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Roy
Hobson
Simpson
POW (WWI)

Roy Simpson was erroneously reported as killed in action, with his awards being posthumously presented. In fact, he was captured by the Germans and held at Rastaat, Baden, Germany, until his release on December 6, 1918.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6 – July 10, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D. 1918), Private Roy Hobson Simpson (MCSN: 81727), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Private Simpson distinguished himself while serving with the 47th Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 12, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private Roy Hobson Simpson (MCSN: 81727), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 47th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action during the attack on the Bois-de-Belleau, France, 12 June 1918. Private Simpson carried a message from Battalion to Company headquarters directly across the face of enemy fire. Shot through the chest he continued running and called out, “I must deliver this message,” struggling forward for 50 feet more in his heroic effort to carry out his mission before falling dead.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 12, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 53 (1920)

    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 Private Roy Hobson Simpson (MCSN: 81727), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Forty-Seventh Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action during the attack on the Bois-de-Belleau, France, 12 June 1918. Private Simpson carried a message from Battalion to Company headquarters directly across the face of enemy fire. Shot through the chest he continued running and called out, “I must deliver this message,” struggling forward for 50 feet more in his heroic effort to carry out his mission before falling dead.