Veteran Spotlight |Alton Roberts

Honoring Veterans Spotlight: Remembering Army Specialist Alton Reese Roberts

This week, we pay tribute to the life and service of Army Veteran Alton Reese Roberts, who gave his life in the Vietnam War.

Born in September 1951 in Gastonia, North Carolina, Alton was the son of Lee Mack Roberts and Bonnie Estelle Smallwood Roberts. He entered military service and rose to the rank of Specialist Five in the United States Army.

In January 1970, Roberts joined Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade. Serving as a general vehicle repairman, he flew aboard OH-6A observation helicopters on missions across South Vietnam and Cambodia. During a combat support mission near Fire Support Base-6 in April 1971, his aircraft was shot down. He was just 19 years old when he was tragically killed in action.

For his extraordinary bravery and service, Specialist Roberts was posthumously awarded numerous honors, including:

• Purple Heart

• Army Commendation Medal

• Combat Infantryman Badge

• National Defense Service Medal

• Vietnam Service Medal

• Army Presidential Unit Citation

• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal

• Vietnam Gallantry Cross

• Army Good Conduct Medal

On May 30, 2021, Roberts was honored during NASCAR’s 600 Miles of Remembrance. Driver B.J. McLeod raced in the Coca-Cola 600 with Roberts’ name proudly displayed on the No. 78 car.

Roberts rests at Gaston Memorial Park in his hometown of Gastonia, and his legacy is permanently etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., located at Panel W4, Line 122.

We remember and honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of Specialist Alton Reese Roberts.