Robert Leonard Gorell was born on June 14, 1925, in Sacramento County, California. He was the son of Anthony Richard Gorell.

Robert resided in Santa Clara County, California, prior to the war. He enlisted in the Army on January 31, 1944, at the Presidio Of Monterey, California. He was noted, at the time of his enlistment, as being Single, without dependents. He served as a Private First Class, Company H, 397th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, during World War II.

PFC Gorell was Killed in Action on January 8, 1945, near Rimling, France, during the war. He is now buried in the Epinal American Cemetery, Dinozé, France.

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Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Private First Class Robert L. Gorell (ASN: 19187333), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 397th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 7 and 8 January 1945, in the vicinity of Rimling, France. Private First Class Gorell'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, the 100th Infantry Division, and the United States Army. General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Forces-European Theater, General Orders No. 281 (1945)

Action Date: January 7 & 8, 1945
Service: Army
Rank: Private First Class
Company: Company H
Regiment: 397th Infantry Regiment
Division: 100th Infantry Division

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.abmc.gov