Robert Roth

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Bio

Robert Roth’s journey to Korea began at Bloomsburg State College, where he played football on a scholarship. As a freshman, limited playing time led him to leave college and pursue semi-professional football in Pennsylvania’s coal regions. This decision made him eligible for the draft, and in January 1951, Robert was called to serve in the United States Army for two years.

He completed basic training at Camp Polk in Louisiana, then moved with his unit to Fort Benning, Georgia, where they performed artillery demonstrations. By March 1952, Robert and his unit were on their way to Korea—first flying to Washington, then embarking by ship to Incheon. Once in Korea, they were deployed to the front lines near Seoul, in the Kumhwa Valley, a perilous area known as no-man’s land.

Robert’s assignment was in communications, commanding six crews tasked with laying vital communication wires throughout no-man’s land. These night missions, often carried out under the threat of mortar fire, required courage and precision. His leadership and success in the field earned him additional responsibilities, and by the time of his discharge, he was leading approximately 35 men. Robert left Korea in January 1953, carrying with him the respect of his peers and a legacy of steadfast service under fire.