- SURNAME
Roberts
- FORENAME
Matthew Borders
- UNIT
U.S.N. Seal Team 7
- RANK
Special Warfare Operator First Class
- NUMBER
- AWARD
Silver Star
- PLACE
Iraq, 2007
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
home town Shelby, North Carolina
CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Special Warfare Operator First Class (SEAL) Matthew Borders Roberts, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with SEAL Team SEVEN at Naval Special Warfare Task Unit-FALLUJAH in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 10 April to 13 September 2007. Petty Officer Roberts performed courageously in the conduct of 44 direct action missions that resulted in 11 enemy eliminated and the capture of 124 known or suspected insurgents. On 12 September 2007, Petty Officer Roberts was the lead breacher for an assault force conducting a mission to capture a high value individual. Once the target was secure, he acted as part of an element sent to capture individuals fleeing through a field with thick vegetation. As his team approached the individuals they came under effective enemy fire from two machine guns, immediately wounding three SEALs including Petty Officer Roberts. While still under heavy machine gun fire and despite his own injury, Petty Officer Roberts moved forward to drag another wounded SEAL to cover. While moving to cover, he was struck again with small arms fire, but continued to pull his teammate to safety so that an AC-13 0 gunship could engage the enemy. Upon reaching cover, Petty Officer Roberts performed first aid on the wounded SEAL and is credited with saving his teammate's life. By his courageous actions, bold initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer Roberts reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
