Theodore Roosevelt: Medal of Honor

Facing the Memorial in the Central Mall, is the Chapel a circular edifice surrounded by a colonnade. This too is built of Vaurion limestone with steps of granite from Ploumanach. The fresco above the door carries a copy of the Medal of Honour of the American Congress: the highest and most rare of distinctions awarded for actions of exceptional fame. Within, the altar black and gold, of marble from the Pyrenees, is surrounded by American, French, British and Canadian flags. On the stained-glass window is fixed a fine Latin Cross of teak above a Star of David set within a sun and carrying at its centre a dove, around the whole area 48 stars representing the United States of America.

The Central Mall Chapel

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The ceiling mosaic, the work of Leon Kroll of New York, symbolises America blessing her sons before they depart by sea and by air, whilst France places a crown of laurels on those who gave their lives for the liberation of Europe. The return of peace is portrayed by an Angel, a Dove and a Ship coming to land. At the west end of the Central Mall, two statues in Italian granite bearing the Eagle and the Cockerel, depict the United States and France. They are sculptures by Donald de Lue. From whatever part of the Central mall, the crosses, in squares of ten are impressive, by their faultless alignment and by their dazzling whiteness on the green carpet of lawn. 9.386 American soldiers lie beneath it, four of which are women. 307 of them have never been identified and the inscription reads: "Known but to God". A father and his son lie side by side and in 33 cases two Brothers are buried next to each other. They are from every State in the Union and from the District of Columbia with the exception of a few from England, Scotland or Canada. The great majority lost their lives at the time of the Landings or in the liberation of the North Cotentin. Among them are three American Congress Medalists of Honor, one of which is General Theodore Roosevelt, nephew of the President of the United States buried beside his brother Quentin.

The Grave of Theodore Roosevelt, Theodore's Grave lettering is in Gold due to him winning the MOH.

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Roosevelt Brothers

The story of the Roosevelt brothers, nephews of Theodore, President of the United States is marked by a striking co-incidence.
Both died on July but in two different wars. Quentin's plane, he was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Air-force was shot down in the Aisne on 14th July 1918He is the only soldier of the 1st World War to be buried in Colleville Cemetery. He was 23.

The Graves of Brothers Theodore and Quentin Roosevelt, Theodore's Grave lettering is in Gold due to him winning the MOH.







General Theodore died of a heart attack at the age of 57 on 12th July 1944. In the Fifties their family decided to reunite them.

Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.

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ROOSEVELT, THEODORE, JR.

Rank and organization: brigadier general, U.S. Army. Place and date: Normandy invasion, 6 June 1944. Entered service at: Oyster Bay, N.Y. Birth: Oyster Bay, N.Y. G.O. No.: 77, 28 September 1944.

Citation:

For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in France. After 2 verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt's written request for this mission was approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France .