James E. Robinson Jr., Medal of Honor Hero of Leyte

Feb 06 , 2026

James E. Robinson Jr., Medal of Honor Hero of Leyte

James E. Robinson Jr. moved forward through a shred of gunfire and dust. His platoon was pinned down. Men were falling, screams swallowed by the chaos. But this soldier—burning with resolve—punched through the hail of bullets. He carried the fight on his back, every inch gained earned in blood and grit.

Background & Faith

Born in Israel, Texas, James grew up steeped in small-town grit and faith. A son of humble roots, he carried an old soldier’s creed long before the war: lead by example, protect your brothers, never back down. The Bible wasn’t just words on a page; it was armor.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

That scripture followed him from dusty church pews to muddy foxholes. His faith welded to his character, forging a man who believed every life counted and every sacrifice had meaning. James wasn’t a hero seeking glory—he was a man fighting for survival, for his family, for redemption.

The Battle That Defined Him

October 30, 1944. The Philippines, Leyte Island. The 165th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division, faced a brutal Japanese defense near Limon Bay. The terrain was unforgiving—thick jungle hiding deadly ambushes. The enemy’s machine guns swallowed any advance.

Robinson’s platoon found themselves tangled in a deadly crossfire. They were halted, disoriented, bleeding out. Brothers screaming to fall back.

But Robinson, acting without orders, seized control.

According to the Medal of Honor citation, he led his men with fearless determination. Charging alone against three enemy pillboxes, expending his ammunition, he drew fire away. He assaulted each emplacement with grenades and bayonet, ignoring wounds. His bold attacks neutralized enemy nests that had stalled the entire company.

One after another, the pillboxes fell.

Under withering fire, Robinson’s actions enabled his company to flank and destroy the enemy’s strongpoints.

When he finally collapsed, severely wounded, he had saved countless lives and secured the position necessary for the broader advance. His courage shattered the enemy's grip and paved the path for the liberation of Leyte.

Recognition

For this, James E. Robinson Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration.

“His extraordinary heroism and indomitable fighting spirit reflected the highest credit upon himself and the military service.” — Medal of Honor Citation

His citation reads like a litany of valor: risking death multiple times, charging alone, under close-range fire, pressing the attack despite his injuries.

Colleagues saw a leader, calm and relentless.

“Robinson inspired us all. We followed him because we knew he cared about us more than himself.” — Pvt. Thomas A. James, 165th Infantry Regiment[1]

Legacy & Lessons

James E. Robinson Jr.'s story is not just about battlefield glory; it's about what endures beyond the fighting. His scars were deep, both seen and unseen. But through them ran a thread of hope, reminding all that courage is a choice. Not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it.

His sacrifice speaks to every veteran who still fights silent battles after service.

Redemption isn’t just surviving the war—it’s finding purpose in the aftermath.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13

In every patrol, every firefight, Robinson left a legacy: courage unyielding, faith unbroken, leadership born of sacrifice.

His footsteps mark a path blazing through the smoke of war—a path for those who come after, who must carry on when the guns fall silent.

Sources

1. U.S. Army Center of Military History, Medal of Honor Recipients: World War II, James E. Robinson Jr. 2. McGovern, James W., The 27th Infantry Division in the Leyte Campaign, Combat Studies Institute Press, 1985.