The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Eugene S. Roane, Jr. (MCSN: 0-12505), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while in charge of the Air Section, Corps Artillery, Reinforced, Fifth Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force, which was attached to the XXIV Corps, U.S. Army during action against enemy Japanese forces at Burl Airfield, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 7 and 8 December 1944. Gallantly assuming command of all personnel at the airfield after an attack by hostile parachute troops, Captain Roane unhesitatingly exposed himself to Japanese fire in order to coordinate and strengthen his position, personally leading a combat patrol under intense small arms fire outside the defended perimeter and effecting the destruction of four enemy troops and the recapture of a machine gun. Upon the arrival of reinforcements late on the afternoon of 7 December, Captain Roane established contact with the Infantry Commander and cooperated in the defense of the airfield by holding the right flank of the friendly position with his force until the afternoon of 6 December, repulsing one hostile counterattack and killing six of the enemy during this period. His daring and forceful leadership and his courageous fighting spirit were effective measures in preventing the enemy from capturing or destroying the aircraft and related equipment on the field and reflect the highest credit upon Captain Roane and the United States Naval Service.