08/07/2026
🇺🇸 HONORING OUR HEROES: SGT. 1ST CLASS RONALD E. ROSSER
As we continue our Honoring Our Heroes series, Oakdale VFW Post 2922 remembers an extraordinary American soldier and fellow VFW member: Sgt. 1st Class Ronald E. Rosser, Medal of Honor recipient and Korean War veteran.
Rosser was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1929, one of 17 children. He joined the U.S. Army at only 17 years old. After completing his first enlistment, he returned to civilian life and worked as a coal miner.
Then his younger brother Richard was killed in Korea.
Rosser reenlisted and volunteered for combat duty.
On January 12, 1952, Corporal Rosser was serving as a forward observer with the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, near Ponggilli, Korea. His unit came under devastating fire while attempting to seize heavily fortified enemy positions.
Armed initially with a carbine and a gr***de, Rosser charged the enemy positions. He exhausted his ammunition, returned through enemy fire for more, and then fought his way back up the hill — three separate times.
Although wounded himself, Rosser repeatedly crossed exposed ground under fire to help evacuate other wounded soldiers. His actions that day helped save the lives of men fighting beside him.
On June 27, 1952, President Harry S. Truman presented Ronald Rosser with the Medal of Honor at the White House for gallantry above and beyond the call of duty.
Rosser went on to make the Army his career, ultimately retiring as a Sergeant First Class. After military service, he spent years sharing his experiences with students, soldiers and communities, speaking about honor, service and the choices we make in life. He also established scholarship programs honoring his brothers Richard and Gary, both of whom died while serving their country.
He remained active in veterans organizations throughout his life and was a Life Member of VFW Post 3297 in Ohio.
Ronald Rosser died on August 26, 2020, at the age of 90.
This August, as our Post continues working to preserve the stories of the men and women who served before us, we remember Ronald Rosser not simply for the medal he wore, but for the courage, humility and service it represented.
May his legacy never be forgotten.
🇺🇸 FOR GOD • FOR COUNTRY • FOR COMRADES
