Paul F. Roberts

Colonel, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 36 (February 5, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Paul F. Roberts (ASN: 0-371693), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States from 12 to 25 September 1944 in France.
Leading his battalion in forcing a crossing of the Moselle River in the vicinity of Dieuleuard, France, on 12 September 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Roberts maintained a position with the leading companies throughout the move, making himself continually available to the leading company and platoon commanders and personally urged his men forward despite fierce resistance and heavy enemy fire to successfully cross the river and provide a substantial bridgehead for the rapid advance and consolidation of the area by the balance of his and a following combat team.
On 25 September 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Roberts, accompanied by his staff and company commanders, set out on a personal reconnaissance of ground to be seized. In the course of reconnoitering, his party was subjected to enemy artillery fire which resulted in the serious loss of five officers and wounds to himself. Refusing medical aid, Lieutenant Colonel Roberts, despite his injuries and the continued fire, proceeded on the survey, completed his plan to occupy the specific objectives, and then returned to successfully and expertly lead his troops. His personal bravery, superb leadership, and sincere devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.