- SURNAME
Roberts
- FORENAME
Francis Evans
- UNIT
former 1 Raider Bn (HQ Company)
- RANK
Private First Class
- NUMBER
506022
- DATE OF DEATH
27th July 1944
- AGE
21
- GRAVESITE
National Memorial Cemetery, Honolulu, Hawaii Plot O Row O Grave 117
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Washington
born 19.10.1922, Spokane, Spokane County, Washington, USA
Next of kin - Father, Mr. John J. Roberts, 1005 South 5th Street, Kelso, Washington
award Navy Cross
KIA Guam, Marianas Is.
DATE OF DEATH:
27-Jul-1944AWARD:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/roberts-francis-e.29778/CITATION:
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Francis E. Roberts (MCSN: 506022), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Guam, Marianas Islands, on 27 July 1944. When his platoon was subjected to heavy enemy rifle and machine-gun fire from across an open field while attempting to extend the flanks along a road, Private First Class Roberts and five companions immediately utilized an abandoned and ruined concrete building as cover and, while moving into it, were again fired upon from two concealed hostile pillboxes in the rear. Locating one of the weapons, he fearlessly charged the emplacement alone and succeeded in silencing the hostile fire by the effective use of his rifle. Voluntarily taking station at a dangerously prominent vantage point in an effort to draw their fire, he shouted aggravating remarks to the enemy and, discovering their position, delivered devastating counterfire against the emplacement. Seeking a more favorable firing position outside the house when the machine gun across the field again opened fire, he remained behind to cover the withdrawal of the other five men then, on his own initiative, boldly pressed forward and destroyed the remaining pillbox before he was fatally struck down by enemy sniper fire. An intrepid and courageous fighter in the face of tremendous odds, Private First Class Roberts contributed immeasurably to the success of our forces in recapturing this vital hostile stronghold and his valiant devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64212496/francis-e-roberts
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