James J. Roberson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James J. Roberson (0-97738), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while serving with the First Armored Amphibian Company, Eleventh Marines, attached to the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 March 1967, during Operation NEW CASTLE in the Quang Nam Province. Second Lieutenant Roberson was Officer-in-Charge of two armored amphibian vehicles engaged in a search and destroy mission, and while advancing across open terrain in an armored amphibian accompanied by three other tracked vehicles, his vehicle came under a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons and accurate mortar fire from an estimated battalion sized enemy force strategically positioned in an inverted U-shaped ambush. Aware that the leading elements of the company were pinned down by the intense fire, Second Lieutenant Roberson, exposing himself to enemy fire, unhesitatingly directed his vehicles into the center of the attack delivering accurate 105 millimeter and .50 caliber machine gun fire into the enemy positions. Continuing his advance over 800 meters of fire-swept terrain, he was knocked from his vehicle twice, sustaining painful fragment wounds by the increasing Viet Cong fire being delivered from all three sides. Despite his painful wounds he remounted his vehicle and calmly continued the movement until he reached the company’s forward positions. He then increased the volume of fire from his vehicles attempting to gain fire superiority from the enemy, and again disregarding his wounds and exposing himself to the intense enemy fire, he dismounted to assist in loading the wounded aboard his vehicle for evacuation. He then transported the wounded to a medical facility, re-supplied his ammunition and returned to the ambush area in support of another company as it enveloped the enemy. Although receiving intense Viet Cong rocket, recoilless rifle and mortar fire, Second Lieutenant Roberson again fearlessly positioned himself on top of his vehicle as he led the attack on the enemy’s flank, closing to within forty meters of the Viet Cong while coordinating the delivery of small arms and automatic weapons fire. Due to his aggressive and courageous actions, the enemy ambush was repulsed, numerous enemy weapons were destroyed and approximately forty Viet Cong killed. Demonstrating sincere concern for the welfare of the wounded, Second Lieutenant Roberson again refused medical attention and remained in the area until the units of the battalion had regrouped and all the wounded were safely evacuated. By his daring actions, exceptional professional skill and loyal devotion to duty, he undoubtedly saved the lives of many Marines, reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James J. Roberson (0-97738), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with 1st Amphibious Tractor Battalion, 11th Marines, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on March 24, 1967. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Second Lieutenant Roberson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.