Ranger Infantry Company of the Korean War

Ranger Hall of Fame

SERGEANT ROBERT JAMES GEER

Sergeant Robert J. Geer distinguished himself during combat action during the Korean War while serving as a member of the 1st Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne). On 13-15 February 1951, Chinese communist forces completely surrounded the communications hub located at Chip Yong Ni, Korea. The 23rd Regimental Combat Team, with the 1st Ranger Infantry Company in RCT Reserve, surrounded by a numerically superior Chinese force set up their defensive position around Chip Yong Ni. The RCT dug in and held against continuous day and night human wave attacks. At approximately midnight, 14-15 February, the perimeter was breached as two rifle companies of the 2nd Battalion were overrun by Chinese forces. The RCT Commander, unwilling to commit his entire reserve ordered one platoon of Rangers to retake the lost position. The platoon leader was killed in action. The Rangers continued their vigorous attack against heavy automatic weapons, grenade and mortar fire. The left flank was pinned down as both enemy and friendly support fire rained in. As the platoon sergeant and both remaining squad leaders were wounded in action, SGT Geer assumed command and continued the attack. The few surviving Rangers drove the enemy from the hill killing many in the process. As SGT Geer was organizing a defense an enemy grenade exploded near his face and tore out his left eye. His weapon was also destroyed by the blast. Now blind in one eye with vision in the remaining eye blurred, he took up a BAR and continued to deliver devastating fire upon the enemy. By now all but one of his small force were dead or wounded. Under SGT Geer’s direction the living continued to deliver fire on the enemy. As their ammunition was expended, SGT Geer ordered the few survivors off the hill. He covered their withdrawal until his own ammunition was expended. Sergeant Geer then assisted his wounded brother off the hill. Still under aimed enemy fire SGT Geer’s brother was killed, hit again by a round through the heart. Without SGT Geer’s determination and leadership the enemy would have penetrated the RCT perimeter. Ranger Geer by his actions “saved the day that night”. “I will continue the mission though I be the lone survivor”.

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!!