ROGAN, JAMES PAUL
ROGAN, JAMES PAUL
Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army
Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne
Brigade (Separate),
Date of Action: November 13, 1967
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James
Paul Rogan, Captain (Infantry), 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 Company B, 2d Battalion
(Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Captain Rogan
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 November 1967
while serving as commanding officer of an airborne infantry company during
combat operations near Dak To. His company was pinned down by withering rocket
and automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force, and Captain Rogan
immediately called for reinforcements and moved through a murderous hail of
bullets to direct their deployment in support of his troops. When his two radio
operators were killed, he personally took over communications and coordinated
the actions of his platoon while maintaining contact with his higher
headquarters. Completely disregarding his personal welfare, Captain Rogan
repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy weapons and moved among his men to
encourage them and treat the wounded. He called for medical evacuation
helicopters and personally supervised the clearing of a landing zone despite
continuous sniper fire which was being directed at his movements. When the
helicopters arrived, he moved into the center of the open landing zone to guide
them in. Savage fire forced the aircraft to discontinue their rescue mission,
and Captain Rogan deployed his men in a defensive perimeter for the night.
Throughout the night, he continued to expose himself to the ravaging enemy
barrage to command his men in repelling repeated assaults within twenty meters
of his positions. His fearless leadership inspired his troops to fight furiously
and inflict a decisive defeat upon the determined enemy. Captain Rogan's
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.
HQ US
Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1079 (March 11, 1968)
Home Town: Salt Lake City, Utah
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