The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry), [then Captain] Frederick Charles Roecker, Jr. (ASN: 0-24681), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the **** and **** Sectors, France, during the period 8 to 23 August 1944. Major Roecker commanded the 2d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, during this period. On 8 August he was given the mission of securing a crossroad south of ****. When his leading company was pinned down by machine gun and mortar fire, he proceeded to the company command post, and, although wounded, declined medical attention and personally directed movement of a platoon in an enveloping movement, neutralizing enemy fire and paving the way for the battalion’s advance to its objective. He received a second and more painful wound, but remained with his command until he assured himself that his executive officer had the situation well in hand. After a short period of hospitalization, he returned to duty although his wounds still hampered his movements. On 23 August when he was given the mission of capturing ****, he accompanied leading elements of the battalion and, when heavy enemy machine gun fire was encountered, overran the machine gun emplacements and continued forward movement without disorganization, by the exercise of superior and dynamic leadership. Approaching the town of ****, he directed organization of a task force which advanced, atop tanks, well in advance of the battalion column, clearing the way for the battalion proper and enabling them to secure the objective without loss. The superior leadership ability of Major Roecker, his intrepid courage and zealous devotion to duty, reflect credit upon his character as an officer and are in accord with the high traditions of the Army.