AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Richard V. Rogers for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Major Rogers distinguished himself on 27 December 1965 as Commander of an assault helicopter task force of fourteen aircraft in direct support of an infantry battalion on combat operation Clean Sweep. After airlifting the battalion into a selected forward base of operations, Major Rogers was given the mission to move an infantry company approximately four thousand meters utilizing a heliborne assault into a suspected concentration of hostile forces. After preparatory artillery fire and aerial rocket aircraft hastily prepared the landing zone, Major Rogers with aggressive leadership, maneuvered his flight at tree top level into the unsecured position with commanding precision. Almost immediately after the flight departed, the infantry company began receiving violent and accurate hostile fire from all sides and began sustaining casualties, several of which were critical. Protective artillery ringed the surrounded company. Tactical air and aerial rocket helicopters attempted to neutralize dug in hostile positions. Receiving the mission to evacuate the wounded, Major Rogers accompanied by his wingman, departed immediately. Aware that his only protection during the dangerous approach would be his own evasive actions and the suppressive fires of the surrounded infantry company, Major Rogers led the flight of two helicopters again at low level into the besieged landing zone. After evacuating eleven wounded personnel, Major Rogers rejoined his command and led a flight of ten aircraft back to the same landing area to make a full extraction of the embattered infantry unit thus saving it from a possible disaster. His repeated display of unimpeachable valor in combat against superior enemy forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military sevice and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.