The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Robert H. Botts (MCSN: 293727), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Tank Commander, while serving with the Eleventh Defense Battalion, FIRST Marine Amphibious Corps, during an engagement with enemy Japanese forces on Arundel Island, Solomon Islands, on September 18-19, 1943. When his tank was hit and set afire during an assault against strongly held Japanese positions, Sergeant Botts evacuated his crew and valiantly covered their withdrawal by continuing to fire his turret gun. Remaining until his men were out of danger, he abandoned his post only a moment before the ammunition caught fire and enveloped the tank in flames. When the commander of another tank was unable to determine a route to safety, Sergeant Botts ran in front of him and, although exposed to intense enemy fire, personally directed him toward friendly lines. On the following day, taking another tank into action, he was again attacked and stopped, but succeeded in evacuating his crew without serious casualties. By his cool courage and indomitable fighting spirit, he undoubtedly saved many lives which otherwise might have been lost and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.