Needham Roberts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Needham Roberts
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Roberts as depicted in the May 1919 edition of The Crisis
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| Born | April 28, 1901 Trenton, New Jersey, US |
| Died | April 18, 1949 (aged 47) Newark, New Jersey, US |
| Buried |
Fairmount Cemetery, Newark, New Jersey, US
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1917–1919 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit |  New York Army National Guard
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| Wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Purple Heart Croix de guerre |
Needham Roberts (born April 28, 1901 – died April 18, 1949) was a brave American soldier. He was part of a famous group called the Harlem Hellfighters during World War I. He received two important awards, the Purple Heart and the Croix de Guerre, for his amazing courage.
Early Life and Joining the Army
Needham Roberts was born in Trenton, New Jersey, on April 28, 1901. His parents were Emma and Reverend Norman Roberts. They had moved to New Jersey from North Carolina. Sometimes, Needham spelled his first name "Neadom." This is how it appears on his grave.
Needham grew up on Wilson Street in Trenton. He finished Lincoln Elementary School. He also went to high school but left early to start working. He first worked as a bellhop in a hotel. Later, he became a clerk in a drugstore.
When the United States joined World War I in 1917, Needham was only 16. He lied about his age so he could join the United States Army. He was assigned to the 369th Infantry Regiment. This unit was part of the 92nd Division.
Heroism in World War I
On May 14, 1918, Private Needham Roberts and Private William Henry Johnson were on guard duty. A group of 24 German soldiers attacked them. Even though they were badly hurt, Roberts and Johnson fought off the entire enemy patrol.
Because of their incredible bravery, both soldiers received the Croix de guerre from France. Later, in 1932, they also received the Purple Heart from the United States. Henry Johnson received his Purple Heart after he had passed away. Johnson also received the Distinguished Service Cross in 2002, and the Medal of Honor in 2015.
Life After the War
Needham Roberts was disabled because of the wounds he received in the war. This made it hard for him to keep a steady job. Sometimes, he gave paid talks about his experiences during the war.
In the early 1940s, he gave speeches and radio addresses. He did this to help the Army recruit African-Americans for World War II.
Death and Burial
Needham Roberts passed away in Newark, New Jersey, on April 18, 1949. He was buried at Fairmount Cemetery in Newark.
