- SURNAME
Atherton
- FORENAME
Roger Lee
- UNIT
508 Parachute Infantry Regiment (Company H)
- RANK
Corporal
- NUMBER
19147038
- AWARD
Silver Star
- PLACE
Europe
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KIA - see Roll of Honour
ROLL OF HONOUR:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/atherton-roger-l.21935/CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Roger L. Atherton (ASN: 19147038), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 22 September 1944 at ****, Holland. Corporal Atherton was an ATRL Section Leader, Company H, 3d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, supporting a night attack by Company H against the strongly defended town of ****, Holland, 22 September 1944. Two German machine guns firing in section defended the enemy MLR at our point and pinned the 3d Platoon to the ground. Corporal Atherton ordered his ATRL Section to move to positions not covered by these machine guns and direct their rockets into the German positions. While his section maneuvered into positions, Corporal Atherton approached the German guns and covered the movement of his section by diverting the fire of enemy riflemen securing the German position. The ATRL team succeeded in destroying both guns and caused a break in the German MLR. The company attack was permitted to penetrate the enemy defense and subsequently captured the town. Corporal Atherton was killed in this action. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/90208FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56296414/roger-lee-atherton
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