Robert E Simanek was born April 26, 1930, and grew up in Detroit. He grew up with three brothers and his family all served in the military. It was something that they grew up knowing they would do.  Two older brothers serviced in World War II and he and his youngest brother both served  in Korea. 

Simanek went to Parris Island following graduating from High school and upon recruit training graduation he went to his initial training at Camp Pendleton. He was a rifleman and his primary weapon was a browning automatic.  He also served as a radio man with a 45 pistol.  

His Yolk,  but not for the kind of fighting that we were doing.  

In 1952, as a 22-year old private 1st class, Simanek had been in Korea for three months when his squad was ambushed by Chinese troops on a walk to an outpost station. 

With the squad ambushed and split up,  the machine gunner was shot and killed right behind him, the rest retreated down the hill, the men in front of them trying to find cover in a trench up the hill.  Simanek went left and saw Chinese officers who he  popped up several times to shoot at emptying his pistol and then had grenades' come flying at him. 

He decided to pop up, fire several time, pop down and then crawled a few yards to not be shot at directly. Two grenades came flying as he was in a trench with other men and he was able to kick one away and not thinking he could do so to the second grenade he decide to cover the second grenade to protect the other men in the trench. 

Already wounded by shrapnel, he threw himself onto a grenade to absorb the blast and save his fellow servicemen from injury or death. The other four men with him were able to get down the hill and Simanek was able to using the radio to direct tank fire along with a relief party that eventually was able to evacuate the men along with Simanek. 

Simanek survived while sustaining serious leg wounds. He was flown out on a chopper, eventually transfered to the United States for medical treatment and after nearly a year-long recovery, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in a ceremony at the White House.

His citation read: 
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company F, in action against enemy aggressor forces. While accompanying a patrol en route to occupy a combat outpost forward of friendly lines, Pfc. Simanek exhibited a high degree of courage and a resolute spirit of self-sacrifice in protecting the lives of his fellow marines. With his unit ambushed by an intense concentration of enemy mortar and small-arms fire, and suffering heavy casualties, he was forced to seek cover with the remaining members of the patrol in a nearby trench line. Determined to save his comrades when a hostile grenade was hurled into their midst, he unhesitatingly threw himself on the deadly missile absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his body and shielding his fellow marines from serious injury or death. Gravely wounded as a result of his heroic action, Pfc. Simanek, by his daring initiative and great personal valor in the face of almost certain death, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Robert E Simanek died on August 1, 2022. 


A graphic illustration of the future expeditionary sea base USS Robert E Simanek, scheduled for completion in 2024. U.S. Navy Graphic, U.S. Navy

future expeditionary sea base USS Robert E Simanek, scheduled for completion in 2024

Great Lakes National Cemetery

CITATION
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company F, in action against enemy aggressor forces. While accompanying a patrol en route to occupy a combat outpost forward of friendly lines, Pfc. Simanek exhibited a high degree of courage and a resolute spirit of self-sacrifice in protecting the lives of his fellow marines. With his unit ambushed by an intense concentration of enemy mortar and small-arms fire, and suffering heavy casualties, he was forced to seek cover with the remaining members of the patrol in a nearby trench line. Determined to save his comrades when a hostile grenade was hurled into their midst, he unhesitatingly threw himself on the deadly missile absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his body and shielding his fellow marines from serious injury or death. Gravely wounded as a result of his heroic action, Pfc. Simanek, by his daring initiative and great personal valor in the face of almost certain death, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

ROBERT ERNEST SIMANEK
DETAILS
RANK: PRIVATE FIRST CLASS
CONFLICT/ERA: KOREAN WAR
UNIT/COMMAND:
2D SQUAD, 2D PLATOON, COMPANY F, 2D BATTALION, 5TH MARINES,
1ST MARINE DIVISION (REIN)
MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. MARINE CORPS
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: AUGUST 17, 1952
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: OUTPOST IRENE, KOREA


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