Anund Charles Roark
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Sergeant Anund Charles Roark (17 February 1948 - 16 May 1968) was a U.S. Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Anund Charles Roark was born on 17 February 1948 in Vallejo, CA. He joined the Army from Los Angeles, CA., On 16 May 1968, Roark was serving as a Sergeant in Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On that day in Kontum Province of the Republic of Vietnam, Roark covered the blast of an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his body, protecting his fellow soldiers at the cost of his own life. For his heroic self-sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Roark distinguished himself by extraordinary gallantry while serving with Company C. Sgt. Roark was the point squad leader of a small force which had the mission of rescuing 11 men in a hilltop observation post under heavy attack by a company-size force, approximately 1,000 meters from the battalion perimeter. As lead elements of the relief force reached the besieged observation post, intense automatic weapons fire from enemy occupied bunkers halted their movement. Without hesitation, Sgt. Roark maneuvered his squad, repeatedly exposing himself to withering enemy fire to hurl grenades and direct the fire of his squad to gain fire superiority and cover the withdrawal of the outpost and evacuation of its casualties. Frustrated in their effort to overrun the position, the enemy swept the hilltop with small arms and volleys of grenades. Seeing a grenade land in the midst of his men, Sgt. Roark, with complete disregard for his safety, hurled himself upon the grenade, absorbing its blast with his body. Sgt. Roark's magnificent leadership and dauntless courage saved the lives of many of his comrades and were the inspiration for the successful relief of the outpost. His actions which culminated in the supreme sacrifice of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on himself and the U.S. Army.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Anund C. Roark's name is inscribed on Panel 61E - Line 18.

Death and Burial

Sergeant Anund Charles Roark was killed in action on 16 May 1968. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA, in Section O, Grave 1855.