AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OH-23

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Roll distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as pilot of an OH-23 helicopter on 15 and 16 May 1967. During this period he repeatedly exposed himself to a murderous hail of enemy fire in order to mark targets for air strikes and gun ship attacks. Although continuously under a heavy barrage of enemy fire, he volunteered to resupply a friendly ground force. Not only was the night completely moonless and shrouded by fog, but Lieutenant Roll had to land with only a flashlight held by the Ground Commander. On the 16th of May 1967, he continued to draw enemy fire to better determine the location of the insurgent's positions. Spotting two insurgents running into the open, he immediately engaged and succeeded in destroying the enemy. Throughout the mission, he supplied much needed support for the friendly ground elements and spotted many enemy targets that were eventually destroyed by air strikes and gun ship attacks. His heroic actions and professional flying ability contributed to the success of the mission and the overwhelming defeat of the enemy forces. First Lieutenant Roll's gallant actions while under fire are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Henry H. Roll for exceptional heroism on 27 May 1967, while serving as Pilot of a command control helicopter during a fierce encounter with a Viet Cong force near Ap Binh Son, Republic of Vietnam. Receiving word that a nearby armored column was under siege by a Viet Cong force, Lieutenant Roll immediately flew to the scene of the action, although darkness was approaching, visibility was extremely poor and a torrential rain was falling. Hovering at tree-top level, completely exposed to enemy and friendly fire, Lieutenant Roll continued to fly over the battle area, allowing the Squadron Commander to control the operation. As artillery and armed helicopters became available, Lieutenant Roll assisted in adjusting fires and gallantly led the armed helicopters to the enemy positions, marking them and directing the helicopter fire. At one point in the battle, the ground troops reported the need to evacuate a seriously injured officer, Lieutenant Roll voluntarily landed in a small clearing requiring almost vertical descent. With a medic on the left side attending and securing the injured man, and the Squadron Commander on the right to help balance in the overload, Lieutenant Roll bravely ascended, under hostile fire, to a successful evacuation. First Lieutenant Roll's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.