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WORLD WAR II GYRENE PHOTO ALBUM
page 33
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Col James Roosevelt, USMCR |
 James Roosevelt was the eldest son of President and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt and was born on 23 December 1907. He joined the Marine Corps Reserve in 1936. He went on active duty in 1940 and was one of the pioneers of the Marine Raiders, serving with the 2nd Raider Battalion as the executive officer under the legendary Evans Carlson. Roosevelt went overseas with the Raiders in 1942 and took part in the raid on Makin, and the Guadalcanal campaign. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism during the Makin operation. The citation read as follows:
"The Navy Cross is presented to James Roosevelt, Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as second in command of the Second Marine Raider Battalion against enemy Japanese armed forces on Makin island. Risking his own life over and beyond the ordinary call of duty, Major Roosevelt continually exposed himself to intense machine-gun and sniper fire to ensure effective control of operations from the command post. As a result of his successful maintenance of communications with his supporting vessels, two enemy surface ships, whose presence was reported, were destroyed by gun fire. Later during evacuation, he displayed exemplary courage in personally rescuing three men from drowning in the heavy surf. His gallant conduct and his inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
He returned to the United States in October 1942 and assumed command of the newly activated 4th Raider Battalion. He went back to the South Pacific with his battalion, but was stricken by illness and sent back stateside in February 1943. After recuperating, Roosevelt was assigned as a staff officer. In November 1943, Roosevelt was attached to the Army 27th Infantry Division as a liaison officer during Operation Galvanic. He landed with the Army's 165th Regimental Combat Team on Makin Atoll and was later cited with the Silver Star for his gallantry in combat. His citation read in part:
“….(He) voluntarily sought out the scene of the heaviest fighting. Throughout the three-day period, he continually accompanied the landing elements of the assault, exposing himself to constant danger. His calmness under fire and presence among the foremost elements of the attacking force was a source of inspiration to all ranks.”
Following Galvanic, Roosevelt returned to staff duty and received a promotion to colonel in April 1944. After the war, Roosevelt returned to civilian life, but remained in the Marine Corps reserve, retiring 1959 as a brigadier general. From 1955 to 1965 he served as a Congressman from the state of California. He had seven children and passed away in April 1991 as the last surviving child of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt.
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Maj Roosevelt as he appeared during the defense of Midway in June 1942. The 2nd Raider Bn sent Companies C and D, plus a headquarters detachment, to provide an infantry element for the defense of ground installations on Midway. Still image from US Navy combat camera film |
 The Makin raid took place from 17 to 18 August 1942. Under the command of LtCol Evans Carlson and his executive officer, Maj Jimmie Roosevelt, the 2nd Raider Battalion, with 219 embarked Marines, sailed from Pearl Harbor aboard the submarines USS Nautilus (SS-168) and USS Argonaut (SS-166). They landed in rubber boats on the target island in the Gilbert Islands and suffered 30 Marines killed and 18 wounded as a result of this action.
Awards included one posthumous Medal of Honor, 23 Navy Crosses – five posthumously – and seven Silver Stars. In the above photo, Carlson and Roosevelt pose with the captured Japanese flag that flew above the enemy garrison on Makin. Following the raid, Roosevelt presented this flag to his father, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, during a trip to Washington, DC. USMC Photo
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LtCol Roosevelt in 1943 while in command of the 4th Raider Battalion at MCB San Diego, California. He took command of this outfit from its activation in San Diego on 23 October 1942. This photo was part of a Life Magazine article about the Marine Raiders. |
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LtCol Roosevelt (center) in 1943 while in command of the 4th Raider Battalion at MCB San Diego, California. With him are two of his officers.
At left pointing is 1stLt Joseph Fournier, USMCR. Following his service with the 4th Raider Battalion, Fournier was assigned as Commanding Officer, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was killed in action on 19 September 1944 during the invasion of Peleliu. For his outstanding heroism in combat, Fournier received a posthumous Navy Cross. This photo was part of a Life Magazine article about the Marine Raiders. |
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Marine Raiders in training during 1943 at Marine Corps Base, San Diego. These men epitomize the ethos of the Raider concept—small groups of highly trained, motivated Marines to perform long-range strikes from the sea. This photo was part of a Life Magazine article about the Marine Raiders.
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