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Photo #  NH 106451:  First Lieutenant Carlton R. Rouh, USMCR

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Captain Carlton R. Rouh, USMCR, (1919-1977)

Carlton Robert Rouh was born on 11 May 1919 in Lindenwold, New Jersey. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps from that state in January 1942 and departed for combat duty in the Pacific war zone. During his time in the region, he participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal, earning the Silver Star and receiving a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant. Rouh later participated in battle during the New Britain Campaign and was promoted to First Lieutenant.

On 15 September 1944, Rouh served with the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division against the Japanese on Peleliu Island, Palau Group. Wounded while on a reconnaissance mission, he was taken to a less exposed area by his comrades and was receiving first when an enemy grenade landed in their midst. Immediately, Rouh placed himself in the explosion area, saving the lives of his fellow men. Surviving the blast, he was evacuated from the island. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" on this occasion, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. He was later retired from active duty and was promoted to Captain in the reserves. Carlton R. Rouh died on 8 December 1977 and is buried at Berlin Cemetery, Berlin, New Jersey.

This page features the only image we have concerning Carlton R. Rouh.


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Photo #: NH 106451

First Lieutenant Carlton R. Rouh, USMCR


Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 253.
Carlton R. Rouh was awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" while serving with the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division against the Japanese on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 15 September 1944.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

Online Image: 61KB; 580 x 765 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citation of First Lieutenant Carlton R. Rouh, USMCR (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 253):

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 15 September 1944. Before permitting his men to use an enemy dugout as a position for an 81-mm. mortar observation post, First Lieutenant Rouh made a personal reconnaissance of the pillbox and, upon entering, was severely wounded by Japanese rifle fire from within. Emerging from the dugout, he was immediately assisted by two Marines to a less exposed area but, while receiving first aid, was further endangered by an enemy grenade which was thrown into their midst. Quick to act in spite of his weakened condition, he lurched to a crouching position and thrust both men aside, placing his own body between them and the grenade and taking the full blast of the explosion himself. His exceptional spirit of loyalty and self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death reflects the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Rouh and the United States Naval Service."


NOTES:

  • To the best of our knowledge, the pictures referenced here are all in the Public Domain, and can therefore be freely downloaded and used for any purpose.

  • Some images linked from this page may bear obsolete credit lines citing the organization name: "Naval Historical Center". Effective 1 December 2008 the name should be cited as: "Naval History and Heritage Command".


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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    Page made 11 March 2009