Medal of Honor Recipient Ronald E. Rosser Interview

In the bitter cold of January 1952, then-Army Corporal Ronald E. Rosser of Roseville, Ohio, earned the nation's highest award while serving as a forward observer for L Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, during the Korean War.

Rosser single-handedly charged enemy bunkers with only an M-2 carbine and some hand grenades, killing at least 13 Chinese defenders while under fire near Ponggilli, Korea. During his unit's withdrawal from the hotly contested objective, Rosser also helped move casualties to the rear despite being wounded by grenade fragments. Rosser, who retired from the Army with the rank of Sergeant First Class, will be sharing his story and experiences in a special Medal of Honor series interview, with host Ed Tracy.

His Citation Reads:
CPL Rosser, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty. While assaulting heavily fortified enemy hill positions, Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, was stopped by fierce automatic-weapons, small-arms, artillery, and mortar fire. CPL Rosser, a forward observer was with the lead platoon of Company L, when it came under fire from two directions. CPL Rosser turned his radio over to his assistant and, disregarding the enemy fire, charged the enemy positions armed with only carbine and a grenade. At the first bunker, he silenced its occupants with a burst from his weapon. Gaining the top of the hill, he killed two enemy soldiers, and then went down the trench, killing five more as he advanced. He then hurled his grenade into a bunker and shot two other soldiers as they emerged. Having exhausted his ammunition, he returned through the enemy fire to obtain more ammunition and grenades and charged the hill once more. Calling on others to follow him, he assaulted two more enemy bunkers. Although those who attempted to join him became casualties, CPL Rosser once again exhausted his ammunition obtained a new supply, and returning to the hilltop a third time hurled grenades into the enemy positions. During this heroic action CPL Rosser single-handedly killed at least 13 of the enemy. After exhausting his ammunition he accompanied the withdrawing platoon, and though himself wounded, made several trips across open terrain still under enemy fire to help remove other men injured more seriously than himself.This outstanding soldier's courageous and selfless devotion to duty is worthy of emulation by all men. He has contributed magnificently to the high traditions of the military service.