Roberts was the first Black military pilot from West Virginia and a member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen in World War II. Born in London, Kanawha County, he graduated from Dunbar High School and West Virginia State College (now University).

Roberts earned his pilot’s license through a training program and joined the first class of Tuskegee Airmen. He became a 2nd lieutenant in 1942 and flew over 100 combat missions in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

After the war, Roberts taught ROTC at Tuskegee Institute and served in Korea, Okinawa, and Vietnam. He retired as a colonel in 1968, having earned several medals and awards.