MTSU Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center

Roll of Honor

Smith, Roger E.

Branch of Service: Marines
Era: WWII
Location of Burial: Evergreen Cemetery
Town of Burial: Murfreesboro, TN

Private Roger E. Smith (Class of 1942) was a former student body president, and football standout who became MTSU’s highest decorated Navy/Marine Corps fallen Veteran. He took time to write the Sidelines frequently to provide first-hand accounts of the war to fellow classmates back home. He served with the legendary Marine Raider Battalions and the 4th Marines. He assaulted Guam with the 1st Division, 4th Marines. There, as a mortar platoon leader on July 21, 1944, Smith came to the rescue of a wounded rifleman lying next to a hostile enemy pillbox. Advancing toward this position, Smith was mortally wounded, but managed to silence the enemy guns.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Roger E. Smith (MCSN: 0-18548), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Mortar Platoon Leader in Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Guam in the Marianas Islands on 21 July 1944. Moving his mortar platoon up from the beach in the rear of advancing riflemen, First Lieutenant Smith observed a wounded rifleman lying close to a hostile pillbox and, halting his men, fearlessly advanced to the aid of the Marine under a continuous barrage from the Japanese emplacement. Engaging the enemy with rifle fire and hand grenades, he held his position despite the fierce opposition and attempted to neutralize the pillbox with a flame-thrower but, failing in this, continued to move up on the enemy while firing his rifle and, although mortally wounded during the bitter hostilities, succeeded in silencing the hostile gun-battery. By his determined initiative, valiant fighting spirit and resolute fortitude in the face of terrific odds, First Lieutenant Smith contributed materially to the ultimate success of our forces in recapturing this vital stronghold, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.