Menu
  • Abous us
  • Search database
  • Resources
  • Donate
  • Faq

Hall Roderick Stephen Goodspeed “Steve”

Name:
Roderick Stephen Goodspeed “Steve”  Hall
Rank:
Captain
Serial Number:
O-1114150
Unit:
2677th OSS Regiment
Date of Death:
1945-02-20
State:
Connecticut
Cemetery:
Florence American Cemetery, Impruneta, Florence, Italy
Plot:
D
Row:
10
Grave:
22
Decoration:
Legion of Merit, Purple Heart
Comments:

Born in Beijing, China in August 1915, Hall was an OSS operative in WW2 (the OSS was a predecessor to the CIA) and leader of Operation Group Eagle. There is a good deal of information regarding Hall on this link to the CIA website, C.I.A.: Center for the Study of Intelligence *HALL, RODERICK S. G. (KIA) Synopsis: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Roderick S. G. Hall (0-1114150), Captain (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 2677th Regiment, Office of Strategic Services, in action from 2 August 1944 to 27 January 1945, in Italy. Volunteering for a special mission into enemy-occupied territory, Captain Hall parachuted into the region southeast of the Brenner Pass on 2 August 1944 for the purpose of disrupting enemy communications routes. Remaining as a lone allied officer in this mountainous area and repeatedly exposing himself to capture by an enemy constantly seeking him, he interrupted communications, collected and relayed intelligence information, demolished enemy installations and facilities and organized and operated with partisan bands intent on inflicting the utmost damage to the hostile occupying forces. Constantly eluding capture and frequently exposed to the severe winter weather, he was reported to have been wounded twice and to have seriously frozen his feet during his gallant missions. Captain Hall's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Department of the Army, General Orders No. 85 (September 25, 1951) Home Town: Fairfield County, Connecticut Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (WWII), Legion of Merit, Purple Heart