18SEPT1944: Having landed with the 7th Marines a few days prior, Pfc Charles Roan was fighting his way across the island of Peleliu. With his unit tasked to clear out any remaining Japanese soldiers from the southern portion of the island, Roan and his men got to work.
His squad moved quickly through the dangerous terrain and found themselves a little cut off from the rest of the company. As they began to withdraw back to friendly lines, they came under attack from multiple, dug-in enemy positions. Roan and his squad took whatever cover they could find while the enemy rained down fire from above and behind them. Early in the fight, Roan was injured by an enemy grenade but kept up the fight.
As the squad held on, Roan noticed another enemy grenade that landed amidst his men. Without hesitation, Pfc Charles Roan threw himself on the grenade, covering it with his body and absorbing the full blast. This selfless act would cost Roan his life but saved the lives of at least four of his fellow Marines. For his actions that day, Pfc Charles Roan would be awarded, posthumously, the Medal of Honor.
