Roland L Bragg Biography
Roland L. Bragg was born on June 11, 1923, in Sabattus, Maine, to Calvin and Ella Stevens Bragg. Growing up during the Great Depression, he learned the values of hard work, resilience, and determination at an early age. To help support his family, young Roland pedaled his bicycle miles across Maine’s coastal towns, selling fresh vegetables from their farm to wealthy residents. Roland L Bragg was 75 years old when he died in 1999.
His childhood experiences shaped his strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. He attended Waldoboro High School, graduating in 1943. That same year, as World War II raged on, he felt a deep sense of duty and enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country.
Roland L Bragg Career
Roland L Bragg ’s Journey in the U.S. Army
Upon enlisting in July 1943, Roland Bragg joined the 17th Airborne Division, a highly trained unit known for daring airborne operations behind enemy lines. He was assigned to the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, where he underwent intense physical and combat training to become a paratrooper.
His division played a crucial role in World War II, engaging in numerous high-risk missions, but none were as defining as the Battle of the Bulge, fought between December 1944 and January 1945. This battle, one of the most brutal of the war, took place in the dense Ardennes Forest of Belgium under harsh winter conditions.
A Moment of Unparalleled Bravery
During this pivotal battle, Bragg was engaged in fierce combat when he was briefly captured by German forces. However, in a twist of fate, one of the German soldiers who guarded him was also a Freemason—just like Bragg. Recognizing this bond, the German soldier provided him with a German ambulance, advising him to knock him out and escape.
Bragg took the daring chance, commandeering the ambulance and driving 20 miles through enemy fire to transport wounded American soldiers to an Allied hospital in Belgium. This extraordinary act of courage and quick thinking saved multiple lives. For his heroism, Bragg was awarded the prestigious Silver Star and a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle.
His service as a paratrooper and war hero earned him a place in history, but like many veterans of his generation, he rarely spoke about his wartime experiences. It wasn’t until later in life, when he reconnected with one of the men he had saved, that he began to share his remarkable story.
Roland L Bragg Personal Life
After the war, Bragg returned to Maine, eager to build a future in civilian life. In 1946, Roland L Bragg married Barbara Picinich, and together, they built a loving home and raised three children. Family was at the center of Bragg’s world, and his hard work and determination extended into his career. Roland L Bragg is not related to Braxton Bragg.
A Life of Hard Work and Community Involvement
Bragg ventured into various professions, demonstrating his versatility and entrepreneurial spirit. He initially operated a body shop, utilizing his mechanical skills. However, he soon transitioned into the moving industry and founded Nobleboro Building Movers, a company specializing in relocating structures. This business, which he ran for 25 years, became widely respected for its efficiency and reliability.
Later in life, Bragg continued working with his hands, running a portable sawmill business. Even in retirement, he remained active, always looking for ways to contribute to his community and support his family.
Beyond his business ventures, Bragg was an elected selectman in his town, serving as a community leader and decision-maker. He was also a devoted member of the Damariscotta American Legion, where he spent time with fellow veterans, honoring their shared experiences and sacrifices. Additionally, he volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, passing down valuable lessons of resilience and service to the younger generation.
Roland L Bragg Legacy and Honor
A Lasting Impact
Roland L. Bragg passed away on January 12, 1999, at the age of 75. Despite his passing, his legacy continued to live on—not just in the lives of his family and community but in a way that would ensure his name would never be forgotten.
In February 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that Fort Liberty, North Carolina, a major U.S. Army installation, would be renamed Fort Roland L. Bragg. This was an unprecedented honor, recognizing his courageous service during World War II and ensuring that future generations would learn about his heroic deeds.
His daughter, Debra Sokoll, expressed immense pride in her father’s legacy, emphasizing that he would have been deeply humbled by the recognition. Bragg’s story is a reminder of the sacrifices made by everyday soldiers—individuals who rose to greatness when their country needed them most.
A True American Hero
Roland L. Bragg’s life was a testament to courage, resilience, and dedication. From a humble boy selling vegetables in Maine to a war hero honored with a Silver Star, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary. His bravery during the Battle of the Bulge, his post-war contributions to his community, and his unwavering commitment to family define him as a true American hero.
With the renaming of Fort Roland L. Bragg, his name will forever be associated with the valor and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation. His story continues to inspire soldiers, historians, and everyday Americans who seek to understand the true meaning of service and heroism.
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