Unit/Command: Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division
Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Action Date: May 16, 1968
Medal of Honor Action Place: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Roark distinguished himself by extraordinary gallantry while serving with Company C. Sgt. Roark was the point squad leader of a small force which had the mission of rescuing 11 men in a hilltop observation post under heavy attack by a company-size force, approximately 1,000 meters from the battalion perimeter. As lead elements of the relief force reached the besieged observation post, intense automatic-weapons fire from enemy-occupied bunkers halted their movement. Without hesitation, Sgt. Roark maneuvered his squad, repeatedly exposing himself to withering enemy fire to hurl grenades and direct the fire of his squad to gain fire superiority and cover the withdrawal of the outpost and evacuation of its casualties. Frustrated in their effort to overrun the position, the enemy swept the hilltop with small arms and volleys of grenades. Seeing a grenade land in the midst of his men, Sgt. Roark, with complete disregard for his safety, hurled himself upon the grenade, absorbing its blast with his body. Sgt. Roark's magnificent leadership and dauntless courage saved the lives of many of his comrades and were the inspiration for the successful relief of the outpost. His actions which culminated in the supreme sacrifice of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on himself and the U.S. Army.
Medal of Honor Recipient Anund C. Roark
Additional Details
Accredited to: Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California
Awarded Posthumously: Yes
Presentation Date & Details: April 7, 1970 The White House, presented by Pres. Richard M. Nixon to his family
Born: February 17, 1948, Vallejo, Solano County, CA, United States
Died: May 16, 1968, Republic of Vietnam
Buried: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (MH) (0-1855), San Diego, CA, United States