Robert E. Simanek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert E. Simanek
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| Birth name | Robert Ernest Simanek |
| Born | 26 April 1930 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | 1 August 2022 (aged 92) Novi, Michigan, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1951–1953 |
| Rank | Private first class |
| Unit | 2nd Battalion 5th Marines |
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Robert Ernest Simanek (born April 26, 1930 – died August 1, 2022) was a brave U.S. Marine. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for military bravery in the United States. He earned this award for his heroic actions during the Korean War.
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Early Life and Joining the Marines
Robert Simanek was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 26, 1930. He finished high school in 1948. Before joining the military, he worked for big car companies like Ford Motor Company and General Motors. On August 13, 1951, he decided to join the United States Marine Corps.
Serving in the Marine Corps
Simanek completed his basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina in October 1951. The next month, he went to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California for more training. In April 1952, he sailed to Korea. He joined Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines on May 6. He had already earned two battle stars before the brave act that won him the Medal of Honor.
A Heroic Act in Korea
On August 18, 1952, Simanek was with his unit, Company F, during the Battle of Bunker Hill. His patrol went ahead of their main lines to set up an outpost. Suddenly, the Marines were caught in a trap. Enemy soldiers attacked them with grenades and gunfire.
To save his friends, Simanek bravely threw himself on an enemy grenade. This action protected his fellow Marines from the explosion. He was severely wounded in his legs because of his heroic deed.
Recovery and Recognition
After being wounded, Simanek received medical care on a hospital ship called USS Haven. He also got treatment in Japan. In September 1952, he returned to the United States. He stayed in hospitals in California and Illinois until March 1, 1953, when he was retired from service due to his injuries.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower personally gave Simanek the Medal of Honor. This special ceremony took place at the White House on October 27, 1953. Simanek was the 36th Marine to receive this top award during the Korean War.
Besides the Medal of Honor, Simanek also received other awards. These included the Purple Heart for his injuries. He also got the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
Life After the Military
In 1956, Robert Simanek married Nancy Middleton. They were married until Nancy passed away in 2020. They had one child, a daughter named Ann.
After leaving the military, Simanek went to college. He earned a degree in business management from Wayne State University. He then worked in the auto industry again. Later, he worked for the Small Business Administration, which helps small businesses.
Robert Simanek passed away on August 1, 2022, in Novi, Michigan. He was 92 years old. At the time of his death, only 65 people who had received the Medal of Honor were still alive.
Medal of Honor Story
Robert Simanek earned the Medal of Honor for his incredible bravery. He was with his Marine unit in Korea when they walked into an enemy ambush. There was heavy enemy fire and many Marines were getting hurt.
When an enemy grenade landed near his group, Private First Class Simanek acted quickly. He bravely threw himself onto the grenade. This selfless act absorbed the explosion and saved his fellow Marines from serious injury or death. Even though he was badly wounded, his courage inspired everyone around him. His actions showed the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
On January 15, 2021, the United States Secretary of the Navy announced a special honor for Simanek. A new Navy ship, an Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB-7), would be named USS Robert E. Simanek in his honor.
See also
