Robert G. Cole

He led a bayonet charge through smoke to break an enemy line

Robert George Cole was born at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, on 19 March 1915. He entered military service in 1934, graduated from West Point in 1939 and became an airborne officer. By 1944 he commanded the 3rd Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

After landing in Normandy on D-Day, Cole led his battalion toward Carentan along a narrow causeway exposed to German fire. On 11 June 1944, with the men pinned down and losses mounting, he ordered smoke and led a bayonet charge against the enemy position. The attack broke the immediate resistance and helped open the route toward the town. His leadership earned a recommendation for the Medal of Honor.

Cole survived Normandy and took part in Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands. On 18 September 1944 he was killed near Best before receiving the decoration. His Medal of Honor was presented posthumously to his family. He is buried in the Netherlands American Cemetery at Margraten. His death ended a professional Army career at twenty-nine.

Medal of Honor citation

For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty on 11 June 1944, in France. Lt. Col. Cole was personally leading his battalion in forcing the last four bridges on the road to Carentan when his entire unit was suddenly pinned down to the ground by intense and withering enemy rifle, machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire placed upon them from well-prepared and heavily fortified positions within 150 yards of the foremost elements. After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had for over one hour prevented any move and inflicted numerous casualties, Lt. Col. Cole, observing this almost hopeless situation, courageously issued orders to assault the enemy positions with fixed bayonets. With utter disregard for his own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, he rose to his feet in front of his battalion and with drawn pistol shouted to his men to follow him in the assault. Catching up a fallen man’s rifle and bayonet, he charged on and led the remnants of his battalion across the bullet-swept open ground and into the enemy position. His heroic and valiant action in so inspiring his men resulted in the complete establishment of our bridgehead across the Douve River. The cool fearlessness, personal bravery, and outstanding leadership displayed by Lt. Col. Cole reflect great credit upon himself and are worthy of the highest praise in the military service.