The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class John W. Roles, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 29 November 1969 while serving as a machine gunner with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light), in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date during a reconnaissance operation, Company C discovered a North Vietnamese Army base camp. Specialist Roles was called upon to move his machine gun in front of the nearest enemy bunker. When he opened fire, enemy troops in two well concealed positions to his flanks responded with a hail of fire. Although he knew his position was defenseless Specialist Roles held his ground and returned a heavy base of fire on the enemy. His accurate suppressive fire enabled his company to move forward and gain the initiative to defeat the enemy. Refusing to withdraw, he continued to fire his machine gun until he was mortally wounded by hostile fire. Specialist Role’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.