Harold Roy

Major, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 32 (March 12, 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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Harold Roy (ASN: 0-1166597), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 376th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 21 December 1944, near ****, Belgium.
First Lieutenant Roy, as an artillery forward observer, was accompanying the leading infantry company in a daylight attack, when suddenly a withering cross fire from three enemy guns split the company and pinned down a platoon in an open area. The company and platoon commanders were both wounded and evacuated. In the absence of any infantry officers, First Lieutenant Roy took command of the exposed troops and directed them to cover behind the ridge. Despite the cross fire and lack of cover, First Lieutenant Roy remained in this hazardous position, set up his radio and fired his artillery battalion almost constantly for more than an hour; knocking out three tanks, two scout cars and inflicting heavy personnel casualties against the enemy. First Lieutenant Roy's gallant action saved our own troops many casualties and assured the accomplishment of the mission.
His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.