Lane Rogers graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1953. He retired as a U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel.
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Lane Rogers graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1953. He retired as a U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Lane Rogers (MCSN: 0-61169), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict with an enemy during Operation QUYET THANG 518, in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, 18 – 19 April 1965. On 18 April 1965, Major Rogers, Infantry Battalion Advisor to the 3d Vietnamese Marine Battalion, through his own diligence, personal courage, and with total disregard for his own personal safety was instrumental in dislodging the Viet Cong from excellent defensive positions by inspiring the Vietnamese Marines to continue the impetus of the attack and by coordinating supporting air strikes. On 19 April 1965, when the 3d Vietnamese Marine Battalion made contact with a much stronger Viet Cong force using extremely heavy fire including 4.2 inch mortars, Major Rogers, exposing himself to deadly fire, attempted to steady the unnerved troops and succeeded initially in stopping their withdrawal and in organizing a hasty defense. With continuing heavy enemy mortar and automatic fire, with no friendly artillery fire or air support, command and control disintegrated and the entire task force became immediately in danger of being overrun. Major Rogers organized a small rearguard force of U.S. and Vietnamese Marines, and firing point blank at the onrushing Viet Cong who were now in the process of encircling and outflanking them, slowed the enemy’s advance and inflicted heavy casualties. This delaying action saved the entire task force from total annihilation by allowing the Task Force Commander time to reorganize his forces and fight an orderly withdrawal. Major Rogers’ personal leadership, coolness under extremely heavy fire, disregard for his personal safety, courage and example, and acts of heroism above and beyond the call of duty, prevented this chaotic situation from becoming a crushing Viet Cong victory. The Viet Cong experienced heavy losses, with 53 bodies found and 297 others claimed as killed. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal risk, Major Rogers upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.