James L. Robinson was born on October 8, 1912. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a First Lieutenant in Company K, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. On June 6, 1944, 1LT Robinson’s unit was in action against German forces at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. The 1st Infantry Division and one regimental combat team from the 29th Infantry Division comprised the first wave of troops that assaulted German Army defenses on Omaha Beach. After his commanding officer was wounded, 1LT Robinson assumed immediate control of Company K and moved up and down the fire-swept beach to reorganize the unit for an attack. Advancing forward, Company K was pinned down by heavy machine gun and rifle fire from a concrete pillbox. 1LT Robinson single-handedly crawled through a dense minefield to a point 100 yards from the German emplacement and engaged it with his rifle. During this diversion, 1LT Robinson's men approached the hostile position from the flanks. While leading his company in an assault upon the pillbox, 1LT Robinson was mortally wounded by German sniper fire. 1LT Robinson’s bold, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Distinguished Service Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James L. Robinson (ASN: 0-1296583), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. On D-Day, First Lieutenant Robinson assumed immediate control of his company, after his commanding officer was wounded, and moved up and down the fire-swept beach to reorganize the unit for an attack. Advancing forward, the company was pinned down by heavy machine gun and rifle fire from a concrete pillbox. First Lieutenant Robinson, displaying superb courage, crawled through a dense minefield to a point 100 yards from the emplacement and engaged it single-handedly with his rifle. Under his diversion, his men approached the hostile position from the flanks. While personally leading his company in an assault upon the pillbox, First Lieutenant Robinson was mortally wounded by sniper fire. The personal bravery, tenacity of purpose and inspiring leadership displayed by First Lieutenant Robinson are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces. Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 78 (1944)
Source of information: http://www.militaryhallofhonor.com/honoree-record.php?id=315772