Navy Federal Credit Union

William Rosson graduated from the University of Oregon in 1940 and later received a master’s degree in international relations from Oxford University. In the Vietnam War, General Rosson served a tour as General William Westmoreland’s chief of staff. He served four tours of duty in Vietnam, longer than any other senior commander in that war. He retired as a U.S. Army General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (General Staff Corps)

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 31, 1944

    Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 129 (July 30, 1944)

    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 Major (General Staff Corps) William Bradford Rosson (ASN: 0-23556), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Ponte Rotto, Italy, on 31 January 1944. Major Rosson led his battalion in an advance to take a road junction and a hill, to secure the right flank of his regiment during an attack. Early in the attack one of his assault companies was halted temporarily by severe machine gun and rifle fire. While several enemy riflemen shot directly at him, Major Rosson ran forward to a position within 75 yards of the enemy. Exposing himself to intense machine gun fire which barely missed him, he reorganized the two foremost assaulting platoons and directed their fire power so effectively that the enemy was routed completely. Advancing 2,000 yards closer to the objective, one of the assault companies was ambushed by a large enemy force. Moving forward amid tracer bullets which struck the ground at his feet, Major Rosson made a reconnaissance within 100 yards of the enemy. Deciding the firepower of one company to be insufficient, he ran 300 yards to the other assault company, assumed command, and directed a coordinated attack which successfully flanked and routed the enemy. As his battalion reached its objective after an advance of 3,000 yards, one of the assault companies became illuminated in the glare of a burning half-track. Three enemy tanks opened fire on the company with cannon and machine guns, inflicting heavy casualties. Hurrying to the company to lead the assault, Major Rosson was subjected to heavy shellfire, shells bursting within 10 to 25 yards of him. His vision impaired by concussion, his field jacket ripped and his canteen punctured by fragmentation, Major Rosson reorganized the company and vigorously pressed the attack to force an enemy withdrawal, which allowed his battalion to reach its objective without further opposition, His fighting determination and intrepidity in battle exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    July 1965 – July 1967

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 38 (September 18, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General William Bradford Rosson (ASN: 0-23556), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, during the period from July 1965 to July 1967.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    June 1967 – July 1968

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 50 (September 26, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General William Bradford Rosson (ASN: 0-23556), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, during the period from June 1967 through July 1968.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    July 1963 – June 1965

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 27 (August 13, 1965)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General William Bradford Rosson (ASN: 0-23556), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from July 1963 to June 1965.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General William Bradford Rosson (ASN: 0-23556), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.