The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant Lewis J. Roberts, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroism as Pararescue crewmember over the Republic of Vietnam on 2 March 1965. On that date, Sergeant Roberts and crew were tasked with an extremely hazardous night search and rescue mission for an American pilot who had bailed out of his battle damaged aircraft deep within hostile territory. Completely ignoring numerous dangers, which made continuation of the mission impractical from the standpoint of their own safety. Sergeant Roberts and crew doggedly persevered in a two-hour search conducted at low level and without fighter cover although in close proximity to anti-aircraft gun emplacements. Their efforts were rewarded when they finally located and identified the downed airman and then directed other rescue forces, who had belatedly arrived over the scene in making a successful recover. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Roberts reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Master Sergeant Lewis J. Roberts, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pararescue Technician of an HH-3E “Jolly Green Giant” rescue helicopter in Southeast Asia on 12 November 1969. On that date, Sergeant Roberts aided in the rescue of a United States Air Force pilot downed in hostile territory. Three times before, rescue helicopters had attempted to recover the airman, but intense and accurately directed ground fire had forced them to withdraw. With complete disregard for his personal safety, undeterred by the ground fire and ordnance exploding around him, Sergeant Roberts persisted courageously and aggressively and against almost insurmountable odds, rescued the pilot from the midst of the hostile troops which surrounded him. By his unselfish dedication in the face of almost certain danger, Sergeant Roberts has enhanced the image of America’s fighting man. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Robert’s reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.