The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander David Wells Roberts (NSN: 0-57164), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. HOUSTON (CA-30), in combat with the Japanese in the Battle of Sunda Strait, from 28 February to 1 March 1942. When his Captain was mortally wounded and his ship damaged beyond repair, Commander Roberts assumed command and resolutely continued to hurl the full force of his batteries against the enemy until the dangerous listing of his vessel, the result of a furious Japanese cross-fire from vastly superior forces at point blank range, forced him to give the order to abandon ship. Capably and unselfishly concentrating every effort on saving all survivors, he remained on board until the ship went down. His indomitable fighting spirit, personal courage and gallant devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Roberts and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.