Wayne E. Rollings

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Wayne E. Rollings (107099), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism on 18 September 1969 as a patrol leader with the First Reconnaissance Company, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, during operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. While First Lieutenant Rollings was leading a long-range reconnaissance patrol deep into enemy-controlled territory in Quang Nam Province, the point man spotted twelve enemy soldiers in almost hidden emplacements and immediately fired at the hostile troops. Observing that the point man’s weapon had become inoperable, First Lieutenant Rollings dashed across the fire-swept terrain and positioned himself between the point man and the enemy. Although small-arms fire tore his clothing and ripped his gas mask, and fragments of an enemy grenade struck him in the face and legs, First Lieutenant Rollings continued to deliver suppressive fire, accounting for several enemy casualties and forcing the remainder of the hostile troops to withdraw. Assuming the dangerous point position, and once again faced with intense enemy fire, he charged up an enemy-held knoll in a fiercely determined assault, resulting in the complete routing of the enemy. Despite the pain of his injuries, First Lieutenant Rollings continued to expose himself to fire from the retreating enemy while he skillfully directed air strikes upon all possible routes of egress. By his courage, dynamic leadership, and unfaltering devotion to duty, he contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his patrol’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Wayne E. Rollings (0-107099), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on April 11, 1969. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, First Lieutenant Rollings upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.