Shortly after the company had occupied the hill, the Germans launched the first of a series of determined counterattacks to regain this dominating height.

During the sixth counterattack, the enemy, by using flamethrowers and taking advantage of the fog, succeeded in overrunning the position.

Roeder led his men in a fierce battle at close quarters, to repulse the attack with heavy losses to the Germans.

Roeder dragged himself to the door of the command post and, picking up a rifle, braced himself in a sitting position.

He began firing his weapon, shouted words of encouragement, and issued orders to his men.

Roeder's able and intrepid leadership his men held Mount Battaglia against the aggressive and fanatical enemy attempts to retake this important and strategic height.