Medal of Honor, social work and service

Gordon Roberts’ life story is one of service. An Army soldier for 44 years and social worker for 18, he has dedicated his adult life to supporting his country and the American people. In 1968, just three days after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army and volunteered to deploy to Vietnam. He served in the same company as his father, carrying on the proud tradition of service within his family.

Evacuated wounded soldiers

When he was 20 years old, Roberts received the Medal of Honor by President Nixon for his actions in July 1969: “Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”

During a rescue mission, a fellow company was trapped by heavy gunfire in A Shau Valley, Southern Vietnam. Without regard to his personal safety, Roberts fought his way through enemy fire to the pinned-down company in need of rescue. He established a secure perimeter and helped move wounded soldiers to a safe evacuation area.

Roberts finished his tour of duty in 1971 and later received a direct commission in the Ohio Army National Guard, and re-entered active duty service as Major Roberts in 1991. He retired from active service in May 2012.

Roberts continued his education and completed a master’s degree in social work at the University of Cincinnati. His social work career began in southwestern Ohio where he worked as a probation officer. Much of his experience centered around alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence and mental health.

The field of social work has changed since Roberts began his practice. “Everyone in both clinical and outpatient settings understood the importance of social work, but it was mostly filled with good-hearted individuals with little in the way of a common core of education and standards. A very long road has been taken to where we are today,” he shared.

“Oceans of time away from family and friends.”

Roberts has advice for social workers today:

“Develop a greater understanding of today’s military operations. The tempo of our military is nothing short of extraordinary. Our service members are operating at a pace far beyond what we have seen in the past. What must be kept in mind is that soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen are not simply oceans of distance away from home but oceans of time away from family and friends with all the attendant issues that come with that. 

“Take care of yourself. In the resource constrained environment of any large organization, it is quite easy to get lost in the paperwork and other administrative requirements. Spend an hour every day sitting in the patient waiting/common areas and find a new friend. They are there just as willing to extend a helping hand as you are.”

Recently, the Ohio National Guard Armory located in Lebanon, Ohio, was renamed after Colonel Roberts as part of the Army Memorial Program which provides a permanent lasting honor to distinguished personnel who serve with valor and merit.