The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant James C. Roberts (MCSN: 303828), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader serving with Company B, Fifth Engineer Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action on Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 14 March 1945. While leading one of the squads of his platoon to assault several well-defended caves, unapproachable because of the terrific fire, Staff Sergeant Roberts rushed to the entrance of one of the caves and succeeded in neutralizing it with hand grenades. Although sustaining wounds which later proved fatal, he had enabled his squad to place several charges, destroy the position and allow the infantry to advance His great personal bravery and courageous leadership reflect the highest credit upon Staff Sergeant Roberts and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.