[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 73 (Tuesday, June 13, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H4330-H4333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AWARDING MEDAL OF HONOR TO PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. LAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.
Mr. BUYER. Moreover, it is my sincerest hope that the award ceremony
will be conducted here in Washington as befits a celebration that
honors a truly larger than life American. Lastly, I spoke with Tweed
Roosevelt today, a direct descendant of Teddy Roosevelt, and I endorse
the Roosevelt family's desire that President Roosevelt's Medal of Honor
permanently reside next to his Nobel Peace Prize in the Roosevelt Room
of the White House. That is the working room of the West Wing just off
the Oval Office. I can think of no better tribute to the greatness of
President Roosevelt than to bring together in one room the accolades
that he received as both a warrior and as a peacemaker. What finer
example could we offer the leader of our Nation, what better
inspiration for our future Presidents to strive for excellence in their
quest of the greater understanding.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Congress for its work to secure
the Medal of Honor for Teddy Roosevelt. We have attempted to right a
historical wrong and we have come to learn more about why Theodore
Roosevelt was one of our greatest historical figures. He displayed the
qualities of a great leader: courage, cunning, intellect, boldness and
charisma all founded on deep moral purpose. His courage and the
enthusiasm that his courage generated motivated his Rough Riders on the
battlefield at San Juan Heights and inspired a generation of Americans
as they emerged from the chaos of the late 19th century.
Mr. Clinton, we urge you to avoid further delay and expeditiously
award the Medal of Honor to Colonel Theodore Roosevelt.
Mr. LAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Indiana, and I
want to begin by acknowledging his terrific work in terms of bringing
this issue to the forefront of this Congress and all of his partnership
with me in these last 3 years as we have been fighting for this sense
of justice. People say why do we care about giving Theodore Roosevelt
the Congressional Medal of Honor 102 years after he earned it. I think
it comes down to simple justice. The fact is that Theodore Roosevelt is
one of our greatest Americans. His face appears on Mount Rushmore. He
has been known as one of America's greatest Presidents. Before that, he
was a Governor of the State of New York. He was a great conservationist
and a reformer.
{time} 2340
He was the architect of the modern Navy, and in many ways help shape
American foreign policy as we entered the global age. But it is for
none of those reasons that Theodore Roosevelt deserves the
Congressional Medal of Honor. It is for the facts that the gentleman
from Indiana (Mr. Buyer) has laid out.
[[Page H4331]]
On that day, on July 1 of 1898, when a volunteer Lieutenant Colonel
Theodore Roosevelt led his men up a hill, a strategic hill to secure
that high ground which saved many American lives that day, and contrary
to public belief, a popular belief the Rough Riders, who Lieutenant
Colonel led, went forward that day without their horses as dismounted
infantry and they faced an enemy much better positioned than the
Spaniards in securing the high ground. They faced an enemy with
munitions and with arms far superior to that which they had, including
machine guns, which were only a few years later in World War I create
such mass destruction; but even at that point in 1898, these guns were
trained down on them.
Alongside Roosevelt and his Rough Riders advanced the 9th and 10th
colored Cavalry Regiments, the famed Buffalo Soldiers of the Indian
Wars. And I will say to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer), to all
of those in the Chamber, the Spanish bullets respected neither race nor
social rank. In the end the blood was American.
Up the steep hill, the Rough Riders climbed facing a withering fire
from the trenches blow up the steep hill, climbed with men from the
rear ranks taken the place of the fallen, up that steep hill they
climbed led by their bespectacled, mustached leader, Colonel Roosevelt.
In the finest military tradition, Teddy Roosevelt led the way. Rather
than pushing his men forward from behind, he pulled them forward from
in front. By his own conspicuous courage, Roosevelt inspired his men to
conquer their fear, to climb those heights against a hail of enemy
lead.
In placing themselves in dire danger, Roosevelt animated his men to
move towards the trenches that belched the venomous fire. By his
leadership, by dint of his personal example, Roosevelt propelled his
troops to capture the Spanish defenses. Of the 490 men who started to
climb that hill that day, 89 were killed or wounded. One of those
wounded was Colonel Roosevelt.
And I would say to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer), who has
served our Nation in uniform and I have great respect and admiration
for him because of that, there is no greater service than I think an
American can render to put his life on the line and cause freedom in
America's interests.
This is what Colonel Roosevelt did as a volunteer. He displayed
extraordinary courage, and that was documented at the time by his
superiors and his contemporaries. So this is not something where
Congress is reaching back and recreating history. We have a strong
historical record. There was a voluminous brief that was submitted by
me 3 years ago with the assistance of the gentleman from Indiana (Mr.
Buyer). The fact is that there is plenty of evidence, plenty of
evidence that suggests that Roosevelt was denied for political reason.
Now is a time to correct that record to see that justice is done and
for President Clinton to give him his due, the Congressional Medal of
Honor. We call upon the President to do that.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to include in the Record a part of that
brief, if I can, which documents the historical record.
Congressman Rick Lazio submitted the following argument for the Award
of the Congressional Medal of Honor for President Theodore Roosevelt on
September 9, 1997
Theodore Roosevelt Deserves the Medal of Honor
introduction
The 100th Anniversary of the Spanish-American War has
raised public interest in this important segment of American
History. The Spanish American War is for many a line of
demarcation signifying America's emergence as a world power.
Inextricably entwined in this coming of age on the world
stage is the history and efforts of President Theodore
Roosevelt.
Roosevelt, as the leader of the First Volunteer Cavalry
Regiment known more commonly as the Rough Riders, played a
significant and heroic role in the victory in Cuba. This
victory catapulted both Roosevelt and the United States onto
the world stage and the eventual position of leadership we
enjoy today.
The focus here is not on Theodore Roosevelt, leader of the
Rough Riders and his gallant charges to secure the San Juan
Heights. Theodore Roosevelt was unjustly overlooked for the
Congressional Medal of Honor. His application, when taken in
the context for awarding America's highest military honor at
that time, warranted more serious consideration than it was
given. Many attribute this oversight to political squabbles
of the times as well as prejudice in favor of the regular
army regiments. The Centennial of this historic effort is an
appropriate time to correct this injustice.
narrative
Thedore Roosevelt's service in the Spanish American War
began with an offer of a commission from Secretary of War
Russell Alger as Lieutenant Colonel in a regiment commanded
by Colonel Leonard Wood in April of 1898 after the United
States declared war on Spain retroactive to April 21, 1898.
The Regiment was designated the 1st United States Volunteer
Calvary. However, they quickly became more commonly known as
the ``Rough Riders.'' The regiment was made of volunteers
from all walks of life and all classes of Americans. The
outfit was considered to be unpolished and undisciplined.
Much effort was required to reform the Rough Riders into a
quality fighting unit. The Rough Riders were later sent to
Tampa and on June 3, 1898 arrived to be joined with other
Cavalry regiments to form a division under the command of
Major General Joseph Wheeler. The division belonged to the
5th Corps, commanded by Major General William R. Shafter, a
Medal of Honor recipient and veteran of the Civil War.
On June 22, 1898, the Rough Riders landed in Cuba on the
outskirts of Santiago after little resistance but a difficult
voyage. The unit soon moved out in the campaign to capture
Santiago. Soon after beginning the campaign, the regiment
encountered resistance from the Spanish Army. The regiment
suffered several casualties including eight killed in a
battle to secure a blockhouse. By June 30 the planning for
the assault on Santiago began in earnest.
The battle was to begin with an assault on El Cancy, a
village on the outskirts of the San Juan Heights and in close
proximity to the Camino Real, the principal route to
Santiago. The assault would be made by the regular infantry
under the command of Brigadier General H.W. Lawton and
supported by an artillery barrage from a battery under the
command of Captain Allyn K. Capron Sr. The rest of the army
would take up positions in the jungle in front of the San
Juan Heights. The plan was to capture El Caney and then
directly assault the San Juan Heights.
It was at this time that Roosevelt was promoted to full
colonel and given command of the Rough Riders. Several
Officers had come down with fever. Colonel Wood was promoted
to Brigadier General and given command of General Young's
brigade leading to Roosevelt's promotion. By the end of the
day, the Rough Riders were positioned near El Pozo, a hill
flanking the Camino Real and about seven to eight miles from
Santiago.
On the morning of July 1, 1898, the army began its attack
on El Caney. The barrage was ineffectual and inspired return
fire from the Spanish. Several men were killed and many
others wounded, including a mild wound to Colonel Roosevelt.
General Shafter, who was also ill, issued orders through his
adjutant, Colonel McClernand for the army to get into
position to attack the San Juan Heights as planned without
waiting for El Caney to be captured. The force deployed as
directed and quickly came under fire from the Spanish forces
entrenched on the sloping hills overlooking them. The Rough
Riders positioned themselves near the San Juan River at the
foot of a hill that later became known as Kettle Hill because
of the blockhouse and sugar refining kettle found there. The
regiment and the other units it had moved to support quickly
faced severe enemy artillery fire causing many to panic.
Roosevelt walked up and down the line of Rough Riders to
ensure that they were taking cover and receiving as much
protection as possible. The Rough Riders were taking heavy
casualties as they waited for orders to engage the Spanish.
After many hours of waiting and taking heavy casualties,
Roosevelt finally received the order to advance on Kettle
Hill in support of the Regular Cavalry. The Rough Riders soon
reached the Ninth Cavalry. The Ninth's senior officers were
reluctant to advance so Roosevelt and the Rough Riders passed
them. Many junior officers and enlisted men of the Ninth then
followed Roosevelt and the Rough Riders up the hill.
Roosevelt was at the forefront of the charge up the hill and
through a barbed wire fence to the crest of the hill all
while under constant fire from the Spanish. After capturing
Kettle Hill, Roosevelt turned his attention to San Juan Hill
to the left. After viewing the approaching infantry under
heavy fire from San Juan Hill, Roosevelt began an assault on
San Juan Hill from Kettle Hill. Initially, Roosevelt's Rough
Riders did not hear the order, but later followed after some
further urging from Roosevelt. In the charge, Roosevelt
personally dispatched a Spaniard with a shot from his
revolver. The Regiment then dug in and prepared for the siege
of Santiago.
argument for presenting the medal of honor to theodore roosevelt based
on the first-hand accounts of his peers
I. The case of Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt warrants
reconsideration by the Secretary
Under the Department of Defense Manual of Military
Decorations and Awards, the case of Theodore Roosevelt
clearly fits under either section 3a or 3b of the regulations
regarding the medal of honor.
3a. The remaining bases for reconsideration are instances
in which a Service Secretary or the Secretary of Defense
determines that there is evidence of material
[[Page H4332]]
error or impropriety in the original processing of or
decision on a recommendation for award of the Medal of Honor.
3b. All other instances of reconsideration shall be limited
to those in which the formal recommendation was submitted
within statutory time limits, the recommendation was lost or
inadvertently not acted upon, and when these facts are
conclusively established by the respective Service Secretary
or other official delegated appropriate authority.
The situation regarding Roosevelt is unclear. It is clear
that the first application lacked specific details. Roosevelt
was then made to reapply in more detail. Several letters
previously cited attest to his acts on the field on July 1,
1898.
a. The Secretary of War's personal bias against Roosevelt
prevented Roosevelt from receiving the medal
It is clear that Roosevelt was not awarded the medal. Most
sources attribute the failure to award the medal to a
political rift between Roosevelt and Secretary of War Russell
Alger. The rift developed after Roosevelt and other officers
signed what has become know as the ``round robin letter.''
The letter was an effort to convince the President and
Secretary Alger to bring the soldiers in Cuba back to the
United States. Many soldiers were suffering from Yellow Fever
while in Cuba and it was felt by the command that they would
fare better in the United States and away from the conditions
that promote Yellow Fever in Cuba. Roosevelt's concern for
his men throughout the conflict should have only counted
toward his gallantry and his leadership. However, newspaper
reports from January of 1899 clearly indicate that even at
the time, many believed that the letter, which was considered
embarrassing to Alger, was to blame for Roosevelt's failure
to receive the medal. Roosevelt himself references such a
bias in a letter to General Corbin, the Adjutant General at
the time. A personal bias against Roosevelt would constitute
an impropriety under the rules for reconsideration.
Therefore, the Secretary has the authority to reconsider
Roosevelt on this basis.
b. A bias against the volunteer regiments may have
prevented Roosevelt and others from receiving the Medal
of Honor
A second suspected reason for not awarding the medal to
Roosevelt is an inherent bias against the volunteers in this
war. Only Captain Albert Mills, Assistant Adjutant General
U.S. Volunteers, received a Medal of Honor and it was not
given to him until well after most of the other that received
medals for their actions in the Spanish American War. Mills
received the award for distinguished gallantry and bravery
for encouraging those near him even though he had been
severely wounded. While there is no direct evidence of bias,
an inference may be drawn by the empirical data derived from
the document. If such an inference is drawn, this would
constitute an impropriety under the rules for
reconsideration. The Secretary would clearly have the
authority to reconsider Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor.
c. The lack of a report on Roosevelt's denial or other
documents relating to the denial constitutes ``material
error'' or ``an inadvertent loss or failure to act
upon'' warranting reconsideration by the Secretary
The inability to recover records of the actual
consideration of Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor warrants
reconsideration at this time. Many documents attesting to
Roosevelt's merit have been recovered. Diligent efforts on
the part of many, including the Congressional Liaison Office,
have failed to produce records of Roosevelt's consideration.
The absence of such records and any explanation other than
some bias against Roosevelt dictate that this case be
reviewed and reconsidered at this time. The interests of
justice have compelled nearly 160 members of Congress to
sponsor a bill specific to this case. The bill has been held
up due to the analysis by the awards branch that a formal
request for reconsideration is most appropriate prior to the
submission of a bill by the House of Representatives. The
interests of justice should also provide the impetus for an
official review by the Secretary. This request is in fact
submitted in an effort to comply with the reasonable request
of the Department.
II. Standard for awarding the Medal of Honor
``The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President in the
name of Congress to a person who, while a member of the Army,
distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and
beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an
enemy of the United States; while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force
. . .'' Furthermore, ``The deed performed must have been one
of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to
clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and
must have involved risk of life.''
It is self-evident and uncontestable that Theodore
Roosevelt was engaged in an action against an enemy of the
United States. Therefore, the remainder of this argument will
focus on the first hand evidence as preserved in the National
Archives, the conspicuous and gallant nature of the act, and
the risk to Roosevelt's life.
a. Then Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt's acts were
witnessed and attested to by many
Source material regarding this matter can be found in the
United States Archives. Copies of original materials are
attached to this document as exhibits for the convenience of
the Department. The required letters attesting to the deed
are also part of the exhibits. The number of letters exceed
the two required personal accounts.
Included among the exhibits are letters from Maxwell Keyes,
1st Lieutenant and Adjutant U.S. Volunteers (Exhibit 1),
Robert Howze, 1st Lieutenant, 6th U.S. Cavalry (Exhibit 2),
M.J. Jenkins, Major, 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry (Exhibit 3),
Trooper W.J. McCann, Troop B, 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry
(Exhibit 8), Captain C.J. Stevens, 2nd U.S. Cavalry (Exhibit
9), Colonel Leonard Wood, Major General Joseph Wheeler, and
Major General William Shafter, U.S. Volunteers (Exhibit 10),
Major General Leonard Wood, U.S. Volunteers (Exhibit 11) and
Colonel A.L. Mills, Brigade Adjutant General and later
Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West
Point (Exhibit 12).
These documents should provide an adequate basis for
awarding the Medal of Honor to Theodore Roosevelt. The
descriptions are detailed and come from both enlisted
personnel and the highest of officers. A close inspection
will reveal that they are both consistent with each other and
are based on first hand knowledge of Roosevelt's actions
b. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt's deeds were both gallant
and beyond the call of duty
Captain C.J. Stevens, then a 1st Lieutenant in the 9th
Cavalry, concisely describes Roosevelt's actions as he
witnessed them. ``I witnessed Colonel Roosevelt, 1st
Volunteer Cavalry, U.S.A., mounted, leading his regiment in
the charge on San Juan. By his gallantry and strong
personality he contributed most materially to the success of
the charge of the Cavalry Division up San Juan Hill. Colonel
Roosevelt was among the very first to reach the crest of the
hill and his dashing example, his absolute fearlessness and
gallant leading rendered his conduct conspicuous and clearly
distinguished above other men.'' His actions are further
elaborated on by then Colonel Leonard Wood, ``Colonel
Roosevelt, accompanied by only four or five men, led a very
desperate and extremely gallant charge on San Juan Hill,
thereby setting a splendid example to the troops and
encouraging them to pass over open country intervening
between their position and the trenches of the enemy.'' Wood
continues, ``the example set a most inspiring one to the
troops in that part of the line, and while it is perfectly
true, that everybody finally went up the hill in good style,
yet there is no doubt that the magnificent example set by
Colonel Roosevelt had a very encouraging effect and had great
weight in bringing up the troops behind him. During the
assault, Colonel Roosevelt was the first to reach the
trenches and killed one of the enemy with his own hand.''
Clearly, the act of gallantry in this case is founded upon
Roosevelt's leadership. What makes Roosevelt's actions so
deserving of consideration is the context in which they
occurred. The letter of Lawrence Keyes points out that on the
initial assault on Kettle Hill, Roosevelt and the Rough
Riders passed through a regular army regiment that appeared
to be awaiting orders. This action is confirmed by Major M.J.
Jenkins, ``Held in support, he brought his regiment, at
exactly the right time, not only up to the line of regulars,
but went through them and headed, on horseback, the charge on
Kettle Hill; this being done on his own initiative. The
Regulars as well as his own men following.'' It is clear that
many soldiers were in fact reluctant to make the charge
despite the fact that they were already under heavy fire and
taking casualties. Roosevelt's actions broke this hesitation
and quite possibly saved many lives. Though men died in the
assault, it appears that even more would have become
casualties if they simply remained where they were. Instead,
the advance led by Roosevelt removed the threat from Kettle
Hill and provided a second avenue of attack on San Juan Hill.
This served to relieve some pressure on those making the
direct assault on San Juan Hill.
A further indicator of the severity of the situation at the
position of the lines prior to the charge is implied by the
twenty Medals of Honor given to Infantrymen for ``assisting
in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and
under heavy fire.'' This is a testament to the danger of the
situation facing the soldiers while they hesitated in their
advance.
The gallantry and wisdom of Roosevelt's actions are further
illuminated when taken in historical context. Since the
charge was successful, one can only speculate as to what the
consequences of inaction would have been. One particular
historical example comes to mind and that is the Union
assault on the heights of Fredericksburg during the Civil
War. During that engagement, many Union Soldiers were killed
without ever reaching the Confederate lines at the crest of
the hill. While the magnitude of the force in the present
case is less, the situation is strongly analogous. It is fair
to assume that had Kettle Hill not been taken quickly, many
would have died from the continuing barrage from the high
ground. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that the
Spanish positions were close to being reinforced which could
only have heightened the carnage. This was prevented by
Roosevelt's quick action, leadership, and his gallant
example.
Roosevelt's deeds are best summarized by General Sumner,
``Col. Roosevelt by his example and fearlessness inspired his
men at
[[Page H4333]]
both Kettle Hill and the ridge known as San Juan, he led his
command in person.''
c. Roosevelt acted with a singular disregard for his own
welfare
Then Captain A.L. Mills was in a perfect position to
witness Roosevelt's actions during the battle. He writes,
``During this time, (the assault on Kettle Hill) while under
the enemies artillery fire at El Poso and while on the march
from El Poso by the San Juan ford to the point from which his
regiment moved to the assault--about two miles, the greater
part under fire--Colonel Roosevelt was conspicuous above any
others I observed in his regiment in the zealous performance
of duty, in total disregard of his personal danger and in his
eagerness to meet the enemy.'' Mills goes on to describe how
Roosevelt, despite being grazed by shrapnel, continued his
zealous leadership to the ultimate conclusion of the battle
with total disregard to his own safety.
Captain Howze's account only augments that of Mills.
``(T)he Colonel's life was placed in extreme jeopardy, owing
to the conspicuous position he took in leading the line, and
being the first to reach the crest of that hill, while under
heavy fire of the enemy at close range.''
Major Jenkins also recounts the danger involved and the
conspicuousness of Roosevelt's actions. ``He was so near the
entrenchments on the second hill that he shot and killed with
a revolver one of the enemy before they broke completely.''
Jenkins then adds, ``His unhesitating gallantry in taking the
initiative against men armed with rapid fire guns certainly
won him the highest consideration and admiration of all who
witnessed his conduct throughout the day.''
W.J. McCann's letter further indicates the gravity of the
risk to Roosevelt's own life. ``Regarding the Colonel's
action in the charge, I remember hearing his close friend,
Colonel (now General) Leonard Wood give him a good-natured
scolding on the next day for his disregard for his own
safety; and in this respect I am confirmed by at least one
newspaper correspondent who wrote in substance, as I
recollect it, `I expect to see Roosevelt fall in the next
battle if he takes the same chances.' ''
III. Roosevelt's action should be judged under the standards
used to evaluate other Spanish American war recipients
Today, there are many more awards given out for valor and
gallantry of different degrees. However, during the Spanish
American War, there were fewer decorations of honor and the
guidelines for their distribution were also different.
The bulk of the Medals of Honor awarded during the Spanish
American War were awarded for three acts. Some were awarded
for rescuing wounded soldiers in front of the line while
under fire during the battle of July 1st. Others were awarded
for the bravery and coolness during the action to cut the
cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba while under heavy fire.
The third broad area of recognition is for coolness and
bravery of action in maintaining naval combat efforts.
The lone standout is the award given to Albert L. Mills of
the U.S. Volunteers for distinguished gallantry in
encouraging those near him by his bravery and coolness after
being wounded. Mills himself recognizes Roosevelt's similar
merit in his letter to the Adjutant General recommending
Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor. ``In moving to the assault
of San Juan Hill, Colonel Roosevelt was most conspicuously
brave, gallant and indifferent to his own safety. He, in the
open, led his regiment; no officer could have set a more
striking example to his men or displayed greater intrepidity.
Historical perspective is a necessary factor in awarding
the Medal of Honor to Roosevelt. Much has changed since the
Spanish American War. The perfection and proliferation of
automatic weapons, the tank, air power, and numerous other
advances have led to different perceptions of risk and
threat. Strategy has also changed in many ways. However, even
in a more recent conflict, action similar to Roosevelt's in
significant ways was both necessary and meritorious.
Finnis McCleery was the Platoon Sergeant for Company A, 1st
Battalion, 6th Infantry in May of 1968 in the Quang Tin
Province of the Republic of Vietnam. His force was assigned
to assault well entrenched North Vietnamese ArmyRegulars on
Hill 352, 17 miles west of Tam Ky. McCleery led his men up
the hill and across an open area to close with the enemy when
his platoon and other friendly elements began taking heavy
fire. Realizing the damage that could be inflicted if they
halted their advance or waited, McCleery charged and captured
an enemy bunker, his men then followed and he began
assaulting the lateral bunkers threatening the other forces
charging the hill. Finally, after a bloody battle, McCleery
and the friendly force captured Hill 352.
McCleery faced machine gun fire, grenades, and rocket fire.
Roosevelt did not face modern machine gun fire, grenades, or
rockets. The Spanish did have artillery and Mauser rifles. On
the other hand, McCleery also had automatic weapons and
grenades as well as a well-armed platoon to back him up.
Roosevelt had a revolver. Stripped down to the bare
essentials and adjusted for technology, McCleery's charge was
in the true spirit of Theodore Roosevelt.
Both men, realizing the danger of holding a position on the
low ground under heavy fire, made a gallant charge and
singlehandedly inspired their men despite an extreme risk to
their own lives. The only thing that separates these two men
is the technology of the time. Both acted with extreme
bravery in the true spirit of United States Army. Both men
took action at great risk to their own lives. Both men
displayed gallantry above all else on the field. One man
received the Medal of Honor and the other has yet to. It is
time for Theodore Roosevelt to join Sergeant McCleery at the
top of that hill.
____________________