TFH 5/16: Sergeant Anund C. Roark, USA

Anund Charles Roark was born in Vallejo, California on February 14, 1948. He joined the United States Army (date and whether he was drafted or volunteered unclear) and in May 1968 was serving in Vietnam with the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment as part of the 4th Infantry Division.

The 4th Infantry Division's motto is: Steadfast and Loyal. The 12th Infantry's motto is: Ducti Amore Patriae - Led By Love of Country. On this day in 1968, this 20-year old great American soldier more than satisfied both mottos when, while leading a squad to rescue an 11-man companion unit besieged by an enemy attacking force and outnumbered about 10-to-1, he selflessly sacrificed his own body to insure that his troops would reach their objective. He posthumously received our Nation's highest honor.


From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War (M-Z):


*ROARK, ANUND C.


Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Place and date: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 16 May 1968. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 17 February 1948, Vallejo, Calif. 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.

Sergeant Anund C. Roark appears on Panel 61E, Line 18 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and he rests in peace at Fort Rosencrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.

1st Battalion, 12th Infantry continues to serve as part of the 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team and is based at Fort Carson, Colorado.