Compiled and Edited By C. Douglas Sterner

• 
  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 143 (January 1, 1971)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Onsby Ray Rose, Specialist Fourth Class, 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 D, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Rose distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 May 1966 while serving as radio-telephone operator for a company involved in providing security for a helicopter landing zone deep in hostile territory. Early in the evening, his company was attacked by a large enemy force using automatic weapons, small arms and hand grenades. As the fierce fighting increased, a machine gunner was wounded, weakening defenses in a critical position. Specialist Rose, without regard for his own safety, grabbed a machine gun and braved the withering fire to take his place on the line. His heavy and accurate fire on the enemy caused many casualties and forced the insurgents to retreat. As the firing subsided, an enemy hand grenade landed in his position. Seeing that he could not throw it away before exploding, Specialist Rose bravely threw himself on the grenade to save his assistant gunner. His immeasurably courageous action to save his comrade resulted in the loss of his life. Specialist Four Rose's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, 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. 4428 (August 30, 1967)
  

Ross, Edgar A.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Edgar A. Ross, Sergeant First Class, 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 D, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Platoon Sergeant Ross distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 March 1969 while leading a platoon on a search and clear mission in Tay Ninh Province. As the platoon members moved across an open field, they were ambushed and pinned down by a North Vietnamese force. Many casualties were immediately inflicted by the rain of grenades hurled at the platoon. Sergeant Ross, remaining calm, directed the foremost fire team to the assistance of the rear element who were receiving the brunt of the attack. Grabbing a machine gun, Sergeant Ross ran forward to spray suppressive fire on the assaulting communists in order to gain fire superiority. Becoming the main target of fire, he soon was wounded by the enemy. Observing a casualty trapped close to the enemy position, he managed to drag the man back to the remaining members of the platoon despite his own wounds. When reinforcements arrived, he was so weak due to the loss of blood, that he was unable to assist his men in their evacuation. Platoon Sergeant Ross'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. 3045 (August 11, 1969)
  

(First Award)

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William Wakefield Roush, Major (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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Major Roush distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 January 1968 while accompanying an infantry company conducting a combat mission near Bo Tuc. The unit had just completed an airmobile assault on a landing zone adjacent to a North Vietnamese Army battalion base camp when the departing helicopters were subjected to intense hostile automatic weapons fire. One of the ship exploded into flames and crashed several hundred meters away, leaving its crew members stranded amid North Vietnamese positions. Savage heavy enemy machine gun fire also erupted on the infiltrated company. Major Roush fearlessly raced into the bullet-swept landing zone to rescue several troops who were pinned down by the raking fusillade. He sprayed the enemy emplacements with deadly carbine fire, killing three North Vietnamese gunners, and proceeded to extract his men from the landing zone. Continually braving a withering hail of bullets, Major Roush made repeated trips across the exposed terrain until he had guided all his troops to cover. He then quickly organized a patrol to rescue the beleaguered crew of the downed helicopter. Daringly leading his team through a maze of occupied North Vietnamese positions, he successfully reached the crash site and maneuvered the group to safety. His gallant and determined actions in the heat of battle saved the lives of many fellow soldiers. Major Roush'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. 1836 (April 20, 1968)
  

*Roush, William Wakefield

(Second Award)

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) is presented to William Wakefield Roush, Major (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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Major Roush distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 February 1968 as operations officer of an infantry battalion operating near Saigon. While moving along a narrow path between two canals, one platoon of his force was subjected to intense enemy small arms fire from the front and both flanks and several casualties were sustained. Major Roush directed two companies into the area to assist the beleaguered platoon, but they were immediately engaged in separate fire fights. Moving into the enemy fire, he noticed one company commander asking for volunteers to move ahead and provide covering fire for the trapped platoon. Directing the officer to stay in his location and maintain radio contact with the other elements, Major Roush led the volunteers down one of the canals toward the platoon's position. Unsuccessful in this attempt to join with the trapped element, he returned to the company command post and, with three other volunteers, began crawling into the path of the enemy fire. While trying to reach the platoon's casualties, his group was detected, and the enemy opened up with brutal small arms fire, mortally wounding Major Roush. His actions, however, had diverted the insurgents' attention to his own position, allowing the battered platoon to escape the deadly cross fire and find safety. Major Roush's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, 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. 3185 (July 4, 1968)
  

*Rouska, Dennis Leon

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Dennis Leon Rouska, Sergeant, 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 D, 1st Battalion, 46th Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Sergeant (then Specialist Four) Rouska distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 December 1970 while serving as a machine gunner in a rifle platoon during the night of a mortar attack. As the lethal mortar rounds began falling, Sergeant Rouska unhesitatingly left his secure position and maneuvered through the exploding enemy rounds to aid his wounded comrades. Although wounded by fragmentation, he remained exposed to the fusillade of rounds impacting around him. Attempting to administer first aid, Sergeant Rouska heard an incoming mortar round, and, realizing the full implication of his sacrifice, he threw himself upon his comrade, shielding him from the exploding mortar. Through his indomitable courage, disregard for his safety and concern for his fellow soldier, he averted the loss of a life. Sergeant Rouska's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

• 
  Department of the Army, General Orders No. 32 (August 3, 1972)
  

Rowland, John R.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John R. Rowland, Second Lieutenant (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 D, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Second Lieutenant Rowland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 June 1970 while serving as platoon leader during combat operations in Cambodia. On this date, Lieutenant Rowland's company was engaged by a large, well concealed enemy force firing small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket grenade launchers. Reacting immediately to the intense hostile fire, the lieutenant maneuvered among his men to direct their suppressive fire and locate them in strategic defensive positions. When the allies ran perilously low on ammunition, Lieutenant Rowland utilized a bomb crater as a drop zone and directed a helicopter re-supply operation. Although wounded by enemy fire, Lieutenant Rowland continued to distribute the ammunition to his men. Exposing himself to intense hostile fire, he lieutenant, on two separate occasions, charged forward through the fusillade to shield a medic and a wounded soldier with his body. After securing a landing zone, he supervised the helicopter evacuation of his wounded men amid a hail of enemy fire. Then, refusing to allow his own wounds to be treated, he remained with his men throughout the night to direct their defenses against the determined enemy force. Second Lieutenant Rowland'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. 5218 (December 4, 1970)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Preston Rowser, Sergeant First Class, 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Rowser distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 February 1969 during a mortar and ground attack against Patrol Base Diamond. While Sergeant Rowser was pouring fire into the advancing enemy, a rocket-propelled grenade destroyed his bunker and wounded him in the neck, shoulder and chest. Making his way through the communists' fusillade to a secondary defensive position, he began placing accurate fire on a number of aggressors who had succeeded in breaching the perimeter. Although exposed to a hail of bullets and in pain from his wounds, he succeeded in killing six of the foe and pinning down the others until artillery and gun ships raked the enemy-held sector. He then organized a counterattack, braving continuing hostile mortar, rocket-propelled grenade and machine gun fire to throw hand grenades and fire his rifle at the remaining infiltrators. Once the bunker line was restored, Sergeant Rowser helped evacuate casualties and led a sweep along the perimeter. Sergeant First Class Rowser'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. 1752 (May 15, 1969)
  

Rozelle, Joseph H.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph H. Rozelle, Major (Armor), 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 Troop B, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Major Rozelle distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 April 1968 while leading a mounted ground assault against the enemy at Coa Bang. His second platoon encountered a bunker complex concealed in a treeline, and as six armored personnel carriers neared the position, Major Rozelle's entire command received intense automatic weapons fire from machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. He pressed the attack toward the foe with a drive into the treeline in an effort to breach the first bunker line. Heavy ground fire caused the ground element to halt its advance, although Major Rozelle's element drove relentlessly into the enemy bunker line. During the assault, the machine gunner and the radio-telephone operator on Major Rozelle's track vehicle were seriously wounded. Major Rozelle then manned the machine gun and continued to do so during the entire mounted portion of the assault. As his armored personnel carrier broke through the treeline, he found his element surrounded and receiving barrages from all sides. He called in air strikes and then advanced to insure that contact was maintained with the disorganized enemy force. Receiving ground fire from the bunker complex again, he called in deadly accurate air strikes which destroyed the enemy emplacements and routed them from the area. Major Rozelle's courageous determination in the face of heavy enemy resistance significantly contributed to lessening of communist activity in the Coa Bang region. Major Rozelle'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. 2049 (June 11, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Kenneth E. Rubin, Captain (Artillery), 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 334th Assault Helicopter Company, 145th Combat Aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Captain Rubin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 as mission commander of a firefly-heavy fire team at Bien Hoa Air Force Base. As his team refueled in the early morning hours after their third mission, the base came under heavy rocket and mortar fire. Captain Rubin and his ream immediately sought out the launching positions, directing devastating aerial rocket and machine gun fire into them. Returning to Bien Hoa after completing this and another engagement, they found the east end of the perimeter under intense automatic weapons attack. Captain Rubin exposed the enemy positions by flying low and attracting their fire, enabling his gunships to then rake the Viet Cong. His helicopter was hit, and both the pilot and gunner were wounded. He secured another ship, and next aided a ground unit which had sent an urgent request for gunship support. This accomplished, his team continued the search for the enemy. Locating a force of nearly two hundred Viet Cong, Captain Rubin directed his team in strikes on them, while he lay down a sheet of fire to keep the enemy from escaping. As daylight came, more hostile positions were discovered and silenced. Spotting two wounded Air Force guards caught between enemy forces, Captain Rubin directed his ships in an attack on the Viet Cong positions which annihilated them and permitted him to land and rescue the trapped men. He then coordinated with ground security forces as they swept the area and wiped out the remaining resistance. Captain Rubin'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. 4314 (September 11, 1968)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John William Rucker, Sergeant, 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 C, 75th Infantry (Ranger), 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Sergeant Rucker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 December 1970. His extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, 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. 963 (1971)
  

*Rushing, Gary Grant

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gary Grant Rushing, Private First Class, 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Rushing distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 October 1966 while serving as pointman with a platoon of the 35th Infantry on a search and destroy mission. Leading the unit out of the landing zone, Private Rushing alertly spotted and fired on two North Vietnamese soldiers ahead of him. After mortar fire was placed in the area to their front, Private Rushing again took the point. When he suddenly received hostile sniper fire, he dauntlessly returned the fire, allowing the platoon time to deploy just before the entire area erupted into a fierce battle. When a soldier’s rifle jammed, Private Rushing daringly exposed himself, ran to the man’s side and provided covering fire until the weapon was repaired. Then, as the enemy began to assault from another direction, he fearlessly shed his cumbersome web gear, picked up his grenades and advanced alone through the dense undergrowth. Disregarding the intense hostile fire directed at him, Private Rushing continued to charge while firing his weapon and throwing grenades. Through his courageous actions he killed three insurgents and inspired his comrades to rout the enemy; however, he was mortally wounded by hostile fire as he attempted to return for more ammunition. Private First Class Rushing’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, 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. 3134 (June 24, 1967)
  

*Russell, Gregory Allen

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gregory Allen Russell, Specialist Fourth Class, 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 C, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Russell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 May 1968 as a radio operator during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near the village of Da Phuoc. He was in the point squad when his company began to cross a river to establish a night defensive position. Just as he entered the water, his squad came under extremely heavy enemy fire which wounded him and threw him into the river. Finding his radio inoperative, he ignored the pain of his injury and swam ashore to obtain another radio. He then reentered the water and swam more than fifty meters to the side of his platoon leader. Completely exposed to the continuing enemy fire, Specialist Russell provided desperately needed communications until he received a mortal wound from a sniper's bullet. Specialist Four Russell's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, 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. 4493 (September 25, 1968)
  

Sabalauski, Walter James

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walter James Sabalauski, First Sergeant, 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 C, 2d Battalion, 502d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. First Sergeant Sabalauski distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 9 to 11 June 1966 while participating in a blocking operation near Dak To. When the Viet Cong occupied jungle suddenly erupted with intense hostile fire from three directions, First Sergeant Sabalauski, realizing that the company commander could not possibly control all the elements in the thick bamboo growth and 50 foot canopies, rallied and directed the beleaguered troops in an attempt to gain fire superiority. With complete disregard for his safety, First Sergeant Sabalauski dashed from position to position and repeatedly exposed himself to muster his unit and quell the hostile fire. As the Viet Cong assaulted the perimeter, First Sergeant Sabalauski quickly organized an assault line and delivered suppressive fire onto the fanatical Viet Cong. After dashing to the rear of the perimeter and observing that the insurgents were surrounding his company, he exposed himself and screamed orders to form a tight defensive perimeter. Although artillery was called in as close as 25 meters from the friendly force and air strikes devastated the jungle around the perimeter, the determined Viet Cong continued to advance. When the company commander called in air strikes on his own position as a last resort, First Sergeant Sabalauski remained on his feet to control the beleaguered paratroopers. For 30 hours, he continued to dash from one side of the perimeter to the other to direct and encourage his men. Although he was wounded himself, First Sergeant Sabalauski aided his wounded comrades, comforted the dying, and continued to direct his men. When reinforcements arrived and a hasty perimeter was again set up, he fearlessly moved forward of the perimeter and retrieved a dead comrade. After a 1,000 meter move to an evacuation point, First Sergeant Sabalauski personally supervised the extraction of the wounded and dead. Through his courage and outstanding leadership throughout the long and perilous battle, he contributed immeasurable to the success of his mission. First Sergeant Sabalauski'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.