# Appendix B explained — An Autobiography

> Chapter companion for An Autobiography by Theodore Roosevelt.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/appendix-b
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_autobiography_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters