Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Forager

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Fourth Marines Reinforced, First Provisional Marine Brigade in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands, 21 July 1944. When his mortar section was harassed by a group of hostile snipers, Private First Class Roberts volunteered to search a dangerous area for the snipers. Wounded while clearing the area of the enemy, he refused to remain in the rear area aid station and, returning to his platoon, resumed his duties until ordered to be evacuated. His cool courage in the face of hostile opposition and his devotion to duty reflect great credit on Private First Class Roberts and the United States Naval Service."

Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 0296-295

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant (Colour Sergeant)

Unit:

Company B, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

October 8th, 1951

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Leader of a Light Machine Gun Squad in Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 27 October 1950. When a sudden devastating night assault by a numerically superior and well-concealed enemy force was launched on the right squad position of his platoon, necessitating the shifting of the remainder of the platoon to avoid encirclement, Sergeant Roberts voluntarily remained in position with his machine gun in order to cover the movement of the platoon and to protect several casualties in the vicinity of his gun. Despite the tremendous danger from hostile small arms and automatic weapons firing at close range, he steadfastly held his position, continuing to fire into the face of the massed enemy while his platoon took up new positions on the main line of defense without further losses. When his position was finally overrun, he still refused to give up the fight, engaging the first swarm of the enemy in hand-to-hand combat until, overcome by sheer strength of numbers, he fell mortally wounded. By his superb courage and indomitable fighting spirit, he saved the lives of many members of his platoon and contributed materially to the successful repulse of the hostile attack. His staunch devotion to duty in the face of insurmountable odds reflects the highest credit upon Sergeant Roberts and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Posthumously awarded (Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 976)