Bernard William Rogers

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Bernard William Rogers (0-25867), Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division. Brigadier General Rogers distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 March 1967 while serving as Assistant Division Commander, 1st Infantry Division during a Viet Cong attack on a Vietnamese Special Forces camp at Cau Song Be. Upon being notified that the Vietnamese camp was under attack, he immediately flew to the area. General Rogers made several low helicopter passes over the besieged camp, despite intense hostile fire, to investigate the strength and disposition of the Viet Cong forces. He alerted nearby artillery and aircraft bases and then landed in the beleaguered camp amidst an enemy mortar barrage. He conferred with the ground commander, assessed the battle situation, and mapped a plan of defense. Exposing himself constantly to the insurgents’ fire, he supervised the positioning of the defenders on the perimeter and adjusted artillery and air strikes. General Rogers’ willingness to risk his life for the Vietnamese soldiers and their camp inspired the men to fight with renewed vigor. Returning to his helicopter, he made additional passes over the area to further assess the situation and to ensure that the Viet Cong positions had not changed. Flying at extremely low levels, he accurately marked the enemy concentrations with smoke grenades to aid incoming support aircraft in locating their targets. However, the fighter pilots were unable to see the smoke well enough because of the darkness and dense jungle foliage. General Rogers directed his pilot to maneuver over the insurgents at minimum altitude while the door gunner marked the targets with tracer rounds from his machine gun, enabling the supporting aircraft to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy. When the Viet Cong broke contact and began to retreat, General Rogers directed additional air strikes on them, inflicting further casualties. His dynamic leadership, outstanding tactical ability and unparalleled courage were responsible for the overwhelming defeat of the insurgent forces. Brigadier General Rogers’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4124 (August 14, 1967)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Bernard William Rogers (0-25867), Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving as Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 December 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam. During the late morning hours General Rogers was flying in his command and control helicopter when he was notified that a friendly platoon had been engaged by a Viet Cong company near Suoi Da. General Rogers immediately instructed his pilot to proceed to the battle area. He quickly made an aerial reconnaissance and, comprehending the tactical situation, radioed for reinforcing elements to be air lifted into the location. General Rogers directed the landing of his helicopter in the unsecured area in order to implement and coordinate the stratagem he had devised. Next, General Rogers ordered the clearing of the most suitable ground for a landing zone. Due to General Rogers’ planning and supervision, the integration of the reinforcing elements with troops already deployed was accomplished with precise coordination. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he ignored the intense hostile fire and fearlessly moved about the area of conflict issuing directives, maintaining fire discipline and supervising the evacuation of the wounded. His dynamic personality infused new vigor and determination into his men. General Rogers’ brilliant employment of the infantry forces was of singular importance in this mission and resulted in the overwhelming defeat of the Viet Cong. Brigadier General Rogers’ unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. ??? (February 6, 1967)