Memorial

More information

Pvt Robert Lee Rutledge was born December 20, 1916, in Lumpkin, Stewart Co., Georgia, son of Walter Cumbie & Fannie Mae Dunaway Rutledge. He graduated from Stewart County High School, class of 1934. He married Marguerite Cannington on December 25, 1937. They had two children, "Ginger" and Robert Leron "Bubba" Rutledge.

In April 1944 he enlisted with the U.S. Army, stationed at Ft. McClellan, Alabama; then was assigned to Ft. Meade, Maryland before going overseas in September 1944. He served with the US Army's 48th INF BN, 7th ARMD Division in France, Belgium & Holland. While fighting an intense action against a brutal attack by two German Divisions he was killed in action on October 29, 1944, in the vicinity of Meijel, Holland.The 48th Armored Infantry was ordered to Meijel to protect the right flank of the northbound force, along a series of canals, marshes and minefields. While in defensive positions, an armored German force attacked across the canals.

On March 22, 1945 his death was reported in his hometown newspaper, The Stewart-Webster journal. The newspaper stated, "Robert was a good citizen, who believed in the highest ideals of integrity and loyalty in every relationship of life. His quite, courteous and unassuming manner, his principals of honest clean living endeared him to his family and to his friends. He answered the call for fearless men who are not afraid to die for a just and right cause. His clean life, his conscientious service for his country and his death in young manhood are a challenge to the hearts of those who knew him. Robert will not return, but the principles for which he lived, fought, and died will live on in the memory of all."

When visiting the cemetery in 2005 for Memorial Day, President Bush said the following on Pvt Rutledge:
"Private Robert Lee Rutledge was one of those soldiers. He gave his life fighting against a brutal attack by two Nazi divisions. Weeks before he died, he wrote a letter to his daughter on her fifth birthday. The letter was addressed to little Ginger Rutledge in Lumpkin, Georgia. Private Rutledge told his daughter, "You're too young to understand it now, but you will later. It's all for your benefit. You came into a free world, and I want you to finish in one."

Sixty years later, Ginger is still free, and she does understand. And so do her three children and eight grandchildren. Private Rutledge did his job well, and the men who fought and bled and died here with him accomplished what they came for. The free America that Ginger grew up in was saved by their courage. The free Europe where many of them lie buried was built on their sacrifice. And the free and peaceful world that we hope to leave to our own children is inspired by their example."