An Autobiography · Chapter
Appendix B explained
This appendix presents official military correspondence and eyewitness testimonies recommending Theodore Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry and leadership during the charge on San Juan Hill (Kettle Hill) on July
What happens
This appendix presents official military correspondence and eyewitness testimonies recommending Theodore Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry and leadership during the charge on San Juan Hill (Kettle Hill) on July 1, 1898, in the Spanish-American War.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Vigor
Roosevelt's repeated acts of bravery, leading charges under heavy fire, and his indifference to personal danger exemplify this theme.
Duty and Public Service
The military officers' formal recommendations highlight Roosevelt's zealous performance of duty and service to his country.
Characters to notice
- Theodore Roosevelt
Subject of the Medal of Honor recommendations; praised for leading the charge on horseback, being first to reach the crest, and killing an enemy soldier.
- Leonard Wood
Major-General commanding Department of Santiago de Cuba; submitted a letter recommending Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor based on his gallant charge.
- General Sumner
Major-General Samuel S. Sumner; recommended Roosevelt for a Medal of Honor and gave instructions to hold the front line.
- Lieutenant A. L. Mills
Colonel and Superintendent Headquarters Department of Santiago de Cuba; submitted a statement detailing Roosevelt's conspicuous bravery under fire.
- Mike Costello
Not mentioned in this appendix.
- Joe Murray
Not mentioned in this appendix.
Key passages
“Colonel Roosevelt was conspicuous above any others I observed in his regiment in the zealous performance of duty, in total disregard of his personal danger and in his eagerness to meet the enemy.”
Colonel Roosevelt stood out from everyone else in his regiment for his dedicated duty, complete disregard for his own safety, and strong desire to engage the enemy.
From Colonel A. L. Mills' statement, emphasizing Roosevelt's exceptional conduct.
“In leading this charge, he started off first, as he supposed, with quite a following of men, but soon discovered that he was alone. He then returned and gathered up a few men and led them to the charge, as above stated.”
Roosevelt initially charged ahead thinking many men followed, but found himself alone; he went back, collected a small group, and led them forward again.
From General Leonard Wood's letter, illustrating Roosevelt's determined leadership.
“Colonel Roosevelt was among the first to reach the crest of the hill, and his dashing example, his absolute fearlessness and gallant leading rendered his conduct conspicuous”
Roosevelt was one of the first to reach the hilltop, and his bold example, complete fearlessness, and brave leadership made his actions stand out.
From Captain C. J. Stevens' certification, highlighting Roosevelt's conspicuous gallantry.