The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Coxswain Samuel Booker Roberts, Jr. (NSN: 4143781), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a volunteer member of the crew of a Higgins boat used in the evacuation of a group of Marines from a beachhead on Guadalcanal Island, on 27 September 1942. Coxswain Roberts, although he knew that his boat was to be maneuvered into an exposed position for the purpose of drawing fire away from the other boats being used to rescue the trapped Marines, courageously volunteered as a member of the crew. The lightly armed boat was made a target for the enemy fire during the entire evacuation and Coxswain Roberts was mortally wounded just as the operation was completed. His gallant action, taken without regard for his own safety, contributed directly to the highly successful rescue, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.