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

Charles H. Roan

Marine Private First Class

— (Aug. 16, 1923 - Sept. 18, 1944) —

Marine Pvt First Class Charles H. Roan Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, June 10, 2005

1. Marine Pvt First Class Charles H. Roan Marker

Inscription. Winner, Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism during the Allied Forces’ invasion of Peleliu in the western Pacific in World War II. On July 21, 1945, he was decorated posthumously by presentation of his medal to his mother, Armstrong County Treasurer, Mrs. Lillabel Roan, in Claude. A navy destroyer in 1946 was christened with his name. Private Roan’s grave is in the Marine Cemetery, Peleliu Island.

Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 817.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1845.

Location. 35° 7.968′ N, 101° 22.824′ W. Marker is in Claude, Texas, in Armstrong County. Marker can be reached from County Route 14, one mile north of U.S. 287, on the right when traveling north. Located in Claude Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Claude TX 79019, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Claude Cemetery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Claude Monroe Ayers (about 600 feet away); Armstrong County Jail (approx. 1.9 miles away); Early Sheriffs (approx. 1.9

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miles away); "The Claude News" (approx. 2 miles away); First Baptist Church of Claude (approx. 2 miles away); Charles Howard Roan (approx. 2 miles away); The Great Panhandle Indian Scare of 1891 (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Claude.

Regarding Charles H. Roan. His name is on the "Wall of the Missing" ABMC Cemetery, Manila, Philippine Islands.

MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 16 August 1923, Claude, Tex. Accredited to. Texas. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 18 September 1944. Shortly after his leader ordered a withdrawal upon discovering that the squad was partly cut off from their company as a result of the rapid advance along an exposed ridge during an aggressive attack on the strongly entrenched enemy, Pfc. Roan and his companions were suddenly engaged in a furious exchange of handgrenades by Japanese forces emplaced

Photographed By Don Morfe, June 10, 2005

2. Marine Pvt First Class Charles H. Roan Marker

in a cave on higher ground and to the rear of the squad. Seeking protection with 4 other marines in a depression in the rocky, broken terrain, Pfc. Roan was wounded by an enemy grenade which fell close to their position and, immediately realizing the eminent peril to his comrades when another grenade landed in the midst of the group, unhesitatingly flung himself upon it, covering it with his body and absorbing the full impact of the explosion. By his prompt action and selfless conduct in the face of almost certain death, he saved the lives of 4 men. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.

Photographed By Don Morfe, June 10, 2005

3. Marine Pvt First Class Charles H. Roan Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 26, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,041 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 26, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.