The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant (ChC) Roy D. Grubbs, United States Navy, for meritorious service in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as Chaplain of the Second Battalion, FIFTH Marines, and subsequently of the Seventh Engineers Battalion, FIRST Marine Division from 4 February 1967 to 18 January 1968. In his initial assignment, Lieutenant Grubbs participated in four major combat operations against the enemy. Displaying resourcefulness and steadfast determination, he established and maintained an effective program of religious activity and moral guidance for elements of the widely dispersed combat committed battalion, despite adverse weather conditions and transportation difficulties. On numerous occasions, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to enemy fire and mines to minister to the spiritual needs of his men. During Operation NEW CASTLE he was wounded by enemy mortar fragments, however after receiving medical treatment, he returned to duty where he contributed immeasurably to the high level of morale within the command. When the combat base came under a mortar attack on 3 and 4 July 1967, he assisted the Battalion Surgeon and significantly eased the suffering of the wounded through his encouragement and spiritual ministry. Assuming the additional duty of Awards Officer, he frequently traveled into insecure combat areas to obtain eye-witness statements which expedited the processing of award recommendations. He also instituted a self-help project to construct a chapel facility which, upon completion, provided a place of worship for his men. Actively participating in his unit’s highly successful Civic Action Program, he significantly enhanced relations with the local Vietnamese villages by his sincere concern for their welfare. Reassigned to the SEVENTH Engineer Battalion, he provided outstanding spiritual and moral guidance to the men of his unit by establishing an effective Lay Leader’s Program within the battalion, as well as weekly discussion group and cultural tours of the various religious areas of Da Nang. Lieutenant Grubbs’ exceptional professional skill, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to duty exerted a profound influence on the spiritual and moral well-being of all who were associated with him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. [Lieutenant Grubbs is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.]