Guest Speaker
COL Gordon Roberts
Medal of Honor Recipient
Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Roberts
distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman
in Company B, during combat operations. Sgt. Roberts' platoon was
maneuvering along a ride to attach heavily fortified enemy bunker
positions which had pinned down an adjoining friendly company. As
the platoon approached the enemy positions, it was suddenly pinned down
by heavy automatic weapons and grenade fire from camouflaged enemy
fortifications atop the overlooking hill. Seeing his platoon
immobilized and in danger of failing in its mission, Sgt. Roberts
crawled rapidly toward the closest enemy bunker. With complete
disregard for his safety, he leaped to his feet and charged the bunker,
firing as he ran. Despite the intense enemy fire directed at him,
Sgt. Roberts silenced the 2-man bunker. Without hesitation, Sgt.
Roberts continued his 1-man assault on a second bunker. As he
neared the second bunker, a burst on enemy fire knocked his rifle from
his hands. Sgt. Roberts picked up a rifle dropped by a comrade and
continued his assault, silencing the bunker. He continued
his charge against a third bunker and destroyed it with well-thrown hand
grenades. Although Sgt. Roberts was now cut off from his platoon,
he continued his assault against a fourth enemy emplacement. He
fought through a heavy hail of fire to join elements of the adjoining
company which had been pinned down by the enemy fire. Although
continually exposed to hostile fire, he assisted in moving wounded
personnel from exposed positions on the hilltop to an evacuation area
before returning to his unit. By his gallant and selfless actions.
Sgt. Roberts contributed directly to saving the lives of his comrades
and served as an inspiration to his fellow soldiers in the defeat of the
enemy force. Sgt. Roberts' extraordinary heroism in action at the
risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the U.S. Army.
