History

After His Brother Was Killed Ronald Rosser Re-enlisted For Revenge

Written by Ryan Prost

In the film Saving Private Ryan, General George c. Marshal learns that three of the four brothers from the Ryan family have been killed in action in WWII. With a sullen stare into the distance he knows the family will need to be notified of the loss.

One Medal of Honor recipient Ronald Eugene Rosser knew all bout loss. One of seventeen children, Rosser lost a brother to the Korean War. He re-enlisted in 1951 from Crooksville, Ohio for one purpose: revenge.

The Chines, Soviet, and North Korean forces stationed in North Korea had taken his brother from, and Rosser was determined to make them pay. The Korean War lasted from June 25, 1950 to July 27 1953. Rosser joined the heavy mortar company with the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.

Crew of an M-24 tank along the Naktong River front. On the ground is Pfc. Rudolph Dotts, Egg Harbor City, N.J. gunner (center); Pvt. Maynard Linaweaver, Lundsburg, Kansas, cannoner; and on top is Pfc. Hugh Goodwin, Decature, Miss., tank commander. All are members of the 24th Reconnaissance, 24th Division. NARA FILE#: 111-C-6061

Medal Of Honor

Ronald Rosser was awarded the Medal of Honor in person by U.S. President Harry S. Truman on June 27, 1952.

Cpl. Rosser, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty. While assaulting heavily fortified enemy hill positions, Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, was stopped by fierce automatic-weapons, small-arms, artillery, and mortar fire. Cpl. Rosser, a forward observer, was with the lead platoon of Company L when it came under fire from 2 directions. Cpl. Rosser turned his radio over to his assistant and, disregarding the enemy fire, charged the enemy positions armed with only carbine and a grenade. At the first bunker, he silenced its occupants with a burst from his weapon. Gaining the top of the hill, he killed 2 enemy soldiers, and then went down the trench, killing 5 more as he advanced. He then hurled his grenade into a bunker and shot 2 other soldiers as they emerged. Having exhausted his ammunition, he returned through the enemy fire to obtain more ammunition and grenades and charged the hill once more. Calling on others to follow him, he assaulted 2 more enemy bunkers. Although those who attempted to join him became casualties, Cpl. Rosser once again exhausted his ammunition, obtained a new supply, and returning to the hilltop a third time hurled grenades into the enemy positions. During this heroic action Cpl. Rosser single-handedly killed at least 13 of the enemy. After exhausting his ammunition he accompanied the withdrawing platoon, and though himself wounded, made several trips across open terrain still under enemy fire to help remove other men injured more seriously than himself. This outstanding soldier’s courageous and selfless devotion to duty is worthy of emulation by all men. He has contributed magnificently to the high traditions of the military service.

Ronald Rosser died on August 26, 2020 in Tennessee.

References

Source 1

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About the author

Ryan Prost

Ryan is a freelance writer and history buff. He loves classical and military history and has read more historical fiction and monographs than is probably healthy for anyone.

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