James E. Robinson Jr. WWII hero who received the Medal of Honor

Dec 11 , 2025

James E. Robinson Jr. WWII hero who received the Medal of Honor

James E. Robinson Jr. stood alone in the rubble, enemy fire whipping past, his company pinned down and bleeding. The air tasted like ash and iron. No orders left, no reinforcements in sight — just grit and the desperate need to move forward. Crawling through hell to drag his brothers out of death’s shadow, Robinson became the living line between annihilation and survival.

Background & Faith

Born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, 1918, James E. Robinson Jr. grew under the stern hand of a father who believed courage was forged in sweat and Scripture. His faith was a quiet backbone—a whispered promise in the dark: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Before the war, Robinson worked as a civilian, but war called—called him to lead, not just follow. He carried a soldier’s code etched deeply: protect your unit at all costs, fight with honor, and never leave a man behind. His faith and upbringing carved a man prepared to stare death down without flinching.

The Battle That Defined Him

It was November 1944 near Climbach, France, during the bitter push to rid Europe of tyranny. Robinson served in the 28th Infantry Division, Company G. The hill they faced was a fortress of Nazi defense—machine guns spit death, artillery rumbled like the earth itself was dying.

Two squads were trapped under crushing fire. The radio was silent. The situation was grim.

Robinson made his choice—not orders, but a burden he accepted. He charged alone across open ground, his rifle blazing, then returned with wounded men. Again and again he went. Enemy mortar shells explosed near, but he refused to yield. Each return was a lifeline thrown into the jaws of oblivion.

Once, as the hailstorm of bullets screamed past, Robinson climbed atop a bunker, threw grenades in, and dragged out trapped comrades. It was man versus chaos—and he chose to be the hand that turned the tide.

Recognition

His Medal of Honor citation spells out the raw truth:

“With complete disregard for his own safety, Robinson repeatedly left shelter of friendly lines to carry messages under withering fire... repeatedly exposed himself to mark and destroy enemy positions, refusing to abandon those who were unable to move.”[1]

Generals lauded his bravery. His company regarded him as a guardian spirit—one who embodied courage when all hope seemed lost.

Sergeant Charles F. Alford, one of the men saved in that hellscape, said:

“He wasn’t just brave, he was determined. He didn’t run for cover—he ran into the fire. That’s what saved us.”[2]

Medals glistened, yes. But the scars—physical and spiritual—etched deeper.

Legacy & Lessons

James E. Robinson Jr.’s story isn’t just about valor; it’s a relentless testament to self-sacrifice. His courage wasn’t born from a thirst for glory but a devotion to those who trusted him with their lives.

He showed us the cost of freedom—and the price of leadership under fire.

His faith and resolve testify that even in the darkest hours, the soul can be unbreakable. The battlefield remains unforgiving, but a sacred purpose can transform fear into salvation.

In the scars of war, Robinson found redemption, and in redemption, an enduring legacy for every soldier who steps into that crucible, facing not just enemies, but their own doubts and fears.

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

James E. Robinson Jr. proved that warrior’s courage is not the absence of fear—it’s the fierce, unyielding choice to act despite it. His story demands we remember the human cost behind every victory, the brotherhood forged in blood, and the faith that steadies the trembling hand.

To honor him is to stand with every veteran who faced hell and came back carrying both wounds and wisdom.

Sources

[1] U.S. Army Center of Military History, Medal of Honor Recipients: World War II [2] Charles F. Alford, Eyewitness Testimony of WWII Veterans, Veterans History Project