[2] On that day, while North Dakota was conducting tests using oil as fuel, an explosion occurred, killing three sailors and endangering the ship.

After ensuring the safety of the ship, they then searched for and removed the bodies of the three sailors killed in the initial explosion.

[2] In 1917 during World War I, Roberts was appointed to the warrant officer rank of machinist and served on board USS Santee.

[1] Roberts died on March 8, 1957, two days after his 75th birthday, and was buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Millis, Massachusetts.

North Dakota; for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the fire on board that vessel, 8 September 1910.