Robert Reinhold Martin (15 April 1902 – 8 July 1950) was a
United States Army officer who served in
World War II and the
Korean War.
Early life
Martin was born in
Kentucky, on 15 April 1902.
Military career
During
World War II, Martin served in the
44th Infantry Division. Following the outbreak of the
Korean War, he was appointed as a commander of
34th Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. In the
Battle of Chonan (July 7–8, 1950), he and his regiment fought to the death to defend the
Chonan. Martin and 128 other
US soldiers
The United States Army (USA) is the land warfare, land military branch, service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the eight Uniformed services of the United States, U.S. uniformed services, and is designated as the Army o ...
were killed in action.
Distinguished Service Cross citation
On July 11, 1950, per General Orders No. 12, Martin was awarded the
Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the Korean War. His citation reads:
Awards and decorations
Martin's military awards including Distinguished Service Cross are as belows
*
Distinguished Service Cross
*
Silver Star
The Silver Star Medal (SSM) is the United States Armed Forces' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. The Silver Star Medal is awarded primarily to members of the United States Armed Forces for gallantry in action against an e ...
*
Bronze Star with 2 Bronze
Oak Leaf Clusters
*
Purple Heart
*
World War II Victory Medal
*
National Defense Service Medal
*
Korean Service Medal
*
United Nations Service Medal
The United Nations Service Medal for Korea (UNKM) is an international military decoration established by the United Nations on December 12, 1950 as the United Nations Service Medal. The decoration was the first international award ever created by t ...
*
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
*
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
*
Combat Infantryman Badge with Star (Second Award)
Legacy and honors
In
Cheonan
Cheonan (; 천안시, ''Cheonan-si''), also spelled Ch'ŏnan, is a city in South Chungcheong, South Korea.
Cheonan has a population of 666,417 (2018), making it the most-populous city or county in South Chungcheong, and the third most-populous ci ...
, there is a memorial - "Martin Park" - and a commemoration ceremony is held every year.
Soldiers, Citizens honor the fallen from the Battle of Cheonan
/ref>
References
External links
COL Robert Reinhold Martin - KOREAN WAR PROJECT REMEMBRANCE
Battle of Cheonan - Martin Park - Cheonan, Korea
{{DEFAULTSORT:Martin, Robert R.
1902 births
1950 deaths
United States Army personnel of World War II
United States Army personnel of the Korean War
Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
Recipients of the Silver Star
American military personnel killed in the Korean War