The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Arthur Harold Rogers (ASN: 0-21655), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 400th Bombardment Squadron, 90th Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in bombing missions during the period from 1 December 1942 through 10 April 11943, against enemy targets in the Southwest Pacific Area of Operations. Colonel Rogers displayed great courage in repeated attacks against the enemy during this period. On 1 December 1942, he led four squadrons of his group in a daylight strike against four enemy destroyers off Gasmata, New Britain. Despite interception by thirty five to forty enemy fighters and intense anti-aircraft fire, three bombing runs were made from low altitude and eight enemy aircraft destroyed. He volunteered to test new features of a bomber in combat conditions, and flew alone for an hour and a half over Wewak unsuccessfully seeking enemy opposition. On another occasion he flew an individual reconnaissance mission in Hansa Bay area and inflicted damage on a 4500 ton enemy vessel. On 10 April 1943, he piloted a bomber in a strike against enemy shipping in Wewak Harbor. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire which destroyed his hydraulic system, runs were made which damaged or destroyed two vessels. When leaving the target area another ship was sighted, and although his bombs were gone, plane badly damaged and a crash landing inevitable, he made three strafing attacks which left the enemy ship in flames. Colonel Rogers exhibited great daring over this period and consistently sought out and defeated the enemy. His personal courage and zealous devotion to duty have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.