The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Roger Charles Bos (NSN: 0-554846), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 20 April 1967 while serving with Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR, embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), during a strike against the Haiphong Thermal Power Plant (West), located within the city limits of the vital port city of Haiphong, North Vietnam. Assigned as the strike leader for twenty-seven aircraft only six hours prior to scheduled launch, Commander Bos exhibited outstanding professional competence in his intense target study, planning, and briefing. On approaching the target area, the strike group was confronted with broken-cloud cover which obscured the target from the desired roll-in point. Enemy anti-aircraft fire was extremely heavy and multiple surface-to-air missile warnings were received, requiring evasive maneuvering to avoid two missiles which were detonated close to the flight. Experiencing difficulty in locating the target, Commander Bos courageously altered course to find a favorable approach. The modified flight plan left the formation in an extremely vulnerable position, but flight integrity was tenaciously maintained. On finally locating the target through a cloud break, Commander Bos led the strike group in the attack and placed his one 2,000-pound and two 1,000-pound bombs directly on the boiler house. The successfully executed strike rendered the power plant completely useless. By his valiant leadership, courageous determination, and aggressive and heroic action, Commander Bos upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.




