The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Robert E. Roeder (ASN: US-56428338), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 1 December 1968 while serving as a squad leader with the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Specialist Roeder’s platoon was performing a sweep mission through a North Vietnamese Army base camp when it suddenly came under an intense barrage of enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. After securing all routes of escape available to the enemy, the friendly force began the systematic destruction of the enemy bunker complexes and the hostile elements occupying them. As Specialist Roeder moved through the Communist fortifications, he suddenly came upon a well-entrenched command bunker. When he attempted to throw a hand grenade into the enemy position, he was engaged by a burst of automatic weapons fire from one of the bunker emplacements, forcing him to seek cover. Displaying a high degree of courage, Specialist Roeder moved from his relatively safe position and, exposing himself to the enemy fire, threw two hand grenades into the hostile position. After the grenades had detonated, he began directing small arms fire into the entrance of the bunker, while calling up the rest of his squad. With the arrival of his men, Specialist Roeder led them in overrunning the North Vietnamese Army position, accounting for 9 North Vietnamese soldiers killed in action and the confiscation of a large amount of valuable intelligence information. Specialist Four Roeder’s unwavering devotion to duty, disregard of personal safety and leadership ability were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.