The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert S. Roud (MCSN: 448662), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Finegayan Area, Guam, Mariana Islands, 4 August 1944. When his platoon came under intense enemy machine-gun, rifle and grenade fire and was ordered to gun, rifle and grenade fire and was ordered to withdraw for reorganization, Private First Class Roud voluntarily remained in a position approximately fifteen yards from the enemy lines in order to protect a wounded comrade. Courageously returning enemy fire with his rifle until he himself was seriously wounded, he insured the safety of his companion and enabled him to be evacuated after the platoon had reorganized and advanced to its former position. His initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.