[The Wolf]

Teddy Roosevelt's son, Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt, Junior, was the hero of Utah Beach during the Normandy invasion, personally leading Anerican forces off the beach on foot with only a pistol and while using a cane, thereby winning the Medal of Honor and the admiration of all who saw him do it. General George Patton, who didn't like him, later said that TR Jr. was the bravest soldier he had ever seen. General of the Army Omar Bradley, who had once fired TR Jr., was asked years later to define courage. His answer was, "Theodore Roosevelt on Utah Beach."

This is his Medal of Honor citation:

"For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in France. After two verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, Brigadier General Roosevelt's written request for this mission was approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France."

The only general officer with the balls to land with the first wave on the beach, Roosevelt was an incredible 57 years old that day. He suffered so badly from arthritis that he could only walk with the aid of a cane and from a heart condition so severe that it killed him a month later. None of that stopped him.

Heroism can be genetic.