- SURNAME
Rae
- FORENAME
Robert Dempsey
- UNIT
507 Parachute Infantry Regiment (Service Company)
- RANK
Captain
- NUMBER
0-1288948
- AWARD
Distinguished Service Cross
- PLACE
Europe
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 11.09.1913 New York, New York, USA
father Robert Rae (1879-1961)
mother Fannie D. Rae (1876-1959)
postwar employed by SI Lime Corporation (retired 40 years service as Vice President)
1942 married Dorothy (nee Gammill) Rae (1918-2005)
daughters Robin, Janet & Nancy Lee Rae (1956-2023)
died 05.09.2003 Aged 89 Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Saint Lukes Episcopal Columbarium, Mountain Brook, Alabama, USA
CITATION:
Distinguished Service Cross : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Robert Dempsey Rae (ASN: 0-1288948), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Company C, 1st Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 9 June 1944, near Ste. Mere Eglise, France. Elements of a Division were ordered to establish a bridgehead across the Merderet River to relieve isolated groups of the Division which had been holding fast on the other side of the river. Attainment of this objective involved a frontal assault across the bridge and over the river against heavy enemy fire. One company started the attack and was pinned down by the full force of the enemy fire. In order to maintain the momentum a composite company under Captain Rae was ordered to pass through the unit that was pinned down. Captain Rae placed himself at the head of the company and led the assault directly into the concentrated rifle, machine gun, mortar and artillery fire of the enemy. He moved with such speed that he carried his men across the bridge, reorganized and pressed his initial advantage and overran the enemy positions. The courage and superior leadership displayed by Captain Rae exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
WEB LINKS:
• https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/22582FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190398444/robert-dempsey-rae
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