The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Robert E. Roeder (MCSN: 512991), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 28 February 1945. When his Platoon Leader became a casualty, Sergeant Roeder assumed command and led his men in an attack against strong enemy machine-gun emplacements, personally killing several of the enemy in the ensuing hand-to-hand combat. Although painfully wounded, he remained with his platoon throughout the operation. His leadership and courageous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.