Rohrkaste, Ronald Edward
Army Private 1st class
Ronald Edward Rohrkaste, age 20, from Edwardsville, Illinois, Madison county.
Service era: Vietnam
Military history: 35th Infantry Regiment
Date of death: Friday, February 9, 1968
Death details: Bronze Star citation: For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Rohrkaste distinguished himself while serving as an Infantryman with Company C, 1/35th Infantry. On 9 February 1968, Company C was conducting a search and destroy operation a few miles west of Hoi An. As the forward element cautiously moved through a small abandoned village, it was subjected to intense hostile automatic weapon and recoilless rifle fire from well-concealed positions in the village. Private First Class Rohrkaste reacted immediately, placing effective return fire on the hostile positions. He maintained fire superiority long enough to allow his comrades to maneuver into effective positions safely. The enemy, recognizing his effectiveness against them, launched a ground assault on his position. Private First Class Rohrkaste courageously maintained his position against the advancing enemy. He eliminated several of the enemy soldiers, causing the remaining hostile elements to withdraw to a trench line complex nearby. Seeing several of his comrades injured and lying in the open, Private First Class Rohrkaste again exposed himself to the hostile fire to reach the wounded men. After checking their wounds, he moved them to safety. As he brought the last wounded man to safety, he was mortally wounded by hostile small arms fire. His efforts contributed immeasurably to the successful defeat of the hostile assault and clearly prevented more serious casualties. Private First Class Rohrkaste’s personal bravery, concern for the welfare of his comrades, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Cemetery: Bartlett Cemetery in Pin Oak Township
Source: National Archives, 35th Infantry Regiment Association
Ronnie was my fiancee and we were to be married when he would come home. He was so sweet, cared about people and loved children. I can see in helping the solders to a safe place. That was Ronnie. Proud to be an American. I miss him everyday.