Charles DuVal Roberts

Charles DuVal Roberts (June 18, 1873 – October 24, 1966) was a highly decorated officer in the United States Army with the rank of brigadier general. He received the Medal of Honor for valor in action on July 1, 1898, near El Caney, Cuba, during Spanish–American War.

Roberts, a West Point alumni, participated in the numerous conflicts and reached the general's rank following the World War I. He commanded famous 1st Infantry Division and completed his career in 1937 as commanding general, Washington Military District.

Early life and career Roberts was born at Cheyenne Agency, South Dakota, on June 18, 1873, the son of Cyrus Swan Roberts and Nannie Rollins DuVal. His father was a distinguished Union Civil War Veteran and retired from active service as brigadier general. His mother was a daughter of United States judge Thomas H. DuVal of Austin, Texas. Young Charles attended spent his childhood on various U.S. Army posts on the Western Frontier and accompanied his father to Mexico during the Apache Wars 1886 expedition under Major general George Crook. The expedition resulted in the surrender of the Apache Chief, Geronimo.

Roberts graduated on June 11, 1897, with Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned second lieutenant in the Infantry Branch. He was assigned to the 17th Infantry Regiment, the same unit, which his father joined following the Civil War. Roberts subsequently sailed with the regiment to Cuba in 1898 and took part in the combat operations during the Spanish–American War.

Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 17th U.S. Infantry. Place and date: At El Caney, Cuba, 1 July 1898. Entered service at: Fort D. A. Russell, Wyo. Birth: Fort D. A. Russell, Wyo. Date of issue: 21 June 1899.

Citation:

Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines under heavy fire of the enemy.