The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Rogers Roland, Jr. (NSN: 0-701984), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 28 January 1969 while serving as Officer in Charge of Patrol Craft Fast THIRTY-FIVE (PCF-35), Coastal Squadron ONE, Task Force ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN (TF-115), during combat operations against communist aggressor forces in Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam. Accompanied by PCF-100, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Roland conducted a daring daylight probe into a narrow canal off the Ham Luong River, deep into enemy-held territory. After completing a devastatingly effective gunfire mission, both boats were caught in a deadly cross-fire from a numerically-superior Viet Cong force entrenched in both banks of the canal. PCF-100 sustained two serious B-41 rocket hits which wounded the Officer in Charge and one crew member, and knocked them over the side. The helmsman of PCF-100, blinded by heavy smoke, was unaware of this situation and proceeded out of the canal. Upon observing the situation, and realizing the grave danger of the two stricken men, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Roland unhesitatingly placed his boat between the two men and the bank in an effort to protect them from further injury. Due to the severity, volume, and accuracy of the enemy fire, he found it necessary to make several passes before stopping and pulling his two wounded comrades aboard PCF-35. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Roland’s rescue efforts were undaunted by the fact that his boat had received a direct hit from a rocket-propelled grenade round; he directed the operation to a successful climax despite the intense enemy opposition. Through his inspiring personal leadership, his composure under extremely heavy fire, and his disregard for his own personal safety, he was instrumental in saving the lives of his two stricken comrades. By his daring action and loyal devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal risk, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Roland upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.