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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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World War II - U.S. Army

Robert Burton Nett

Details
  • Rank: Captain (rank at time of action: First Lieutenant)
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    Company E, 2d Battalion, 305th Infantry,
    77th Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: December 14, 1944
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Cognon, Leyte, Philippine Islands
Citation

He commanded Company E in an attack against a reinforced enemy battalion which had held up the American advance for two days from its entrenched positions around a three-story concrete building. With another infantry company and armored vehicles, Company E advanced against heavy machine-gun and other automatic-weapon fire with Lt. Nett spearheading the assault against the strongpoint. During the fierce hand-to-hand encounter which ensued, he killed seven deeply entrenched Japanese with his rifle and bayonet and, although seriously wounded, gallantly continued to lead his men forward, refusing to relinquish his command. Again he was severely wounded, but, still unwilling to retire, pressed ahead with his troops to assure the capture of the objective. Wounded once more in the final assault, he calmly made all arrangements for the resumption of the advance, turned over his command to another officer, and then walked unaided to the rear for medical treatment. By his remarkable courage in continuing forward through sheer determination despite successive wounds, Lt. Nett provided an inspiring example for his men and was instrumental in the capture of a vital strongpoint.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: New Haven, New Haven County, Connecticut
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: February 8, 1946

    New Haven, Connecticut, presented by Lt. Gen. Oscar W. Griswold

  • Born: June 13, 1922, New Haven, New Haven County, CT, United States
  • Died: October 19, 2008, Columbus, GA, United States
  • Buried: Fort Benning Post Cemetery, Fort Benning, GA, United States
  • Location of Medal: National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, Fort Benning, GA
 
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