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The day of days is next week. D-Day, June 6th, 1944 on the shores of Normandy the largest amphibious landing in history took place. Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. was among the assault force. Leading from the front. As over 50,000 men took to the Normandy beaches to establish a foothold in Fortress Europa, a man that had every right to be behind a desk and far away from the gunfire and danger, boarded a landing craft and made his way to the soon to be bloodsoaked shoreline. You may be thinking to yourself, those two names sound extremely familiar, for good reason Theodore Roosevelt Jr. was, in fact, the eldest son of the late president Theodore Roosevelt.Teddy Jr. was a regular ball-smasher when it came to war. A veteran of the first world war, Roosevelt undertook a refresher course upon his return to the Army in April 1941. He took command of the 26th Infantry Regiment. During his time in North Africa, the newly promoted Brigadier General Roosevelt spent a great deal of time on the front lines with his men. He liked to be in the fray despite his failing health.When the time for the Normandy invasion came, he petitioned several times to be allowed to land with the men. It was denied twice before finally on his third try he was allowed to go ashore and fight. Again we remind you, under failing health Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. made the Normandy landings and moved between the fighting positions of his men, directing fire and ensuring the success of the landings.
Look, we don't know what's going on in your life, but if a General officer, who is definitely not a young buck, can make the assault on Normandy, we're pretty sure you're capable of some great things as well.
For his actions on Normandy, repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire and directing forces to effectively engage the enemy, all while he didn't even have to be there, Roosevelt was awarded the Medal of Honor.Read more stories of American Grit:
