The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Preston M. Roberts, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 19 December 1942, at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Private Roberts, with a lieutenant and a Technician Fifth Grade Charles J. Morris, went forward with the commander of an Infantry Battalion making an attack on Grassy Knoll. When the Battalion Commander was wounded, he and companions administered first aid to him in the face of a heavy concentration of enemy fire, and remained with the commander until his death three hours later, at which time they withdrew to their own lines. They brought back the body under cover of fire from the patrol, and then went back to recover another soldier who was wounded. Private Roberts’ gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.