Sgt. Roark was the point squad leader of a small force which had the mission of rescuing 11 men in a hilltop observation post under heavy attack by a company-size force, approximately 1,000 meters from the battalion perimeter. As lead elements of the relief force reached the besieged observation post, intense automatic weapons fire from enemy occupied bunkers halted their movement. Without hesitation, Sgt. Roark maneuvered his squad, repeatedly exposing himself to withering enemy fire to hurl grenades and direct the fire of his squad to gain fire superiority and cover the withdrawal of the outpost and evacuation of its casualties. Frustrated in their effort to overrun the position, the enemy swept the hilltop with small arms and volleys of grenades. Seeing a grenade land in the midst of his men, Sgt. Roark, with complete disregard for his safety, hurled himself upon the grenade, absorbing its blast with his body. Sgt. Roark's magnificent leadership and dauntless courage saved the lives of many of his comrades and were the inspiration for the successful relief of the outpost. His actions which culminated in the supreme sacrifice of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on himself and the U.S. Army.[1]

See also

Anund was born in Vallejo, CA. He was born to Owen Charles Roark and Sylvia Sannes Roark. His father was in the Navy, stationed at Mare Island Naval Base. His mother Sylvia worked for the telephone company. They met in San Diego, CA and were married in Yuma, AZ. Anund attended kindergarten and first grade in National City, CA. He has a brother Patrick born in 1949 and a sister Vi Charlene born in 1950. In 1955, they moved to Allied Gardens, in San Diego. The family attended Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Anund and Pat played little league in Allied Gardens. The three children attended Foster Elementary School. Lewis Junior High and graduated from Herbert Hoover High School. Anund joined the Army in 1967. Pat graduated from USC. Vi attended Nursing School in Minot, North Dakota. In 1972, Anund's parents became Foster parents to two children, who they later adopted, Frances Charlene Roark and Anthony Charles Roark. Fray and Tony attended Foster Elementary, Lewis Junior High and graduated from Patrick Henry High School.

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References
  1. "Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipients". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. October 3, 2003. Retrieved June 19, 2007.
  2. Sss
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