Robert D. Booker
Private, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
World War II

Private Robert D. Booker (11 July 1920 - 9 April 1943) 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 during World War II.

Robert D. Booker was born on 11 July 1920 in Callaway, NE. He also joined the Army at Callaway. On 9 April 1943, he was serving as a Private in the 34th Infantry Division. On that day near Fondouk, Tunisia, he advanced alone across open terrain despite intense hostile fire and began firing on the enemy with his machine gun. After being wounded, he continued to fire until receiving a second, fatal, wound. For these heroic actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 34th Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Fondouk, Tunisia, 9 April 1943.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action. On 9 April 1943 in the vicinity of Fondouk, Tunisia, Pvt. Booker, while engaged in action against the enemy, carried a light machinegun and a box of ammunition over 200 yards of open ground. He continued to advance despite the fact that 2 enemy machineguns and several mortars were using him as an individual target. Although enemy artillery also began to register on him, upon reaching his objective he immediately commenced firing. After being wounded he silenced 1 enemy machinegun and was beginning to fire at the other when he received a second mortal wound. With his last remaining strength he encouraged the members of his squad and directed their fire. Pvt. Booker acted without regard for his own safety. His initiative and courage against insurmountable odds are an example of the highest standard of self-sacrifice and fidelity to duty.

Death and Burial

Private Robert D. Booker was killed in action on 9 April 1943. He is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in his hometown of Callaway, NE.