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 Captain (Infantry) James Ernest Roberts, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 13 November 1969, while serving as the Commanding Officer of Company C, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, during an airmobile operation in Long An Province, his unit came under intense fire from an estimated enemy platoon. Captain Roberts moved forward through waist-deep water to his machine gun team and directed its return fire. After one of his men was wounded, Captain Roberts exposed himself to the hostile fusillade to guide an evacuation helicopter to the casualty. As the fighting continued, he moved into an exposed position to direct gunship, artillery, and tactical air support. During the engagement his accurate fire eliminated four enemy troops. Captain Roberts’ heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.