Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Regiment:

    145th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 9, 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 838 (1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Raymond H. Rooke (ASN: 36131162), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Squad Leader with an Infantry Company of the 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 9 March 1944. On that date, while leading his squad, the Japanese rolled hand grenades down Hill 700 and swept the entire front line with knee mortars and machine gun fire. Nevertheless, Staff Sergeant Rooke led his squad up the steep, rocky slope toward the sources of the enemy fire. He was twice wounded while making the ascent, but he stumbled forward to within ten yards of a Japanese pillbox. He poured a full clip of ammunition from his Tommy Gun into the enemy fortification. Although nearly exhausted, he made a last supreme effort and from a standing position delivered a second full clip into the pillbox. His action drew the full attention of the enemy in nearby positions and he was fatally wounded. Sergeant Rooke had annihilated one of the enemy pillboxes and weakened the hill fortification for a climactic assault in when the Japanese forces were defeated. Staff Sergeant Rooke’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.