The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Clayton Leroy Roberts (MCSN: 402518), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Leader of a Light Machine Gun Squad in Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 27 October 1950. When a sudden devastating night assault by a numerically superior and well-concealed enemy force was launched on the right squad position of his platoon, necessitating the shifting of the remainder of the platoon to avoid encirclement, Sergeant Roberts voluntarily remained in position with his machine gun in order to cover the movement of the platoon and to protect several casualties in the vicinity of his gun. Despite the tremendous danger from hostile small arms and automatic weapons firing at close range, he steadfastly held his position, continuing to fire into the face of the massed enemy while his platoon took up new positions on the main line of defense without further losses. When his position was finally overrun, he still refused to give up the fight, engaging the first swarm of the enemy in hand-to-hand combat until, overcome by sheer strength of numbers, he fell mortally wounded. By his superb courage and indomitable fighting spirit, he saved the lives of many members of his platoon and contributed materially to the successful repulse of the hostile attack. His staunch devotion to duty in the face of insurmountable odds reflects the highest credit upon Sergeant Roberts and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.