US People-Rouh, Carlton R, Captain, USMCR.

PEOPLE--UNITED STATES

Captain Carlton R. Rouh, USMCR, (1919-1977)

Carlton Robert Rouh was born on 11 May 1919 in Lindenwold, New Jersey. He enlisted from that same state in the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1942. Following Basic Training, he departed for combat duty in the Pacific, where he participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal, earning the Silver Star while also receiving a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant. Rouh later participated in New Britain Campaign, which was followed by a promotion to First Lieutenant.

On 15 September 1944, Rouh served with the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division against the Japanese enemy on Peleliu Island, Palau Group. During battle, he was severely wounded on a reconnaissance mission and was taken to a less exposed area by his comrades. Receiving first aid, an enemy grenade was thrown in their midst. Realizing the peril of the situation, Rouh covered the missile with his body and absorbed the blast, saving the lives of his comrades. Surviving the blast, he was evacuated. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" on this occasion, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. He was later retired from active duty and was promoted to Captain in the reserves. Carlton R. Rouh died on 8 December 1977 and is buried at Berlin Cemetery, Berlin, New Jersey.

This page features the only image we have concerning Carlton R. Rouh.

Photo #: NH 106451

First Lieutenant Carlton R. Rouh, USMCR

Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 253.
Carlton R. Rouh was awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" while serving with the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division against the Japanese on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 15 September 1944.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph

Online Image: 61KB; 580 x 765 pixels

Medal of Honor citation of First Lieutenant Carlton R. Rouh, USMCR (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 253):

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 15 September 1944. Before permitting his men to use an enemy dugout as a position for an 81-mm. mortar observation post, First Lieutenant Rouh made a personal reconnaissance of the pillbox and, upon entering, was severely wounded by Japanese rifle fire from within. Emerging from the dugout, he was immediately assisted by two Marines to a less exposed area but, while receiving first aid, was further endangered by an enemy grenade which was thrown into their midst. Quick to act in spite of his weakened condition, he lurched to a crouching position and thrust both men aside, placing his own body between them and the grenade and taking the full blast of the explosion himself. His exceptional spirit of loyalty and self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death reflects the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Rouh and the United States Naval Service."

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