The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Harley R. Roberts (MCSN: 2077470), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company H, Second Battalion, Third Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 July 1968, while conducting a search and destroy operation near the Demilitarized Zone in Quang Tri Province, Sergeant Roberts’ platoon suddenly came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force. Alertly observing two wounded Marines lying in a location dangerously exposed to the hostile fire, Sergeant Roberts unhesitatingly maneuvered across fifty meters of fire-swept terrain on two occasions and moved his injured comrades to covered positions. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he directed his platoon to withdraw while he resolutely remained in a hazardous position and delivered suppressive fire at the enemy emplacements. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he ensured that his men had moved to a relatively safe area and then ordered his radio operator to withdraw to the platoon’s perimeter. Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly continued to deliver accurate fire against the enemy until he was mortally wounded. His bold leadership and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of numerous Marines. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Roberts upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.