The Rough Riders · Chapter
Appendix D: Recommendations for the Medal of Honor explained
This appendix presents a collection of official letters, certificates, and recommendations from military officers urging that Theodore Roosevelt be awarded the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry and leadership during the charge on
What happens
This appendix presents a collection of official letters, certificates, and recommendations from military officers urging that Theodore Roosevelt be awarded the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry and leadership during the charge on San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill on July 1, 1898. The documents highlight Roosevelt's fearless example, his initiative in leading the assault, and his personal bravery under fire.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Masculinity
The appendix repeatedly emphasizes Roosevelt's personal bravery, fearlessness, and physical courage, framing his actions as the epitome of heroic masculinity.
Individual Initiative vs. Bureaucracy
Roosevelt's charge is described as a self-initiated action that bypassed formal orders, while the bureaucratic process of Medal of Honor recommendations is detailed.
Suffering and Sacrifice
The letters note the heavy losses and extreme jeopardy Roosevelt faced, highlighting the physical sacrifice and danger of the assault.
Characters to notice
- Theodore Roosevelt
Subject of multiple Medal of Honor recommendations for his gallant charge on San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill.
- Leonard Wood
Wrote a letter recommending Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor, describing his charge and personal bravery.
- C. J. Stevens
Submitted a certificate and letter attesting to Roosevelt's gallantry and leadership during the charge.
- Joseph Wheeler
Included Roosevelt in a list of officers who distinguished themselves at Las Guasimas.
- S. B. M. Young
Commended Roosevelt's conduct at Las Guasimas in his official report.
- Samuel Sumner
Recommended Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor, citing his example and fearlessness at San Juan.
- Robert L. Howze
Provided a detailed eyewitness account of Roosevelt's bravery and leadership during the battle.
- A. L. Mills
Submitted a statement describing Roosevelt's conspicuous bravery and disregard for personal danger.
Key passages
“I have the honor to recommend that a 'Congressional Medal of Honor' be given to Theodore Roosevelt (late Colonel First Volunteer Cavalry), for distinguished conduct and conspicuous bravery in command of his regiment in the charge on San Juan Hill, Cuba, July 1, 1898.”
Captain C. J. Stevens formally recommends Theodore Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor for his brave leadership during the charge on San Juan Hill.
This is a direct recommendation from a fellow officer.
“Colonel Roosevelt, accompanied only by four or five men, led a very desperate and extremely gallant charge on San Juan Hill, thereby setting a splendid example to the troops and encouraging them to pass over the open country intervening between their position and the trenches of the enemy.”
General Wood describes how Roosevelt, with only a few men, led a daring charge that inspired the rest of the troops to advance across open ground.
This highlights Roosevelt's role as a catalyst for the assault.
“He then headed the charge on the next hill, both regulars and the First United States Volunteer Cavalry following. He was so near the intrenchments on the second hill, that he shot and killed with a revolver one of the enemy before they broke completely.”
Captain Jenkins notes that Roosevelt led the charge on a second hill and personally shot an enemy soldier at close range.
This emphasizes Roosevelt's direct combat involvement.
“Colonel Roosevelt jumped through the fence and by his enthusiasm, his example and courage succeeded in leading to the crest of the hill a line sufficiently strong to capture it.”
Captain Howze recounts how Roosevelt vaulted over a wire fence and rallied the men to capture the hilltop.
This illustrates Roosevelt's physical and moral leadership.
