Nation’s oldest Medal of Honor recipient dies at 98
Robert Maxwell
11B-Mailclerk brings us the sad news that Robert Maxwell, a WWII veteran, has died. Maxwell, at the time a 24-year-old communication platoon lineman, dove on a German grenade, saving the lives of a battalion commander and several other soldiers.
“He was a very humble, quiet person,” close friend Dick Tobiason told the Bend Bulletin. “He smiled whenever he talked about veterans, the flag, country, and patriotism. He loved being an American.” Tobiason said his friend died of natural causes.
Maxwell and six to eight other members of his platoon were jammed in a small courtyard defending a battalion observation post in a house near Besancon, France, when the Germans launched a heavy attack.
A low wall protected them against machine-gun fire but the Germans worked their way to within 10 yards of the group and began hurling grenades, according to the Associated Press.
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Maxwell was also awarded two Purple Hearts, two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star while serving as a communication specialist with the 7th Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.
Another of the Greatest Generation passes. Fair winds and following seas, Specialist Maxwell.
The rest of the story may be found here: Fox News
Category: Army, Guest Link, The Warrior Code, Valor
Another Warrior joins his Comrades in Vallhalla, R.I.P Sir.
*Slow Salute*
Rest in well-deserved peace Sir.
Amazing man. Enjoy your well earned eternal reward, sir.
The Final Inspection
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
“Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my Church have you been true?”
The soldier squared his soldiers and said,
“No, Lord, I guess I ain’t.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can’t always be a saint.
I’ve had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn’t mine to keep…
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,
It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.”
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.
“Step forward now, you soldier,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in Hell.”
-Sgt Joshua Helterbran
when I do speak…
well..
RIP, just a amazing hero
“Just three Medal of Honor recipients from World War II are still living”
Sad to see such great warriors pass.
Instead of a hotline to God (Commo Specialist), Mr Maxwell can now speak to Him face-to-face.
This is 31E, KC7JDS, calling CQ, CQ, CQ…….
“He was a very humble, quiet person….He loved being an American.” Getting a bit dusty in here.
Godspeed and Farewell Specialist Robert Maxwell. Prolly having a Grand Re-union ’bout now.
Hand Salute….Ready…Two!
2 silver stars and a bronze star for a commo guy. That’s awesome.
Cottonbalers!
Willing and Able!
Also Herman Wouk died today just 10 days short of his 104th birthday. I would have thought he was long dead, but he was still kicking. The Caine Mutiny is one of my favorite movies and I have fond memories of the Winds of War though I haven’t seen it in years.
Rest in peace.
“Maxwell was also awarded two Purple Hearts, two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star.”
I wonder if his wounds prevented his continuing to serve in the Army? So many who receive recognition for truly heroic deeds leave the military. I’ve got a theory as to why SOME leave the military after receiving the Medal of Honor, Service Crosses, Silver Stars, etc. Could it be that they feel they would be unable to live up to the expectations SOME others would have of them? IDK, just something I think about now and again.
I am truly humbled by men and women such as this. Rest In Peace, Warrior. You’re a hell of a man.
RIP Cottonbaler !
HMC RET
hope all is well.
3/10/MED/b out.
awaiting incoming;
Damn, threw himself on a grenade. I’ll bet Robert Maxwell, never wore a leather vest with bling either:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 7 September 1944, near Besancon, France. Technician 5th Grade Maxwell and 3 other soldiers, armed only with .45 caliber automatic pistols, defended the battalion observation post against an overwhelming onslaught by enemy infantrymen in approximately platoon strength, supported by 20mm. flak and machinegun fire, who had infiltrated through the battalion’s forward companies and were attacking the observation post with machinegun, machine pistol, and grenade fire at ranges as close as 10 yards. Despite a hail of fire from automatic weapons and grenade launchers, Technician 5th Grade Maxwell aggressively fought off advancing enemy elements and, by his calmness, tenacity, and fortitude, inspired his fellows to continue the unequal struggle. When an enemy hand grenade was thrown in the midst of his squad, Technician 5th Grade Maxwell unhesitatingly hurled himself squarely upon it, using his blanket and his unprotected body to absorb the full force of the explosion. This act of instantaneous heroism permanently maimed Technician 5th Grade Maxwell, but saved the lives of his comrades in arms and facilitated maintenance of vital military communications during the temporary withdrawal of the battalion’s forward headquarters.