Medal of Honor Recipient

The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the

Medal of Honor

to

Robert E. Simanek

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company F, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 17 August 1952. Entered service at: Detroit, Mich. Born: 26 April 1930, Detroit, Mich.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company F, in action against enemy aggressor forces. While accompanying a patrol en route to occupy a combat outpost forward of friendly lines, Pfc. Simanek exhibited a high degree of courage and a resolute spirit of self-sacrifice in protecting the lives of his fellow marines. With his unit ambushed by an intense concentration of enemy mortar and small-arms fire, and suffering heavy casualties, he was forced to seek cover with the remaining members of the patrol in a nearby trench line. Determined to save his comrades when a hostile grenade was hurled into their midst, he unhesitatingly threw himself on the deadly missile absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his body and shielding his fellow marines from serious injury or death. Gravely wounded as a result of his heroic action, Pfc. Simanek, by his daring initiative and great personal valor in the face of almost certain death, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Mr. Simanek we are all very much grateful for putting your life at risk for others. This is one act not many can't do. Yet you where able to throw yourself at that grenade that almost killed you and your comrades. Thank you for showing us that when everything is about to go wrong their will be that one person that can save our lives. That day you launched yourself to protect them was the day you became their hero. With out men like yourself who acted quickly, our country wouldn't t be able to be called the United States of America.