Theodore Roosevelt Jr.: The Life of a War Hero - Hardcover

Armed with a cane for his arthritis in one hand and a pistol in the other, fifty-six year-old Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. won the Medal of Honor at Normandy, the oldest American on the beach. Namesake and eldest son of President Theodore Roosevelt, Ted became the youngest regimental commander in World War I. After the war he was drawn into politics becoming assistant secretary of the navy - succeeding his cousin in a position once held by father. Early in 1941, despite his failing health (poor eyesight, a fibrillating heart and arthritis so bad he had to use a cane) he managed to persuade the war department to let him back into active service. Promoted to Brigadier General, he fought in North Africa and Sicily with the 1st Infantry Division. At Normandy this heroic man was not only the oldest, but also the only general officer to land on Utah beach. His courageous leadership there earned him the Medal of Honor, an award awarded posthumously as he died of a heart attack on 12 June 1944.

H. Paul Jeffers is the author of over twenty books including several on Theodore Roosevelt Sr. He lives in New York City.