Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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World War II - U.S. Army

Robert Sheldon Scott

Details
  • Rank: Captain (rank at time of action: 2d Lieutenant)
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    1st Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 172d Infantry,
    43d Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: July 29, 1943
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Munda Air Strip, New Georgia, Solomon Islands
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty near Munda Airstrip, New Georgia, Solomon Islands on 29 July 1943. After 27 days of bitter fighting, the enemy held a hilltop salient which commanded the approach to Munda Airstrip. Our troops were exhausted from prolonged battle and heavy casualties, but Lt. Scott advanced with the leading platoon of his company to attack the enemy position, urging his men forward in the face of enemy rifle and enemy machine-gun fire. He had pushed forward alone to a point midway across the barren hilltop within 75 yards of the enemy when the enemy launched a desperate counterattack, which if successful would have gained undisputed possession of the hill. Enemy riflemen charged out on the plateau, firing and throwing grenades as they moved to engage our troops. The company withdrew, but Lt. Scott, with only a blasted tree stump for cover, stood his ground against the wild enemy assault. By firing his carbine and throwing the grenades in his possession he momentarily stopped the enemy advance, using the brief respite to obtain more grenades. Disregarding small-arms fire and exploding grenades aimed at him, suffering a bullet wound in the left hand and a painful shrapnel wound in the head after his carbine had been shot from his hand, he threw grenade after grenade with devastating accuracy until the beaten enemy withdrew. Our troops, inspired to renewed effort by Lt. Scott's intrepid stand and incomparable courage, swept across the plateau to capture the hill, and from this strategic position four days later captured Munda Airstrip.

Medal of Honor Recipient Robert S. Scott
Medal of Honor Recipient Robert S. Scott
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: October 14, 1944

    Aitape, New Guinea, presented by Maj. Gen. Leonard F. (Red) Wing

  • Born: November 30, 1913, Washington, DC, United States
  • Died: February 25, 1999, Santa Fe, NM, United States
  • Buried: Santa Fe National Cemetery (MH) (9-460), Santa Fe, NM, United States
 

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