Roland L. Bragg Biography: Age, Wife, Career, Personal Life & Legacy
Roland Leon Bragg (June 11, 1923 – January 12, 1999) was a distinguished United States Army paratrooper, mechanic, and businessman. His valor during World War II earned him the Silver Star and Purple Heart. In 2025, Fort Liberty was renamed Fort Bragg in his honor.
| Full Name | Roland Leon Bragg |
| Birth Date | June 11, 1923 |
| Death Date | January 12, 1999 |
| Birth Place | Sabattus, Maine, U.S. |
| Death Place | Nobleboro, Maine, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Service Years | 1943–1945 |
| Rank | Private First Class |
| Unit | 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division |
| Battles | World War II, Battle of the Bulge |
| Spouse | Barbara Picinich |
| Children | Three |
| Awards | Silver Star, Purple Heart, among others |
Early Life and Family
Born in Sabattus, Maine, to Calvin Leroy Bragg and Ella Stevenson Bragg, Roland grew up during the Great Depression. To support his family, he sold vegetables from their farm, often biking twenty miles to resort towns. He graduated from Waldoboro High School in 1943. Later, he married Barbara Picinich, daughter of Boston Red Sox catcher Val Picinich. The couple had three children.
Military Service
Enlisting in the U.S. Army in July 1943, Bragg served as a paratrooper with the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division. During the Battle of the Bulge, he heroically drove a stolen German ambulance to transport a wounded soldier to an Allied hospital in Belgium, an act that earned him the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
Post-War Career
After the war, Bragg owned and operated a body shop and led Nobleboro Building Movers for 25 years. He was active in his community, serving as a selectman in Nobleboro, participating in historical preservation efforts, and volunteering with the Boy Scouts and American Legion. After retiring in 1984, he ran a portable sawmill business.
Death and Legacy
Bragg passed away from cancer on January 12, 1999, at the age of 75, and is interred at Dunbar Cemetery in Nobleboro, Maine. In 2025, Fort Liberty was renamed Fort Bragg to honor his service and heroism.
Awards and Honors
- Silver Star
- Purple Heart
- World War II Victory Medal
- Army Good Conduct Medal
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze stars
- Parachute Badge
- Combat Infantry Badge
Conclusions
In conclusion, Roland L. Bragg’s life stands as a testament to courage, resilience, and commitment. From his heroic service as a paratrooper in World War II to his post-war contributions as a businessman, community leader, and family man, Bragg left an indelible mark on those around him. His selfless actions during the Battle of the Bulge earned him prestigious honors, while his dedication to his community highlighted his leadership and compassion. Roland L. Bragg’s legacy, immortalized in the renaming of Fort Liberty to Fort Bragg, serves as an enduring reminder of the values he upheld: service, sacrifice, and an unwavering sense of duty.
