Theodore Roosevelt is my favorite U.S. President. I was unaware of the "controversy" surrounding his MOH. It doesn't make me think any less of him. He was such a strong American with such a great patriotic spirit.
Theodore Roosevelt was a radical Fabian Progressive and he was key to the writing of two bills that when ratified became the 16th and 17th Amendments to the US Constitution. These plunged the United States into Socialism and debt to the privately owned Federal Reserve Bank.
Theodore Roosevelt did not require a medal of honor for proof of honor and courage during his life; that was proven over the span of his entire life and career.
@@dewardroy6531 What he was campaigning for was fair treatment. The medal was being held up for political reasons, so his friends countered politics with more politics.
One thing not mentioned is when he was shot while giving a speech. Got up, finished the speech, was treated and released and continued to campaign. Tough old bugger if you ask me.
And he didn’t let himself get dragged away by bodyguards, either. He stood up, and told the bystanders to stop beating up Schrank and bring him over so he could look him in the eye and ask why he did it. Ain’t gonna see that happening today. Roosevelt also famously started his subsequent (50-minute) speech with "Ladies and gentlemen, I don't know whether you fully understand that I have just been shot, but it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose.”
In fairness, this was before there was Secret Service was in it's earliest stages of protecting the president at that time. The first people on the shooter were his personal bodyguard and one of his secretaries who was an ex-football player. The bullet hit his steel eyeglass case and went through a 50 page speech he had in his pocket. Interestingly, the speech was titled "Progressive Cause Greater than Any Individual," another fine example of how, in those days, the Republican party WAS the progressive, liberal party, and how starkl that ideological shift has been. The bullet did lodge in his chest, though. But as an experienced combat officer he knew since he was not aspirating blood it hadn't reached his lungs, so he rose and insisted that the shooter not be injured, just taken away. He then finished his speech before seeking medical attention. There really is no comparison to a nick on the ear of a draft dodger to what Roosevelt both experienced, performed, and his purpose. He established the parks service, was a conservationist, a true war hero, a champion of progressive causes, rather than a desperately power hungry narcissist.
The medal of honor awarding criteria was not as stringent then as it is now. I give him more credit for trying to get the troops ill with yellow fever and malaria sent home for care.
On the other hand, there were only two medals awarded for bravery or valor in 1898: The Medal of Honor and the Certificate of Merit. So the fact he wasn't awarded either one is a bit suspect.
The Victoria Cross was the same. At the time of its inception it was pretty much the only award for valor that could be awarded. Acts in the 1800's and early 1900's would not necessarily rise to the level the medal more recently requires, but they were legitimately earned.
My grandfather was a ROUGH RIDER. He was forever sad that he and others were not able to go to Cuba with the first troops. He also was forever proud of his comrades and of being a ROUGH RIDER. Many of them got together many times through the years. I have several of the programs from the events and an old metal that was given to them from TR. BULLY!
My Great Grandfather was a Major in Cuba, don't think he ever met Teddy. We've got his 30/40 Krag and his sidearm he carried in WW1, he was a Brig. General in the Ohio National Gaurd.
One thing to remember is that Roosevelt was haunted by what he viewed as the great family shame of his father hiring a substitute to fight for him in the Civil War. Roosevelt (in my opinion) over compensated for this by demonstrating an almost pathological need to prove his valor throughout his life. It is not surprising that he would actively campaign for the Medal of Honor. As to whether it was truly deserved, I don't know, but I am a huge fan of Roosevelt, he is my favorite president, and I am inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt.
I couldn’t agree more. I love how you not only present the counter argument to your own stance, you present it first. Our brains must be wired the same.
I think it's because if you are not critical about your own stance/thoughts on things, you haven't considered them long enough to form your own opinion? That's just my 2 cents, not sure if it makes sense though.
One thing you didn’t mention was that the Rough Riders had been intended as a cavalry unit but the US deployment was so botched that their horses didn’t reach Cuba (Roosevelt had made his own arrangements to bring his horse over) so they had to fight as an infantry unit. While I personally have no opinion as to whether or not TR deserved the Medal of Honor, I do think it’s impressive that he was willing and able to adapt to a situation he hadn’t prepared for and risk becoming a target so that he could encourage and support his men in the field.
Thank you, Lance, for not referring to him as "Teddy", a name he reportedly despised. Those who knew & liked him never spoke that name in his presence. As to his seeking "the glory of war" attitude, his son's death in World War One dispelled that notion forever.
Yeah, I always make sure to refer to him as Theodore, just to stay on his good side in case he ever comes back somehow. It’s unlikely, but I’d rather play it safe.
@@SynchronizorVideos Interesting point. I believe in the after-life vaguely outlined in Hebrew and Greek Bibles. However, absent are the details. I wonder if reception to Paradise will be like the reception at Fort Ord in 1968: barking Drill Angels, painted spots to stand on, hours of forms, do's and don't's. If Mr. Roosevelt is there, I, too, would not want to be on his "sh*@! list. 😂
There is always an element of subjectivity and context in the awarding of any medal. That Roosevelt was a volunteer and untrained soldier officer goes a long way toward approving the award. The level of his bravery, an undeniable character trait, in the situation would only be expected of a twenty year veteran.
There are many men who deserved the Medal of Honor and there are men who got the award that probably didn't deserve it. I am not in the position to make that judgement. I have known many war veterans who fought bravely, risking their lives to protect their comrades. I don't think that someone who has risked nothing deserves the award. I know that both Theodore Senior and Theodore Junior risked their lives, but there are some that got it just for being a general officer and ordering men to die for their glory.
@@michaeleasterwood6558 Unfortunately, you are the one that is misinformed. You need to brush up beyond revisionist history that paints such a glowing picture of Theodore Roosevelt. During his time it was commonly taught in schools white supremacy. All other races were inferior. Why don’t you look into how many lives taken by the US forces during his administration. The US killed far more Filipinos than the Spanish ever did whom supposedly we were liberating.
@@michaeleasterwood6558 Also, any medal of honor winner does not seek the medal; it is granted him. Typically most all will say they don’t deserve it any more than anybody else they fought beside and typically thought those that died deserved it more. TR sought to receive the award to further his political aspirations. Oh, and concerning his “peace negotiations“ he favored the Russians, who lost and basically told the Japanese they should be happy that they won, and that should be enough. In that damn age, those who fought in wars that lost usually paid reparations for covering those that lost loved ones during the war. Roosevelt negotiated only on the side of the white people and not the Japanese. And although this didn’t happen during Roosevelts administration, the US kicked in the door for trade with Japan. Also took the Hawaiian islands from the reigning monarch.
The Nobel Peace Prize is a joke, though. Obama got it and he killed more children with his drone campaign than all other Nobel Peace Prize winners put together.
What you failed to mention was that, that iteration of the MoH, was the ONLY medal for bravery at that time. They tried to upgrade Richard Winters' Distinguished Service Cross to the MoH, and were denied. So perhaps TR should have gotten the 2nd highest medal if it had been available. But the DSC did not exist until 1918. The Silver Star in 1942, the Bronze Star in 1944.
Smedley Butler was awarded TWO Medals, along with lesser fruit salad. (His daddy was in congress, holding an important position.) He tried to return the first one, but was told to shut up and wear the Medal.
Nineteen men have received the Medal of Honor twice. There are actually three Medals of Honor, one for each department within the Department of Defense, and five of the double recipients were Marines who received the Army and Navy Medals for the same action.
When the Medals of Honor were introduced, they were the only decorations awarded by the US military. That meant both a lot of awards for meritorious non-combat service, as well as awards to civilians including W.F. Cody and Dr. M.E. Walker. The revocations refocused the Medals on military personnel who displayed gallantry while placing their lives at risk. The Army Medals of Honor awarded to Cody and Walker were both revoked, then restored.
I explained that in my post above. Many people who were awarded the MOH in the Civil War and post-civil war period were not worthy of our nation's highest honor. Were they brave? Yes, but there is a hierarchy for medals and criteria and the MOH is the very TOP of that system and the MOH was handed out at that time in groups with little or no integrity in the awarding and many people really did not deserve it. It was political. Teddy Roosevelt was actually the main reason the criteria was increased drastically and why other lower medals were enacted. He was brave, he was a good leader but Teddy did not earn an MOH and if you really want to know why he doesn't deserve it go read all of the citations for the MOH that were awarded AFTER WW1, read the ones for Bronze and Silver star awards after WW1 and you will see that what Teddy did in that easy war in Cuba against an incompetent and easy enemy was really nothing. Teddy's conflict was over in under 4 months, it was nothing. Simply compare him to the other people who really earned the awards, that will be enough. Then you will know who the real heroes are.
@@jeanne-marie8196 the 1917 Nelson commission revoked a number of medals. Some, like William Cody and Mary Edwards Walker, were revoked because the person receiving the award was not technically serving in the military. Both of those were later reinstated by acts of congress. The bulk of those revoked, however, were 864 given to the 27th Maine volunteers, which essentially, had been given because some of them volunteered to stay three days past the end of their enlistment doing garrison duty in DC so that other troops could br sent to Gettysburg. Another 29 were revoked, as they had been awarded for merely serving as guards for Lincoln’s funereal. The commission decided that those didn’t meet the standard.
@@jcsinca3387 First of all, as I explained in MY post, the Medal of Honor was the ONLY decoration available to the Departments of the Army and Navy during the war, so it was awarded for meritorious service of many kinds. Secondly, Roosevelt's actions at San Juan Hill were more Medal-worthy than those of the highest-ranking soldier, sailor, and Marine to receive the Medal of Honor during World War 2.
Here's a piece of history for you: Teddy Roosevelt was the only US soldier to be awarded a medal of honor based on the recommendation of a Confederate general. Joe Wheeler was a Confederate general.
its interesting that there were so many MOH winners in US Army holding high rank... a similar situation was happening in the British army in same era where a noticeable number of generals were Victoria Cross winners ( a rarely awarded medal , even in world wars ) . but courageous and swash-buckling junior officers don't always make great generals
A minor point: Teddy Roosvelt, Jr. was the only American General on Utah Beach as far as I know, however, Normand Cota, landed on Omaha and played an important role in getting the troop off the beach and through the Atlantic Wall. Roosevelt arrived in the first wave at Utah beach, while Cota came in the second wave.
You should do a video on his son! Medal of Honor Rank and organization: Brigadier General, U.S. Army. Place and date: Normandy invasion, 6 June 1944. Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in France. After 2 verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt's written request for this mission was approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France.
First, thank you for covering this. Georgia Tann was a vile, soulless skinbag. I've been a genealogist for 18 years (including genetic and forensic when each became available) but black market baby rings (as well as orphans of war, think Vietnam and Korea) were an interest of mine all of the way back in the early 90s when I was in high school. Honestly, I didn't think I was going to make it all of the way through this video. Starting this comment actually helped me stick around. Apparently, I still have a lot of anger toward Tann and her cohorts. Again, thank you for covering this and doing so as thoroughly as you did. I think I'm still a fairly new subscriber; i need to look through your other older vids because you've clearly covered similar topics. Great job. Keep up the excellent work. ✌🏻
Theodore Roosevelt tended to draw strong opinions, and it is generally agreed he was nominated for Vice President to get him out of office as New York governor (McKinley’s first vice president had died in office).
Republicans put him in as vice president, because Teddy even scared them.. They thought that would give him no power. LMAO didn't work out to well for his political enemies.
Given Roosevelt's political connections, the award has to remain controversial. How many ordinary soldiers and NCOs never got the awards they deserved? As for officers, I myself personally know of an award (not the MOH) to an officer who did not deserve it.
I know of many I personally served with. Remember, it’s almost a competition among commanders to be able to brag about how many members of their unit got awards and decorations. These days, you can be considered for a decoration if you took a shit under fire!
This may have been already mentioned, but at that time, the Medal of Honor was the only medal for bravery. The Purple Heart existed. So there were no Bronze or Silver Star medals for "lesser" acts. From our standpoint, Medal of Honor actions and recipients are very rare. Not due to a lack of courage, but there are the other medals that can be awarded instead. When you read about the number of Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War to the Spanish-American War, the numbers are somewhat jarring, given how few have been awarded starting in WWI, where there were other grades of medals.
Hi History Guy. I love your videos. I am impressed that you do more than just US videos. As an Australian, I loved your video about the slouch hats. I have a few suggestions. The Battle of the Eureka Stockade was a small battle between gold miners and the local British forces fought on the 3rd of December 1854 in Ballarat in Victoria. It helped shape Australian identity with the famous Southern Cross flag. A person you may be interested in doing a video on, apart from General Monash (an Australian who commanded American soldier), is Albert Jacka VC who won the VC at Gallipoli and later the Military Cross and Bar on the Western Front.
My friend's great grandfather fought with Roosevelt in the ruff riders and he has the flag that flew over the battle field they fly it on the fourth of July God bless America ❤️💪👍😎
My gut says no, but no one whose opinion should really count is here to tell the tale, so there we are. I would say that the intervening 100 years might give insight to the answer. But that doesn’t take away from what he did, and the fact that he didn’t want the command offered reflects positively on his character.
My uncle, a humble and gentle man won the silver star for bravery fighting on d-day. On the 20th anniversary of d-day a reporter asked him what he thought of being decorated as a hero and he just said “the heroes are still over there”
Roosevelt's uncle on his mother's side was a man named James Dunwoody Bulloch. Bulloch was the CSA's chief foreign agent in Great Britain during the Civil War. He is chiefly known for obtaining ships from English shipbuilders that were used as commerce raiders by the Confederate Navy, an example which was the CSS Alabama.
I have read Harding's Notes of a War Corespondent and I don't think he did any more than a reporter embedded with a group today. The fact that he worked for Hearst got his articles in front of a lot of people. He has a lot of good comments on the soldiers he met even if they were wounded and passing back down the hill. As for Roosevelt there was a lot of people who did not like him. He had enemies and wasn't going to make more in the camp against him. His son had his detractors in Africa. They couldn't down play his actions at Normandy as there were to many witnesses and he died only a month later so was not a threat politcally.
TR is my favorite president of all time. Not only for his values is commitment to excellence, but has to be one of the most interesting people I’ve ever read about.
Living on Long Island, Theodore Roosevelt is definitely a favored and favorite son. As a scouting family, our local Boy Scout council is called Theodore Roosevelt Council and as a Freemason, his lodge is here in Nassau County and is still an active lodge.
Him saying that he deserved the Medal of Honor and he wanted it is absolutely appalling.The fact that no other officer was even considered for the medal and he actually lobbied for it is sickening.Other than Douglas MacArthur who was even more arrogant than Roosevelt,no other recipient of the Medal of Honor has ever requested the award for himself,not even Robert Howard and Audie Murphy.
As long as it was awarded I guess he deserved it but cases like his also played a part in reforming the process to what it now is. Today unless 2 person minimum actually see your actions your done no matter how many letters others write. Of course that means some who are truly deserving never get it.
He may well have been more proud to have a nuclear aircraft carrier named after him. I think it is a more fitting tribute to the kind of person he was.
Dude was a big proponent of a strong navy. I bet he would have loved supercarriers. On a related note, Roosevelt was the first person to have held the office of US President, and flown in an aircraft. In 1910 he famously took a ride in a Wright Flyer.
As a huge fan of TR, who is not only one of my favorite presidents, but one of my favorite men in history, I have to disagree with the awarding of the Medal of Honor to him. I don't believe that he distinguished himself any more than some of the other men who did NOT receive the medal for their actions in that little war. I believe it was political, and being awarded so very many years later, I've always thought it cheapened that great medal a bit, and somewhat tarnished the splendid reputation of Mr. Roosevelt. Excellent video, Sir...
I was recommended for the "Soldier's Medal" after puting my life in danger disarming a deranged soldier who was determined to kill our Division General and his staff. The attack that I prevented may or may not have saved the General's life. The medal recommendation was submitted by my Battalion Commander and approved all the way up to the Commanding General (The General who's life I might have saved) and it was down graded to an Army Achievement Medal, a medal the the Battalion Commander could have given me on his own accord. I was told that since the General was in the loop it would look suspicious of him to award such a prestigious medal. Politics are always involved with high ranking awards.
Anybody interested in the Spanish American war, there’s a fraternity called the Sons of Spanish American war Veterans. There’s two types of membership, hereditary, for those who have family members who fought in the war, and associate member for those who are interested in the history. There’s several camps (chapters) throughout the country and also a membership at large option. Once you’re a member, you can purchase an awesome membership certificate and also an awesome membership medal. Camps meet regularly and tend to grave of Spam Am Vets and get headstone for those who don’t have one.
Great video! I knew that Pres Roosevelt was a MOH winner, but I didnt know he was awarded it so late. I did know that JFK was a Navy Cross winner for his WWII service ala PT109. I did have a thought while watching this and seeing that many Civil War soldiers were MOH winners who remained in service after the war: Where any former Confederate soldiers who later served in the post Civil War military ever awarded the Medal of Honor?? Thanks again for the video! John
As stated, "Risking life Above & Beyond the Call of Duty" is the criteria for the award....actions such as this must be witnessed and documented for submission. Theodore Roosevelt was one of our greatest Presidents, and no doubt a brave combatant...However, only those who fought with him can attest to whether or not he deserved the award. Often facts get distorted and or forgotten in the fog of war.
I am far from qualified to opine about the validity of Roosevelt's MOH (As are most all of the others commenting here, though they mostly don't know it). But I will say that Theodore Roosevelt was an extraordinary figure in American history. His career had been one of exceptional excellence, perhaps beginning with his landmark history of the War of 1812, through his service as New York Governor, his actions during the Spanish American War, and and his Presidency. His progressive reforms likely saved the country from popular uprising (as were the reforms of his distant cousin Franklin a couple decades later), and if it were up to me, I'd give him a Presidential Medal of Freedom to go along with his other awards. I do agree in principle that one should not lobby for such awards for themselves. This does damage his eventual receipt of the MOH. But since he abandoned his efforts to receive it, and it was not awarded until the better part of a century after he died, I will not discredit him for receiving it. If there was one Medal Of Honor I would like to see rescinded, it would be the one awarded to Douglas MacArthur, as his poor management of American forces in The Philippines at the start of WWII caused a great setback to our efforts, and possibly caused a longer war in the Pacific theater.
Theodore Roosevelt was a Fabian Progressive Socialist who despised the Bill of Rights and believed fervently that he and other elites had a right to rule in society. The United States of America is a Socialist society that has not yet seen the destruction of the individual right to property, but if the 26th President has his way we would have lost our Bill of Rights during his time.
Well, something I did not know regarding TR. How did I miss this? Personally, I do not think he deserved the Medal of Honor. Thank you for reporting, Lance.
The awarding of the MOH should in no way be controversial. As a Marine officer who was awarded a combat medal noted, the award depends upon so many factors such as witnesses, popularity among fellow soldiers, and an efficient administration, it was really a matter of chance. If there is any doubt, then no. Too many medals are political today with medals being retroactively awarded because of skin color or revoked because the battle is today, considered disgraceful.
despite his earlier "reticence" should have been "Despite his earlier reluctance" Reticent means keeping quiet. Reluctance means, in military terms "slow to act"
Theodore Roosevelt Senior never got the MOH. His son and grandson did, however. History deserves to be remembered, correctly! (Finally found you making a mistake. Took a long time, and only this one.) steve
It’s interesting to be able to hear a little bit about the men our military bases were named for. Fort Shafter and Fort Leonard Wood being 2 of them. And maybe “ Wheeler” whom Wheeler AFB which “butts” up to Schofield Barracks.
Round robin letters were a common way to put many individuals on the record. A letter would be circulated to many recipients in order to acquire signatures. In the original version, which began in France in the 1500s, signatories would add their names in a circle around the outside edge of the body of the letter because that made it difficult for recipients to determine who signed first, and might therefore be a ringleader.
Theodore Roosevelt is the only US President to have been awarded both the medal of honor and the Nobel peace prize. His son Theodore Jr was also awarded the medal of honor for his actions on D Day. FLY NAVY!!!
I don’t think he deserved it using the standard of today. But given that Daniel Sickles was also awarded it for his actions at Gettysburg…I think TR was more deserving! It is interesting to note the other commendations for valor (Bronze Star, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross) that have been established since the Medal of Honor (what is now the highest honor, used to be the only…) Some in the Civil War were award for “capturing” (picking up a fallen) flag….yet Alonso Cushing wouldn’t be honored until 150 years later (a history of him and his family would make a great episode!)
That was really interesting... you would think Roosevelt being awarded the MOH would be mentioned in High School history classes, when talking about his history, but it's not... well,at least not when I was in school. BTW... that's some cool cuff links you have there! So, did he deserve it? I have mixed feelings, but the thing that spoiled it for me is that he acted like a spoiled child being denied a toy, saying "I am entitled to the Medal of Honor, and I want it"
as a veteran of war - I have seen bravery, I have seen fools! at times it is very difficult to tell the differnce - you are trained to react, be ready, but when God deems it some fall for little reason and other remain to clean up, or be honored! as for "Teddy" it is too late for me to tell you what was correct!
Some say that about the Victoria Cross too. And unlike the MOH, Victoria Crosses can be sold on, and more than one was to help out that man's family by the recipient himself.
Not gonna say he didnt deserve the Medal, but others, some who didnt come home, deserved it equally or more. As president, he could given them the recognition they deserved.
@@Frankie5Angels150 Just because I was not there does not mean that I don't have some insight to the situation, That is a absurd comment. Really My comment is the Dumbest, your ignorance tell me all I need to know. You obviously were not a veteran. It is one thing to say you deserve to get a Medal of any kind and something totally different to campaign for it. Maybe you should reflect on your own statement, “How would you know?”
He always kind of was a politician at heart. I think they used to hand those out a bit differently back the too. But I see where you're coming from. I'm sure there have been a few controversial medals handed out. Not just the MOH. In comparison to Eisenhower, he never needed one to become president. But was the leader through a much different war. He still used WWII to help him become president. So they're both kind of scummy?
@@Law0086 All politician use the military serves to some extent to get elected. Weather that is good or bad, is up many factors, but mostly to each voter. How much we except this use or abuse often depends on how we feel about personally or their political service.
Those who clamor for a specific military award are usually unworthy of it. Let one’s peers have a deciding vote and they will look up to the awardee as deserving of it.
T. Roosevelt is without a doubt my favorite U.S. President, I wish those who presume to think they are worthy to aspire to that honored position would take lessons from him. Did or does he deserve a MoH? No, when you look at those he fought beside who did not get it and their actions, compare it to his, he was no better than some and considerably better than most, but not MoH material. He was a Great leader, without a doubt, but you do not get a MoH for that or there would be so many handed out that it would have lost it's value long ago. Is getting one a political game? Probably, and in the end, he won the bigger political game, he won the presidency, but he won an even bigger political game. He won the biggest political prize you can, people remember his name with fondness and pride, unlike those who were making decisions about his MoH at the time when he was trying so hard to get it who only historians remember, and even then just barely and not always nicely.
To be totally fair, the Medal of Honor wasn't what it is now. While it is harsh to say the requriements were "easier"; it was oringally, essentially a "gold star" - higher than a modern Silver Star, but did not then require the extraordinary feats of bravery as it does now. It didn't really become rare and mythic until WW I. It was previously a bravery award; not "common" but also not singular. There were hundreds given out during the Civil War. This is why there was a "housekeeping" of recipients from the Civil War. It wasn't that nearly half of the recipients deserved nothing, it was that their actions didn't necessarily rise the the statutory MOH requiremets. Their awards were generally "downgraded" a notch or two.
Theodore Roosevelt is my favorite U.S. President. I was unaware of the "controversy" surrounding his MOH. It doesn't make me think any less of him. He was such a strong American with such a great patriotic spirit.
Theodore Roosevelt was a radical Fabian Progressive and he was key to the writing of two bills that when ratified became the 16th and 17th Amendments to the US Constitution. These plunged the United States into Socialism and debt to the privately owned Federal Reserve Bank.
Theodore Roosevelt did not require a medal of honor for proof of honor and courage during his life; that was proven over the span of his entire life and career.
Notwithstanding, anyone who campaigns for such an award is unequivocally unworthy of same.
@@dewardroy6531 What he was campaigning for was fair treatment. The medal was being held up for political reasons, so his friends countered politics with more politics.
God bless us, if we could only have more men like him now.
This channel is everything that The History Channel should be.
One thing not mentioned is when he was shot while giving a speech. Got up, finished the speech, was treated and released and continued to campaign. Tough old bugger if you ask me.
His speech papers in his pocket saved his life. 9
And he didn’t let himself get dragged away by bodyguards, either. He stood up, and told the bystanders to stop beating up Schrank and bring him over so he could look him in the eye and ask why he did it. Ain’t gonna see that happening today.
Roosevelt also famously started his subsequent (50-minute) speech with "Ladies and gentlemen, I don't know whether you fully understand that I have just been shot, but it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose.”
Just like Trump, right?
In fairness, this was before there was Secret Service was in it's earliest stages of protecting the president at that time. The first people on the shooter were his personal bodyguard and one of his secretaries who was an ex-football player. The bullet hit his steel eyeglass case and went through a 50 page speech he had in his pocket. Interestingly, the speech was titled "Progressive Cause Greater than Any Individual," another fine example of how, in those days, the Republican party WAS the progressive, liberal party, and how starkl that ideological shift has been.
The bullet did lodge in his chest, though. But as an experienced combat officer he knew since he was not aspirating blood it hadn't reached his lungs, so he rose and insisted that the shooter not be injured, just taken away. He then finished his speech before seeking medical attention.
There really is no comparison to a nick on the ear of a draft dodger to what Roosevelt both experienced, performed, and his purpose. He established the parks service, was a conservationist, a true war hero, a champion of progressive causes, rather than a desperately power hungry narcissist.
Did he come up fist-pumping and saying, "Fight! Fight! Fight"?
The medal of honor awarding criteria was not as stringent then as it is now. I give him more credit for trying to get the troops ill with yellow fever and malaria sent home for care.
On the other hand, there were only two medals awarded for bravery or valor in 1898: The Medal of Honor and the Certificate of Merit. So the fact he wasn't awarded either one is a bit suspect.
The Victoria Cross was the same. At the time of its inception it was pretty much the only award for valor that could be awarded. Acts in the 1800's and early 1900's would not necessarily rise to the level the medal more recently requires, but they were legitimately earned.
My grandfather was a ROUGH RIDER. He was forever sad that he and others were not able to go to Cuba with the first troops. He also was forever proud of his comrades and of being a ROUGH RIDER. Many of them got together many times through the years. I have several of the programs from the events and an old metal that was given to them from TR. BULLY!
My Great Grandfather was a Major in Cuba, don't think he ever met Teddy. We've got his 30/40 Krag and his sidearm he carried in WW1, he was a Brig. General in the Ohio National Gaurd.
your family are murderers? think on that.
One thing to remember is that Roosevelt was haunted by what he viewed as the great family shame of his father hiring a substitute to fight for him in the Civil War. Roosevelt (in my opinion) over compensated for this by demonstrating an almost pathological need to prove his valor throughout his life. It is not surprising that he would actively campaign for the Medal of Honor. As to whether it was truly deserved, I don't know, but I am a huge fan of Roosevelt, he is my favorite president, and I am inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt.
I couldn’t agree more. I love how you not only present the counter argument to your own stance, you present it first. Our brains must be wired the same.
I think it's because if you are not critical about your own stance/thoughts on things, you haven't considered them long enough to form your own opinion? That's just my 2 cents, not sure if it makes sense though.
Agreed on all counts. Even disregarding all of the more outlandish stories about TR, he's still my favorite president.
Well said and me o. The three best Presidents ever: Washington, Teddy and Ronald Reagan. Trump is closing the gap.
My favorite President but hard to comprehend someone campaigning for an award of that magnitude. Things were different back then I guess.
One thing you didn’t mention was that the Rough Riders had been intended as a cavalry unit but the US deployment was so botched that their horses didn’t reach Cuba (Roosevelt had made his own arrangements to bring his horse over) so they had to fight as an infantry unit. While I personally have no opinion as to whether or not TR deserved the Medal of Honor, I do think it’s impressive that he was willing and able to adapt to a situation he hadn’t prepared for and risk becoming a target so that he could encourage and support his men in the field.
Correct- their horses were in Florida. The 10th fought dismounted as well.
Thank you, Lance, for not referring to him as "Teddy", a name he reportedly despised. Those who knew & liked him never spoke that name in his presence. As to his seeking "the glory of war" attitude, his son's death in World War One dispelled that notion forever.
Yeah, I always make sure to refer to him as Theodore, just to stay on his good side in case he ever comes back somehow. It’s unlikely, but I’d rather play it safe.
@@SynchronizorVideos Interesting point. I believe in the after-life vaguely outlined in Hebrew and Greek Bibles. However, absent are the details. I wonder if reception to Paradise will be like the reception at Fort Ord in 1968: barking Drill Angels, painted spots to stand on, hours of forms, do's and don't's. If Mr. Roosevelt is there, I, too, would not want to be on his "sh*@! list. 😂
@@donalddodson7365Afterlife is another valid reason to play it safe.
Also, your reply has me laughing, imagining Heaven’s version of the Shark Attack.
@@SynchronizorVideos Yes, that is why I always refer to Chuck Norris as Charles. Can't be too safe.
A heard thing to Bear😂
There is always an element of subjectivity and context in the awarding of any medal. That Roosevelt was a volunteer and untrained soldier officer goes a long way toward approving the award. The level of his bravery, an undeniable character trait, in the situation would only be expected of a twenty year veteran.
I had no idea Theodore earned the Medal Of Honor. That's so cool.
His son (1944) actually got the MoH before he did (2001).
It’s kind of arrogant to think that you are entitled to receive the Medal of Honor.
@@HVACSoldierExactly!
How about earning the Medal of honor and a Nobel Peace prize?
@@WALTERBROADDUS Yasser Arafat was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, so I don't hold that in high regard.
There are many men who deserved the Medal of Honor and there are men who got the award that probably didn't deserve it. I am not in the position to make that judgement. I have known many war veterans who fought bravely, risking their lives to protect their comrades. I don't think that someone who has risked nothing deserves the award. I know that both Theodore Senior and Theodore Junior risked their lives, but there are some that got it just for being a general officer and ordering men to die for their glory.
T.R. is still to this day; the only one to have been awarded the Medal of Honor and Nobel Peace Prize.
Have you ever read “The Imperial Cruise”??
Did not deserve the peace prize.
Perhaps didn’t deserve the MOH either.
Wron and wrong again@@ObservingtheObvious
@@michaeleasterwood6558
Unfortunately, you are the one that is misinformed. You need to brush up beyond revisionist history that paints such a glowing picture of Theodore Roosevelt.
During his time it was commonly taught in schools white supremacy. All other races were inferior. Why don’t you look into how many lives taken by the US forces during his administration. The US killed far more Filipinos than the Spanish ever did whom supposedly we were liberating.
@@michaeleasterwood6558
Also, any medal of honor winner does not seek the medal; it is granted him. Typically most all will say they don’t deserve it any more than anybody else they fought beside and typically thought those that died deserved it more. TR sought to receive the award to further his political aspirations.
Oh, and concerning his “peace negotiations“ he favored the Russians, who lost and basically told the Japanese they should be happy that they won, and that should be enough. In that damn age, those who fought in wars that lost usually paid reparations for covering those that lost loved ones during the war. Roosevelt negotiated only on the side of the white people and not the Japanese.
And although this didn’t happen during Roosevelts administration, the US kicked in the door for trade with Japan. Also took the Hawaiian islands from the reigning monarch.
The Nobel Peace Prize is a joke, though. Obama got it and he killed more children with his drone campaign than all other Nobel Peace Prize winners put together.
What you failed to mention was that, that iteration of the MoH, was the ONLY medal for bravery at that time. They tried to upgrade Richard Winters' Distinguished Service Cross to the MoH, and were denied. So perhaps TR should have gotten the 2nd highest medal if it had been available. But the DSC did not exist until 1918. The Silver Star in 1942, the Bronze Star in 1944.
Smedley Butler was awarded TWO Medals, along with lesser fruit salad. (His daddy was in congress, holding an important position.) He tried to return the first one, but was told to shut up and wear the Medal.
He was a goof that dared not criticize the government until he GOT HIS FIRST RETIREMENT CHECK
Nineteen men have received the Medal of Honor twice. There are actually three Medals of Honor, one for each department within the Department of Defense, and five of the double recipients were Marines who received the Army and Navy Medals for the same action.
Good morning History Guy and everyone watching. I am retiring from the workforce in 18 days!
Congratulations
Congratulations, sir! Enjoy your time away from the rat race
Good for you! Congrats, and enjoy your retirement!!
I'm twice retired but back to working again😂.
Lucky 🍀 you! I’m jealous.
Thank you for the lesson.
Thanks for the Teddy Roosevelt Medal of Honor video. I’d love to see a video on why a third of recipients had the medal taken away
Thank you!
When the Medals of Honor were introduced, they were the only decorations awarded by the US military. That meant both a lot of awards for meritorious non-combat service, as well as awards to civilians including W.F. Cody and Dr. M.E. Walker. The revocations refocused the Medals on military personnel who displayed gallantry while placing their lives at risk. The Army Medals of Honor awarded to Cody and Walker were both revoked, then restored.
I explained that in my post above. Many people who were awarded the MOH in the Civil War and post-civil war period were not worthy of our nation's highest honor. Were they brave? Yes, but there is a hierarchy for medals and criteria and the MOH is the very TOP of that system and the MOH was handed out at that time in groups with little or no integrity in the awarding and many people really did not deserve it. It was political. Teddy Roosevelt was actually the main reason the criteria was increased drastically and why other lower medals were enacted.
He was brave, he was a good leader but Teddy did not earn an MOH and if you really want to know why he doesn't deserve it go read all of the citations for the MOH that were awarded AFTER WW1, read the ones for Bronze and Silver star awards after WW1 and you will see that what Teddy did in that easy war in Cuba against an incompetent and easy enemy was really nothing. Teddy's conflict was over in under 4 months, it was nothing.
Simply compare him to the other people who really earned the awards, that will be enough. Then you will know who the real heroes are.
@@jeanne-marie8196 the 1917 Nelson commission revoked a number of medals. Some, like William Cody and Mary Edwards Walker, were revoked because the person receiving the award was not technically serving in the military. Both of those were later reinstated by acts of congress.
The bulk of those revoked, however, were 864 given to the 27th Maine volunteers, which essentially, had been given because some of them volunteered to stay three days past the end of their enlistment doing garrison duty in DC so that other troops could br sent to Gettysburg. Another 29 were revoked, as they had been awarded for merely serving as guards for Lincoln’s funereal. The commission decided that those didn’t meet the standard.
@@jcsinca3387 First of all, as I explained in MY post, the Medal of Honor was the ONLY decoration available to the Departments of the Army and Navy during the war, so it was awarded for meritorious service of many kinds. Secondly, Roosevelt's actions at San Juan Hill were more Medal-worthy than those of the highest-ranking soldier, sailor, and Marine to receive the Medal of Honor during World War 2.
Mmmmmm, it might be interesting if you did a segment on Doug MacArthur's MOH.
once again, thank you sir.
Here's a piece of history for you: Teddy Roosevelt was the only US soldier to be awarded a medal of honor based on the recommendation of a Confederate general. Joe Wheeler was a Confederate general.
its interesting that there were so many MOH winners in US Army holding high rank... a similar situation was happening in the British army in same era where a noticeable number of generals were Victoria Cross winners ( a rarely awarded medal , even in world wars ) . but courageous and swash-buckling junior officers don't always make great generals
yes and ignoring grunt/squaddie efforts of comparable or more valour was not uncommon.
Back in the 1800's, cowboys hung lanterns from their saddles at night.
It's the first example of Saddle Light Navigation.
Oh that's a good one
That is fantastically terrible. I love it.
😂
This joke would take a lot of lead up today. But it's still gold 😂
Pooh.
A minor point: Teddy Roosvelt, Jr. was the only American General on Utah Beach as far as I know, however, Normand Cota, landed on Omaha and played an important role in getting the troop off the beach and through the Atlantic Wall. Roosevelt arrived in the first wave at Utah beach, while Cota came in the second wave.
You should do a video on his son!
Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Brigadier General, U.S. Army.
Place and date: Normandy invasion, 6 June 1944.
Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in France. After 2 verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt's written request for this mission was approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France.
First, thank you for covering this. Georgia Tann was a vile, soulless skinbag.
I've been a genealogist for 18 years (including genetic and forensic when each became available) but black market baby rings (as well as orphans of war, think Vietnam and Korea) were an interest of mine all of the way back in the early 90s when I was in high school.
Honestly, I didn't think I was going to make it all of the way through this video. Starting this comment actually helped me stick around.
Apparently, I still have a lot of anger toward Tann and her cohorts.
Again, thank you for covering this and doing so as thoroughly as you did.
I think I'm still a fairly new subscriber; i need to look through your other older vids because you've clearly covered similar topics.
Great job. Keep up the excellent work. ✌🏻
Another great episode!
Theodore Roosevelt tended to draw strong opinions, and it is generally agreed he was nominated for Vice President to get him out of office as New York governor (McKinley’s first vice president had died in office).
Republicans put him in as vice president, because Teddy even scared them.. They thought that would give him no power. LMAO didn't work out to well for his political enemies.
Truly, this is history that deserves to be remembered.
Given Roosevelt's political connections, the award has to remain controversial. How many ordinary soldiers and NCOs never got the awards they deserved? As for officers, I myself personally know of an award (not the MOH) to an officer who did not deserve it.
I know of many I personally served with. Remember, it’s almost a competition among commanders to be able to brag about how many members of their unit got awards and decorations. These days, you can be considered for a decoration if you took a shit under fire!
Good for you.
I got the gcm I did my absolute best not to earn.
love your cufflinks
@@ChrissiX thanks! So do I.
History at its best!! Thank you again for such an informative and interesting account!
Shafter’s horse 🐴 deserved a Medal of Honor 🥇
Lol had to be a draft horse, because he’d have to have been drafted to take that job.
@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Certainly!
This may have been already mentioned, but at that time, the Medal of Honor was the only medal for bravery. The Purple Heart existed. So there were no Bronze or Silver Star medals for "lesser" acts. From our standpoint, Medal of Honor actions and recipients are very rare. Not due to a lack of courage, but there are the other medals that can be awarded instead. When you read about the number of Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War to the Spanish-American War, the numbers are somewhat jarring, given how few have been awarded starting in WWI, where there were other grades of medals.
Hi History Guy. I love your videos. I am impressed that you do more than just US videos. As an Australian, I loved your video about the slouch hats. I have a few suggestions. The Battle of the Eureka Stockade was a small battle between gold miners and the local British forces fought on the 3rd of December 1854 in Ballarat in Victoria. It helped shape Australian identity with the famous Southern Cross flag. A person you may be interested in doing a video on, apart from General Monash (an Australian who commanded American soldier), is Albert Jacka VC who won the VC at Gallipoli and later the Military Cross and Bar on the Western Front.
I appreciate you and thank you for making content.
I don't feel it appropriate for anyone to ask for or say they deserve the medal of honor.
My friend's great grandfather fought with Roosevelt in the ruff riders and he has the flag that flew over the battle field they fly it on the fourth of July God bless America ❤️💪👍😎
My gut says no, but no one whose opinion should really count is here to tell the tale, so there we are. I would say that the intervening 100 years might give insight to the answer. But that doesn’t take away from what he did, and the fact that he didn’t want the command offered reflects positively on his character.
My uncle, a humble and gentle man won the silver star for bravery fighting on d-day. On the 20th anniversary of d-day a reporter asked him what he thought of being decorated as a hero and he just said “the heroes are still over there”
Roosevelt's uncle on his mother's side was a man named James Dunwoody Bulloch. Bulloch was the CSA's chief foreign agent in Great Britain during the Civil War. He is chiefly known for obtaining ships from English shipbuilders that were used as commerce raiders by the Confederate Navy, an example which was the CSS Alabama.
Thank you, Lance And team
Always appreciate your content, Glad when you hit on TR
Fascinating!!
Great video! Really enjoyed it!!👍!
I have read Harding's Notes of a War Corespondent and I don't think he did any more than a reporter embedded with a group today. The fact that he worked for Hearst got his articles in front of a lot of people. He has a lot of good comments on the soldiers he met even if they were wounded and passing back down the hill. As for Roosevelt there was a lot of people who did not like him. He had enemies and wasn't going to make more in the camp against him. His son had his detractors in Africa. They couldn't down play his actions at Normandy as there were to many witnesses and he died only a month later so was not a threat politcally.
Great show as always
TR is my favorite president of all time. Not only for his values is commitment to excellence, but has to be one of the most interesting people I’ve ever read about.
Love your videos
"War is politics by other means".
Completely different context there bud
Living on Long Island, Theodore Roosevelt is definitely a favored and favorite son. As a scouting family, our local Boy Scout council is called Theodore Roosevelt Council and as a Freemason, his lodge is here in Nassau County and is still an active lodge.
Thank you History Guy. I am unworthy of sharing my opinion on whether to award someone or not.
I hope the world is under the umbrella I hold.
Boy, what a battle for the medal of honor, 100 years long!
Him saying that he deserved the Medal of Honor and he wanted it is absolutely appalling.The fact that no other officer was even considered for the medal and he actually lobbied for it is sickening.Other than Douglas MacArthur who was even more arrogant than Roosevelt,no other recipient of the Medal of Honor has ever requested the award for himself,not even Robert Howard and Audie Murphy.
Thank you History Guy
As long as it was awarded I guess he deserved it but cases like his also played a part in reforming the process to what it now is. Today unless 2 person minimum actually see your actions your done no matter how many letters others write. Of course that means some who are truly deserving never get it.
He didn't deserve it.
He may well have been more proud to have a nuclear aircraft carrier named after him. I think it is a more fitting tribute to the kind of person he was.
Dude was a big proponent of a strong navy. I bet he would have loved supercarriers.
On a related note, Roosevelt was the first person to have held the office of US President, and flown in an aircraft. In 1910 he famously took a ride in a Wright Flyer.
@@SynchronizorVideos Wow..very cool I didn't know that.
As a huge fan of TR, who is not only one of my favorite presidents, but one of my favorite men in history, I have to disagree with the awarding of the Medal of Honor to him. I don't believe that he distinguished himself any more than some of the other men who did NOT receive the medal for their actions in that little war. I believe it was political, and being awarded so very many years later, I've always thought it cheapened that great medal a bit, and somewhat tarnished the splendid reputation of Mr. Roosevelt. Excellent video, Sir...
I was recommended for the "Soldier's Medal" after puting my life in danger disarming a deranged soldier who was determined to kill our Division General and his staff. The attack that I prevented may or may not have saved the General's life. The medal recommendation was submitted by my Battalion Commander and approved all the way up to the Commanding General (The General who's life I might have saved) and it was down graded to an Army Achievement Medal, a medal the the Battalion Commander could have given me on his own accord. I was told that since the General was in the loop it would look suspicious of him to award such a prestigious medal. Politics are always involved with high ranking awards.
Theodore Roosevelt is, without a doubt, my favorite president from the past. His cousin, FDR, is probably my second favorite.
TR's horse was "Little Texas ". Both he and Winston Churchill sought battlefield distinction based on the same Victorian values.
Love the channel, I'd like to hear your take on the "Pig War".
Anybody interested in the Spanish American war, there’s a fraternity called the Sons of Spanish American war Veterans. There’s two types of membership, hereditary, for those who have family members who fought in the war, and associate member for those who are interested in the history. There’s several camps (chapters) throughout the country and also a membership at large option. Once you’re a member, you can purchase an awesome membership certificate and also an awesome membership medal. Camps meet regularly and tend to grave of Spam Am Vets and get headstone for those who don’t have one.
Gen. Dutch Corta also was on the beach on D-Day. Still a good video.
Teddy, What a guy!
Great video! I knew that Pres Roosevelt was a MOH winner, but I didnt know he was awarded it so late. I did know that JFK was a Navy Cross winner for his WWII service ala PT109. I did have a thought while watching this and seeing that many Civil War soldiers were MOH winners who remained in service after the war: Where any former Confederate soldiers who later served in the post Civil War military ever awarded the Medal of Honor?? Thanks again for the video! John
Making Theodore Roosevelt Sr. and Jr. only the second father and son Medal of Honor recipients after Arthur and Douglas McArthur.
As stated, "Risking life Above & Beyond the Call of Duty" is the criteria for the award....actions such as this must be witnessed and documented for submission. Theodore Roosevelt was one of our greatest Presidents, and no doubt a brave combatant...However, only those who fought with him can attest to whether or not he deserved the award. Often facts get distorted and or forgotten in the fog of war.
I heard that Desi Arnaz's great-grandfather fought alongside Theodore Roosevelt marching up the San Juan Hill Cuba.
I am far from qualified to opine about the validity of Roosevelt's MOH (As are most all of the others commenting here, though they mostly don't know it).
But I will say that Theodore Roosevelt was an extraordinary figure in American history. His career had been one of exceptional excellence, perhaps beginning with his landmark history of the War of 1812, through his service as New York Governor, his actions during the Spanish American War, and and his Presidency. His progressive reforms likely saved the country from popular uprising (as were the reforms of his distant cousin Franklin a couple decades later), and if it were up to me, I'd give him a Presidential Medal of Freedom to go along with his other awards.
I do agree in principle that one should not lobby for such awards for themselves. This does damage his eventual receipt of the MOH. But since he abandoned his efforts to receive it, and it was not awarded until the better part of a century after he died, I will not discredit him for receiving it.
If there was one Medal Of Honor I would like to see rescinded, it would be the one awarded to Douglas MacArthur, as his poor management of American forces in The Philippines at the start of WWII caused a great setback to our efforts, and possibly caused a longer war in the Pacific theater.
Theodore Roosevelt was a Fabian Progressive Socialist who despised the Bill of Rights and believed fervently that he and other elites had a right to rule in society. The United States of America is a Socialist society that has not yet seen the destruction of the individual right to property, but if the 26th President has his way we would have lost our Bill of Rights during his time.
You need to do a story 9n Richard Richie. He won 2 medals of honors in 24 hrs. He is still alive and a friend of mine. He lives 8n Clovis, Ca
I only found out about this last week. How strange.
Well, something I did not know regarding TR. How did I miss this? Personally, I do not think he deserved the Medal of Honor. Thank you for reporting, Lance.
@@mikenixon2401 Why?
The awarding of the MOH should in no way be controversial. As a Marine officer who was awarded a combat medal noted, the award depends upon so many factors such as witnesses, popularity among fellow soldiers, and an efficient administration, it was really a matter of chance. If there is any doubt, then no. Too many medals are political today with medals being retroactively awarded because of skin color or revoked because the battle is today, considered disgraceful.
despite his earlier "reticence" should have been "Despite his earlier reluctance" Reticent means keeping quiet. Reluctance means, in military terms "slow to act"
Theodore Roosevelt Senior never
got the MOH. His son and grandson
did, however.
History deserves to be remembered,
correctly! (Finally found you making
a mistake. Took a long time, and only
this one.)
steve
It’s interesting to be able to hear a little bit about the men our military bases were named for. Fort Shafter and Fort Leonard Wood being 2 of them. And maybe “ Wheeler” whom Wheeler AFB which “butts” up to Schofield Barracks.
Wheeler field was named after an officer who died in an air crash on Ford island, not Joe Wheeler.
The proper name is Fort Lost in the Woods.
Theodore Roosevelt was Assistant Secretary of the Navy when the Maine sunk. His cousin, Franklin, held the same position when the Lusitania sunk.
Wood also coached football at Georgia Tech around the same time as Heisman, and later became Army Chief of Staff
Round robin letters were a common way to put many individuals on the record. A letter would be circulated to many recipients in order to acquire signatures. In the original version, which began in France in the 1500s, signatories would add their names in a circle around the outside edge of the body of the letter because that made it difficult for recipients to determine who signed first, and might therefore be a ringleader.
Theodore Roosevelt is the only US President to have been awarded both the medal of honor and the Nobel peace prize. His son Theodore Jr was also awarded the medal of honor for his actions on D Day. FLY NAVY!!!
I don’t think he deserved it using the standard of today. But given that Daniel Sickles was also awarded it for his actions at Gettysburg…I think TR was more deserving!
It is interesting to note the other commendations for valor (Bronze Star, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross) that have been established since the Medal of Honor (what is now the highest honor, used to be the only…)
Some in the Civil War were award for “capturing” (picking up a fallen) flag….yet Alonso Cushing wouldn’t be honored until 150 years later (a history of him and his family would make a great episode!)
I think whether it was 1898 or 2001 I believe that Teddy probably would have very gratefully declined it.
You're right but I'm sure that if he had been alive when it was given to him that he would have accepted it.Arrogance at it worst.
Cool intro
That was really interesting... you would think Roosevelt being awarded the MOH would be mentioned in High School history classes, when talking about his history, but it's not... well,at least not when I was in school. BTW... that's some cool cuff links you have there!
So, did he deserve it? I have mixed feelings, but the thing that spoiled it for me is that he acted like a spoiled child being denied a toy, saying "I am entitled to the Medal of Honor, and I want it"
Nice.
I was awarded a Gold Star on my forehead for coming in first in the 3rd grade spelling bee!
He should have got something for the national parks also.
He got the Medal of Honor and the Nobel Peace Prize. I think he's got enough. :)
He did. A bust on mount Rushmore.
lol.
The more I hear about Roosevelt the more I think that he is one of the greatest American presidents in history.
as a veteran of war - I have seen bravery, I have seen fools! at times it is very difficult to tell the differnce - you are trained to react, be ready, but when God deems it some fall for little reason and other remain to clean up, or be honored! as for "Teddy" it is too late for me to tell you what was correct!
No! My sister-in-law’s great grandfather was part of the rough riders. He said it was not a giant war, and most of the Spaniards were gone
From what I've read, most living recipients aren't happy with getting the MOH, and some consider it a curse.
Some say that about the Victoria Cross too. And unlike the MOH, Victoria Crosses can be sold on, and more than one was to help out that man's family by the recipient himself.
Disagree, it comes with a stipend and the receipants children can go to a military academy. Most say they wear it for the others that didn't make it.
He😂History Guy 🤓 I have a 1st printing of The Rough Riders with a short handwritten letter stating this book as a gift 🎁
I am glad it was awarded in 2001.
I had thought that JFK had this award! Interesting.
Not gonna say he didnt deserve the Medal, but others, some who didnt come home, deserved it equally or more. As president, he could given them the recognition they deserved.
As a 24 year Vet I say that his insistence that he deserved the Medal of Honor tells me that he didn't.
How would you know? Were you at the San Juan Heights in 1898?
Yours is by far the dumbest comment on this page.
@@Frankie5Angels150 Just because I was not there does not mean that I don't have some insight to the situation, That is a absurd comment. Really My comment is the Dumbest, your ignorance tell me all I need to know. You obviously were not a veteran. It is one thing to say you deserve to get a Medal of any kind and something totally different to campaign for it.
Maybe you should reflect on your own statement, “How would you know?”
@@Frankie5Angels150 Not even close.Roosevelt didn't deserve the MOH.Anyone who campaigns for and demands that medal does NOT deserve it.
He always kind of was a politician at heart. I think they used to hand those out a bit differently back the too. But I see where you're coming from. I'm sure there have been a few controversial medals handed out. Not just the MOH.
In comparison to Eisenhower, he never needed one to become president. But was the leader through a much different war. He still used WWII to help him become president. So they're both kind of scummy?
@@Law0086 All politician use the military serves to some extent to get elected. Weather that is good or bad, is up many factors, but mostly to each voter. How much we except this use or abuse often depends on how we feel about personally or their political service.
Those who clamor for a specific military award are usually unworthy of it. Let one’s peers have a deciding vote and they will look up to the awardee as deserving of it.
T. Roosevelt is without a doubt my favorite U.S. President, I wish those who presume to think they are worthy to aspire to that honored position would take lessons from him. Did or does he deserve a MoH? No, when you look at those he fought beside who did not get it and their actions, compare it to his, he was no better than some and considerably better than most, but not MoH material. He was a Great leader, without a doubt, but you do not get a MoH for that or there would be so many handed out that it would have lost it's value long ago. Is getting one a political game? Probably, and in the end, he won the bigger political game, he won the presidency, but he won an even bigger political game. He won the biggest political prize you can, people remember his name with fondness and pride, unlike those who were making decisions about his MoH at the time when he was trying so hard to get it who only historians remember, and even then just barely and not always nicely.
To be totally fair, the Medal of Honor wasn't what it is now. While it is harsh to say the requriements were "easier"; it was oringally, essentially a "gold star" - higher than a modern Silver Star, but did not then require the extraordinary feats of bravery as it does now. It didn't really become rare and mythic until WW I.
It was previously a bravery award; not "common" but also not singular. There were hundreds given out during the Civil War. This is why there was a "housekeeping" of recipients from the Civil War. It wasn't that nearly half of the recipients deserved nothing, it was that their actions didn't necessarily rise the the statutory MOH requiremets. Their awards were generally "downgraded" a notch or two.
Having read extensively about the CMH and being a veteran myself; I have far more regard for the CIB.
How about a video on father-son MOH winners.