3 Times WWII Soldiers Disobeyed Orders and Became Heroes

During World War II, strict military discipline was often essential to maintaining order and ensuring the success of operations. However, some soldiers chose to disobey orders when they believed doing so would save lives or help the mission. In several cases, these acts of defiance led to extraordinary feats of heroism. These three examples show how soldiers who went against direct orders became unexpected heroes of the war.

1. Lieutenant Commander Ernest E. Evans and the Battle off Samar

Lieutenant Commander Ernest E. Evans of the U.S. Navy made a crucial decision during the Battle off Samar in 1944, part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf. Evans commanded the USS Johnston, a small destroyer escort that was assigned to protect larger American ships. When a much larger Japanese fleet appeared on the horizon, Evans and his crew were expected to retreat. The Japanese force included battleships and cruisers, completely outmatching Evans’ lightly armed vessel.

Despite being ordered to withdraw, Evans decided to engage the Japanese fleet. Knowing the USS Johnston could not win in a head-on fight, he used his ship’s speed and maneuverability to launch an aggressive attack. Evans’ bold tactics caused confusion among the enemy, allowing the larger American ships to escape. Under heavy fire, the USS Johnston was eventually sunk, and Evans was killed, but his bravery helped turn the tide of the battle.

For his actions, Evans was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His decision to disobey orders saved countless lives and earned him a place in naval history as a symbol of courage and self-sacrifice.

2. Allison Digby Tatham-Warter and the Battle of Arnhem

Major Allison Digby Tatham-Warter, a British paratrooper, played a key role in the Battle of Arnhem during Operation Market Garden in 1944. Known for his eccentric personality, Tatham-Warter often carried an umbrella into battle and was known to lead his troops with it instead of the usual officer’s baton.

During the battle, British forces found themselves surrounded by German troops and facing overwhelming odds. Tatham-Warter and his men were ordered to hold their position despite being heavily outgunned. Instead of following orders to defend at all costs, Tatham-Warter chose to lead a breakout attempt. His unorthodox approach involved using the umbrella as a rallying point for his soldiers, giving them confidence even in the direst moments.

Though the breakout did not succeed in its entirety, Tatham-Warter’s initiative saved many of his men from being captured or killed. His defiance of orders allowed for an organized withdrawal, which spared British forces from complete destruction. His bravery and leadership under fire earned him great respect, and his actions have since become legendary in British military history.

3. Lieutenant Colonel James Rudder and the Assault on Pointe du Hoc

Lieutenant Colonel James Earl Rudder of the U.S. Army Rangers led one of the most daring attacks on D-Day in 1944 at Pointe du Hoc, a heavily fortified German position on the cliffs overlooking Omaha Beach. Rudder and his men were tasked with scaling the 100-foot cliffs to destroy a battery of German artillery that threatened the Allied landings. The mission was considered nearly impossible, but Rudder accepted the challenge.

However, upon reaching the top of the cliffs, Rudder and his men discovered that the main German guns had been moved. Rudder was ordered to hold his position, but realizing that the guns were still nearby and could be a threat, he decided to disobey orders and search for them. After a dangerous search, Rudder’s men found the guns hidden in a nearby field. They quickly destroyed the weapons before they could be used against the Allied forces.

Rudder’s decision to go beyond his orders was critical to the success of the D-Day landings. His actions ensured that the German artillery would not rain down on the beachheads, and his leadership was instrumental in securing a vital foothold in the battle for Normandy. For his heroism and leadership, Rudder was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.