Remembering Technician Fifth Grade Robert D. Maxwell

Technician Fifth Grade Maxwell was awarded the Medal of Honor in May 1945 in one of the last pronouncements President Franklin Roosevelt made before his death. Technician Maxwell was part of Operation Dragoon, the landing in Southern France by the Allies in June 1944. In their sweep through Eastern France they encountered stiff resistance as they headed toward Germany, and in September 1944, Technician Maxwell saved the lives of several of his fellow soldiers by falling on a live grenade right before it was about to explode. His heroism also prevented the destruction of a vital military communications installation.