Mary L. Roberts

1st Lieutenant, U. S. Army Nurse Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, VI Corps, General Orders No. 4 ( February 18, 1944)
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 First Lieutenant Mary L. Roberts, United States Army Nurse Corps, for gallantry in action, February 1945.
On that date the 56th Evacuation Hospital was heavily shelled by enemy artillery while Lieutenant Roberts was on duty as Operating Room Chief Nurse. The operating room tent in which she was working was hit. The team and its equipment were damaged and two enlisted men were wounded by shell fragments from air bursts which continued for approximately thirty minutes. Lieutenant Roberts exhibited exceptional coolness and outstanding leadership, reassured the nurses under her charge and encouraged and urged them to greater efforts. Despite the impairment of facilities and the prolonged shelling, the vital work of three operating tables was continued under the inspiration of her conduct and example. The actions of Lieutenant Roberts, in a critical situation, ensured the uninterrupted continuation of activities and contributed in a large measure to the success of the operations.
Her bravery and unfaltering devotion to duty and complete disregard for her own welfare are in the best traditions of the military service and reflect the highest credit on herself and the Army Nurse Corps.