Robert Lester Blackwell was born on October 4, 1895 and was the son of a tenant farmer. On October 11, 1918, near St. Souplet, France, his unit Co. K 119th Infantry 30th Division was cut off and faced destruction. The Officer in charge sent a man for help and he was killed. He sent another and he was killed. Then he called for volunteers and Lester tried to get through. He lost his life for he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The memorial is sponsored by the Lester Blackwell Post 138.
Installation Date:
11 Nov 1965
Organization Responsible for Installation:
American Legion Post 138
Memorial War Era(s):
- WWI
Memorial Condition:
Good
Website:
http://docsouth.unc.edu/commland/monument/496
Location:
The memorial is located on the courthouse square in downtown Roxboro, NC near the intersection of Main Street and Abbitt Street.