The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Cecil Roberts (ASN: 36768019), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 8 November 1944 in France. On that date, Private First Class Roberts, runner for a mortar section, observed an enemy force of thirty men and eight machine guns approaching the rear of his company. He voluntarily moved forward up a small draw in an attempt to destroy them with hand grenades. After throwing a hand grenade he was observed by the enemy and subjected to heavy small arms and machine gun fire. With determination and endeavoring to get to a more advantageous position to throw another grenade, Private First Class Roberts moved forward, firing his carbine to pin the enemy down. When at close proximity he threw a second grenade, causing confusion and casualties among the enemy and permitting his mortar section to deploy to positions where they could bring fire on the enemy. Private First Class Roberts was so exposed to enemy fire by this act that he lost his life. The outstanding courage and bravery, initiative, and sincere devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class Roberts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.