John H. McRoberts received the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism while a staff sergeant with the 186th Infantry, 41st Infantry Division in World War II. The action took place at Biak Island, Dutch New Guinea on 22 June 1944. After leading his squad to within twenty-five yards of two heavily constructed enemy pill boxes, Staff Sergeant McRoberts encountered such heavy fire that the forward movement of his men was stopped. On his own initiative and alone he charged the enemy position and firing rapidly, killed two enemy soldiers and wounded a third. Although seriously wounded, he then directed his squad in reducing the enemy fortification, and enabled his platoon to secure the contested area. The extraordinary courage displayed by Staff Sergeant McRoberts in this action contributed materially to our success in defeating the enemy.

Mr. McRoberts joined the Legion of Valor in 1975 and resided in Oregon.