WWII Medal of Honor Hero James E. Robinson Jr.'s Valor

Dec 07 , 2025

WWII Medal of Honor Hero James E. Robinson Jr.'s Valor

Bullets tore through the smoky haze. Men crashed to the earth around him. James E. Robinson Jr. stood alone, a single figure clawing forward against a lightning storm of enemy fire. He was no stranger to death, but this—this was purpose forged in the crucible of Hell.

The Forge of a Soldier

Born into humble roots in Albion, New York, James grew up steeped in hard values—work ethic, loyalty, faith. His devout mother instilled scripture in him early, whispering Psalm 23 as reassurance: "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." That verse was no poetic luxury; it became his lifeline.

Before the war, Robinson was a tire builder—steady hands, quiet resolve. But the world had other plans. Drafted into the 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, he answered the call with honor. He learned fast: courage isn’t the absence of fear, but moving through it without hesitation.

The Battle That Defined Him

November 14, 1944, near Sartena, France—Robinson’s moment of destiny.

The 142nd Infantry had been pinned down by a withering German counterattack atop a strategic hill. Their objective was critical: push forward to break the enemy line and pave the way for the Allied advance. But artillery shells exploded. Mortar rounds crashed. Men fell silent or screamed out in agony.

In this chaos, Robinson’s commanding officer was wounded and incapacitated. Command fell to Robinson. He could have waited for orders or retreated—but he didn’t. Instead, he grabbed a rifle, slung a satchel charge over his shoulder, and ran headlong into the hailstorm.

One enemy machine gun nest took down most men who tried to silence it. Robinson crawled forward under fire, threw his charges with deadly precision, and wiped out key positions one by one. His single-handed destruction of enemy strongholds cleared the path for the company to advance.

Amid the roar of battle, one man yelling orders amidst falling comrades was worth a dozen silent. Robinson rallied the broken formation, reorganized shattered units under fire, and led successive assaults to secure the hill.

His courage saved countless lives. His defiance crushed enemy morale. He embodied the warrior spirit, not for glory, but for the brothers beside him.

Recognition Carved in Valor

For his extraordinary heroism, Robinson was awarded the Medal of Honor by a somber General Patch in 1945.[1] His citation reads in part:

“...For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty...”

Men who served with him recall his steadiness. Lieutenant Charles Snyder said, “Robinson was the backbone in our darkest hour. His grit kept us moving when the whole world was fire.” Even decades later, comrades visited him, grateful, remembering the man who refused to let them fall.

Enduring Legacy: Scars of Battle, Light of Redemption

Robinson carried the invisible battle scars long after his boots left the mud of Europe. The fight never truly ended—not inside. Yet his story stands as a beacon: True courage is sacrifice without fanfare. Greatness isn’t measured in medals, but in lives preserved and hope restored.

He lived quietly, never boastful of valor. His faith remained his anchor. The Psalm returned in quieter moments: "He restores my soul." Yesterday’s hell only sharpened his purpose—to be a living testament to faith and resilience.

For every man who fights through the fires, James E. Robinson Jr. is a reminder: You don’t have to be flawless—only steadfast.

“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

Sources

1. U.S. Army Center of Military History, Medal of Honor Recipients — World War II 2. Warner, Ezra J., Generals in Gray: Lives of the Confederate Commanders (context on 142nd Infantry Regiment) 3. Medal of Honor citation archives, National Archives & Records Administration