The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private William E. Roberge (ASN: 31214379), United States Army, for gallantry In action while serving with Troop B, *** Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), III Corps, in action against the enemy on 14 December 1944, in *****, Germany. On that date the platoon received a counterattack by the enemy and was forced to withdraw, leaving a slightly wounded man surrounded. After the platoon reorganized in a defensive position about 200 yards from the enemy, Private Roberge and another man volunteered to recover the wounded man. They drove through the enemy lines in a one-quarter ton truck with a mounted .30 caliber machine gun, manned by Private Roberge, and returned with the wounded soldier. Later is was discovered that the platoon had been forced to leave a badly needed supply of small arms ammunition in its former position. Private Roberge again volunteered, without regard for his own safety, and manned the .30 caliber machine gun on the one-quarter tone truck while it was driven through the enemy lines on a road covered by enemy small arms and returned to his platoon’s new position. The outstanding heroism, extreme devotion to duty and high courage displayed by Private Roberge exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.