Robert J. Rogers

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert J. Rogers, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action as a Pilot of the 47th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, and waters adjacent thereto, on 7 December 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese forces on Wheeler Field and vicinity at approximately 8 a.m., First Lieutenant Rogers proceeded by automobile to Haleiwa Landing Field, a distance of approximately ten miles, where the planes of his squadron were stationed. As soon as his plane had been serviced he immediately took off for the purpose of attacking the invading forces, without first obtaining information as to the number or type of Japanese in the attacking force, and proceeded to patrol in the vicinity of Haleiwa, where he encountered an enemy aircraft which he immediately attacked, and when last seen by him it was disappearing into a cloud bank streaming black smoke. After this encounter, he and one other pursuit ship attacked two enemy aircraft in the vicinity of Kaena Point. While engaged in this combat his plane was hit by enemy fire. After this encounter he returned to Haleiwa and landed. First Lieutenant Rogers’ initiative, presence of mind, and coolness under fire and expert maneuvering of his plane, and determined action contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden, unexpected enemy air attack.

Authority: “Heroes of Pearl Harbor”, Donald K. & Helen L. Ross

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert J. Rogers (0-735819), Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as an Officer of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 460th Bombardment Group (H), FIFTEENTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 2 April 1944, against enemy targets in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Rogers on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 15th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.