Rollo Andross - Captain

Rank: Captain
Date Of Birth: May 5, 1918
Date Of Death: Jul 13, 1943
War / Conflict: World War II
Hometown: Granada, Iowa
Gold Star Hall - Wall Location: West Wall (by Entrance Door)
Service Ribbons Awarded:
  • Distinguished Service Cross
  • Purple Heart

Biography

Captain Rollo C. Andross ("Andy") was born to John C. Andross and Addie E. Loving on May 5, 1918. He grew up in Granada, Iowa.

Rollo graduated from Iowa State with a in Chemical Engineering degree in 1939 and then entered the Army reserves.

He was promoted to Second Lieutenant in October of 1940 in Panama, First Lieutenant at Trinidad, and made Captain in 1943 while serving in the South Pacific.

Rollo was killed in action on New Georgia Island July 13, 1943 while leading an attack on an enemy position on a hill.

Lt. Donald P. Gordon, who served under Captain Andross, said, "We worked our way up part way and the lead was really flying and even the bravest of men sorta slow down under that sort of thing, all except Andy who was such a dam good soldier."

Rollo was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and a Purple Heart.