The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Louis Roundtree (MCSN: 662089), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 10 June 1951. Although his weapon was rendered inoperative by hostile bullets and he suffered a painful wound in the hand during an attack against a strongly defended enemy position, Corporal Roundtree picked up the rifle of a wounded comrade and bravely charged forward up the fire-swept hill in an assault on a hostile bunker. Upon nearing the bunker, he was literally swept from his feet by a hostile satchel charge and, although rolled back down the steep slope, bruised and bleeding, refused medical attention, rendering assistance to other casualties until the serious nature of his wounds compelled his evacuation. By his aggressive fighting spirit, outstanding courage and selfless devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds, Corporal Roundtree served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CorporalBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
June 10, 1951
SPOT AWARD: 1st Marine Division, Serial 60174 -
Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Gunnery SergeantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
51st RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry Division (ARVN)Action Date:
May 29 – 30, 1965
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Louis Roundtree (MCSN: 662089), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while engaged in military operations in Vietnam on 29 and 30 May 1965, while serving as Assistant Battalion Advisor to the First Battalion, 51st Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Roundtree, with two other advisors accompanied elements of the battalion to reinforce one of its companies which was under heavy Viet Cong attack. While the battalion was preparing for its attack, the Viet Cong launched a coordinated attack using heavy weapons and small arms. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Roundtree moved forward to the point of contact where he observed an estimated Viet Cong company assaulting the position from a distance of 30 – 40 meters. He immediately opened fire on the enemy and directed fire of his comrades. As a result of this action many enemy casualties were inflicted and the assault was momentarily halted. He then moved to the main battle position and assisted in organizing the position. Even though the position was untenable, subjected to heavy weapons and small arms fire, and in imminent danger of being over-run, he continued to emplace weapons and aid the wounded and place fire on the enemy. Since he was not able to establish an effective defense and capture appeared imminent, he and the two other advisors carried out a successful evasion by fire and maneuvered through Viet Cong positions. By his outstanding determination, personal example, and devotion to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Roundtree upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.