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The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the AIR MEDAL (Bronze Star for the First Award) to SERGEANT GARY D. ROGERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION: "For heroic achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the afternoon of 26 August 1969, Sergeant Rogers launched as Crew Chief aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned an emergency medical evacuation mission in support of a Marine unit which was heavily engaged in combat with a hostile force in a mountainous sector of Quang Nam Province. During the approach to the beleaguered unit's landing zone, his aircraft was approximately 800 feet above the valley floor when it came under an extremely heavy volume of enemy machine gun fire from commanding terrain on both sides of the valley. The intense hostile fire destroyed most of the instrument panel, damaged the entire boost system, and ignited the cabin area. Undaunted by the flames which were spreading in the cabin and the intensity of the hostile fire directed at his helicopter, Sergeant Rogers resolutely manned his weapon and boldly deliv- ered highly effective suppressive machine gun fire during his aircraft's descent and landing in an open rice paddy. Immediately exiting the burning helicopter, he quickly established a base of fire to cover the approach and landing of his wingman's aircraft. After boarding the rescue CH-46, Sergeant Rogers contin- ued to deliver highly accurate and effective rifle fire until the helicopter cleared the precarious area. Sergeant Rogers' courage, superior professionalism, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service." FOR THE PRESIDENT, /S/ H. W. Buse, Jr. H. W. BUSE, JR.
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Sgt. Gary D. Rogers' History Index
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