Timothy Ashby

Omar Bradley, Dwight Eisenhower, and George S. Patton

Theodore “Ted” Roosevelt Junior – eldest son of President Teddy Roosevelt, was famous in his day for his bravery and heroism during both WWI and WWII, and his personal and political accomplishments between the wars. Now, however, his deeds are largely unknown. I hope to bring attention to this remarkable man.

I relayed some of his accomplishments in Part One of this essay, ending with his unlikely assignment, as a general at the age of 56, to be among the first to land at Utah Beach. [Read more...]

Every member of the Allied forces on the Normandy beaches 70 years ago this June 6—“D-Day”- was heroic. One largely unknown hero was Theodore “Ted” Roosevelt Junior – eldest son of President Teddy Roosevelt.

Theodore Roosevelt Jr.

Born into privilege in 1887, Ted and his siblings were instilled with a commitment to public service. When World War I broke out in 1917, Ted and his three brothers volunteered to serve their country. Commissioned a major, Ted was one of the first American officers to arrive in France. There, he led his battalion in combat,always at the front lines, so devoted to his men’s welfare that he purchased boots for the entire battalion with his own money Ted received the Distinguished Service Cross and the French made him a Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur. Between the wars, Ted was a businessman, politician and reserve Army officer. Seeing World War II on the horizon, Ted went on active duty in April 1941. Given command of the 26th Infantry Regiment, he was promoted to Brigadier General and led his troops with distinction during the North Africa campaign. Ted was again a “soldier’s soldier” leading from the front. He repeatedly clashed

[Read more...]