Robert D. Booker

Carried a machine gun across open ground despite enemy fire.

Robert D. Booker was born to Dean and Mattie Booker, the third of seven children. He joined the Army at Fort Crook, Nebraska, on June 9, 1942. Following basic training, he joined the 133rd Infantry Regiment and went to North Africa.

He earned the Medal of Honor near Fondouk, Tunisia, on April 9, 1943. A private in Company B, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, he carried a light machine gun and ammunition across 200 yards of exposed ground.

Targeted by machine guns, mortars and artillery, Booker reached his objective and began firing. Despite a wound, he silenced one enemy gun. Mortally wounded while engaging another, he continued encouraging his squad and directing its fire.

Born in Callaway, Nebraska, on July 11, 1920, Booker died in the action and received the medal posthumously under General Orders No. 34 of April 25, 1944. He is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Callaway.

Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action. On 9 April 1943 in the vicinity of Fondouk, Tunisia, Pvt. Booker, while engaged in action against the enemy, carried a light machine gun and a box of ammunition over 200 yards of open ground. He continued to advance despite the fact that two enemy machine guns and several mortars were using him as an individual target. Although enemy artillery also began to register on him, upon reaching his objective he immediately commenced firing. After being wounded he silenced one enemy machine gun and was begining to fire at the other when he received a second mortal wound. With his last remaining strength he encouraged the members of his squad and directed their fire. Pvt. Booker acted without regard for his own safety. His initiative and courage against insurmountable odds are an example of the highest standard of self-sacrifice and fidelity to duty.