The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Roy M. Stephenson (ASN: 6886895), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. On 21 April 1945 Sergeant Stephenson was leading his squad in an attack on an enemy-held ridge when the advance was halted by heavy fire from a Japanese pillbox. Making a quick and accurate estimate of the situation, Sergeant Stephenson crawled 15 yards under heavy fire from a hostile machine gun to the blind side of the pillbox and threw three hand grenades into an aperture. Then he dashed to the entrance and killed the one enemy still alive with rifle fire. Sergeant Stephenson’s courageous action enabled his platoon to continue the advance and secure its objective. Sergeant Stephenson was fatally wounded later in action against the enemy. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.