Claude in Armstrong County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Charles Howard Roan

(August 16, 1923 — September 18, 1944)

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 22, 2016

1. Charles Howard Roan Marker

Inscription. Claude native Charles H. Roan volunteered for World War II service in the U.S. Marine Corps in December 1942. On active duty in the Pacific, he was killed in battle on Peleliu Island when he threw himself on a Japanese grenade, thereby saving the lives of four fellow Marines. For his heroic action he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The medal was presented to his mother, Armstrong County Treasurer Lillabel Roan, in ceremonies here at the courthouse in July 1945. A U.S. Navy destroyer built in 1946 was christened the USS Charles H. Roan DD-853.

Erected 1994 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 818.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1945.

Location. 35° 6.575′ N, 101° 21.533′ W. Marker is in Claude, Texas, in Armstrong County. Marker is at the intersection of 1st Street (U.S. 287) and Trice Street, on the left when traveling west on 1st Street. Located at the Armstrong County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Trice Street, Claude TX 79019, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Great Panhandle Indian Scare of 1891 (here, next to this marker); Boy Scout Troop No. 17

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(here, next to this marker); Town of Claude (here, next to this marker); Route of Coronado Expedition (here, next to this marker); Dr. and Mrs. Wm. A. Warner (here, next to this marker); Armstrong County (a few steps from this marker); "The Claude News" (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Sheriffs (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Claude.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia article on Charles H. Roan. (Submitted on August 13, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
2. Wikipedia article about the USS Charles H. Roan (DD-853). (Submitted on August 13, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Marker located at the Armstrong County Courthouse - (marker on far right) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 22, 2016

2. Marker located at the Armstrong County Courthouse - (marker on far right)

Private First Class Charles Howard Roan USMCR image. Click for full size.

Public Domain.

3. Private First Class Charles Howard Roan USMCR

Portrait of the namesake of USS Charles H. Roan (DD-853), painted by an unidentified artist. It was originally displayed on board that ship.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 485 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 13, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.