The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Samuel W. Roderick, Jr. (ASN: 0-1165667), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, 33d Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily during the period from March through August 1943. When a heavy tank attack penetrated our front lines, Lieutenant Roderick, displaying outstanding qualities of leadership and coolness under heavy enemy fire, directed the forward displacement of his battery to a position that enabled him to counteract the tanks with direct fire, thereby destroying a large number and forcing enemy armored elements to withdraw. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.