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 First Class Robert M. Roth, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands on 12 May 1945. Private Roth, moving with a patrol to a forward position through a dry streambed bordered by thick brush encountered fire from an enemy ambush. The patrol dispersed quickly and in scrambling over the stream bank toward a knoll, a machine gun was dropped. Without regard for his own life, Private Roth ran back, picked up the gun and set it up on the forward slope of the knoll firing at the enemy until the rest of the group were able to get through to the other side of the hill. Only when all were safely out, and the enemy fire had diminished due to his steady and effective fire, did Private Roth cease firing and rejoin his group with the gun. Private Roth’s outstanding courage, expert manipulation of fire and fidelity undoubtedly was responsible for the safety and escape of many of his comrades.