Harold C. Roberts
RELATED HEROES STORIES
Navy Cross
World War I
U.S. Navy
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Harold C. Roberts (NSN: 0-3825), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at the front on the night of 7 June 1918. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Roberts showed exceptional heroism by volunteering to cross an open field under heavy machine-gun fire to bring in the wounded who were calling for help.
Silver Star
World War I
U.S. Navy
2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order No. 40 (1918)
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Harold C. Roberts (MCSN: 0-3825), United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Roberts distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the 8th Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Roberts showed extraordinary heroism under heavy machine-gun fire, volunteering to cross an open field to bring in wounded who were calling for help on the night of 7 June 1918.
Navy Cross
Second Nicaraguan Campaign
U.S. Marine Corps
Authority – USMC Communique: 03825-1-3 (27 October 1930)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Captain Harold C. Roberts (MCSN: 0-3825), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while acting as second in command of the Coco River Expedition in Nuevo Segovia, Nicaragua, between 4 September 1928 and 10 November 1928. Captain Roberts displayed great fortitude and marked ability as a leader in surmounting the countless obstacles which constantly jeopardized the lives and limbs of every member of the command and thereby materially assisted in successfully surmounting twenty-four extremely difficult and dangerous rapids.
Navy Cross
World War II
U.S. Marine Corps
Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 34821 (November 19, 1945)
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Colonel Harold C. Roberts (MCSN: 0-3825), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as commanding Officer of the Twenty-Second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 16 June 1945. Preparing for the assault on an enemy-held ridge in which his regiment was making the main effort of a Marine Division, Colonel Roberts established his observation post on a hill about one-half mile from the objective, whence he could see the entire regimental zone of action. When by-passed Japanese pockets of resistance on the hill became active and subjected the observation post to constant, intense mortar, grenade, and small-arms fire, he courageously refused to leave his post but continued at the risk of his life to direct the assault and, by his outstanding leadership and superb coordination and employment of the combat units under his control, was largely responsible for the rapid seizure of the objective by his regiment. While observing the final overpowering of the enemy resistance, he was mortally wounded by hostile rifle fire. His aggressiveness and brilliant combat tactics were major factors in the successful operation of the division, and reflect the highest credit upon Colonel Roberts and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.