Robert Lester Blackwell

Volunteering to seek help for a surrounded platoon

Robert Lester Blackwell earned the Medal of Honor near Saint-Souplet, France, on October 11, 1918. A private in Company K, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division, he volunteered to carry a request for reinforcements when his platoon was almost surrounded.

Blackwell knew the danger of crossing the battlefield. He was killed while attempting to get through heavy shelling and machine-gun fire. His medal recognizes that deliberate decision to risk his life for his unit.

Born in Person County, North Carolina, on October 4, 1895, Blackwell received the award posthumously. He is buried at Somme American Cemetery in Bony, France. His medal is held by the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh.

Medal of Honor citation

When his platoon was almost surrounded by the enemy and his platoon commander asked for volunteers to carry a message calling for reinforcements, Pvt. Blackwell volunteered for this mission, well knowing the extreme danger connected with it. In attempting to get through the heavy shell and machine-gun fire this gallant soldier was killed.