But moments later Geissinger was killed by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade blast that marked the start of an ambush and a firefight.During the battle, seven of Geissingers fellow soldiers were killed and 28 others wounded.A total of 20 101st Airborne Division soldiers were killed that day, and 78 were wounded.His Medal of Honor citation summarizes what bravery followed.
![]() ![]() With complete disregard for his safety, he leaped to his feet and charged the bunker, firing as he ran. ![]() Sgt. Roberts picked up a (AK-47) rifle dropped by an enemy soldier and continued his assault, silencing the bunker. He continued his charge against a third bunker and destroyed it with well-thrown hand grenades. Although Sgt. Roberts was now cut off from his platoon, he continued his assault against a fourth enemy emplacement. He fought through a heavy hail of fire to join elements of the adjoining company, which had been pinned down by the enemy fire. Although continually exposed to hostile fire, he assisted in moving wounded personnel from exposed positions on the hilltop to an evacuation area before returning to his unit. Roberts contributed directly to saving the lives of his comrades and served as an inspiration to his fellow soldiers in the defeat of the enemy force. Eventually he received a direct commission and retired in 2012 as a colonel after 44 years of service. The highly decorated veteran also earned two Silver Medals, a Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Medals, five Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, a Presidential Unit Citation, a Combat Infantryman Badge and a Parachutist Badge. Specialist Four Peter Guenette earned his medal posthumously while serving as a machine gunner with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry on May 18, 1968. That action prevented the loss of the lives of at least three fellow soldiers.
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