Samuel Booker Roberts, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Samuel Booker Roberts, Jr., Coxswain, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Cargo Ship U.S.S. BELLATRIX (AK-20), in action against the enemy as a volunteer member of a Higgins Boat used in the evacuation of a group of Marines from a beachhead on Guadalcanal in the British Solomon Islands, on 27 September 1942. Coxswain Roberts’ conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States. He gallantly gave his life for his country.