The Secretary of the Army of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Army Commendation Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant John M. Rolland, United States Army, for meritorious service while serving as the 2d Platoon Leader of Alpha Battery, 1-9 Field Artillery in support of 3d Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry, from 20 March to 14 April 2003 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. His performance of duty in a combat zone reflects great credit upon him, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 3d Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry, 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
For valorous service during combat operations against forces of Iraq while serving as the 2d Platoon Leader of Alpha “Assassin” Battery, 1-9 Field Artillery attached to 3d Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry, from 20 March to 14 April 2003, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. First Lieutenant Rolland’s platoon maintained a 100 percent operational readiness rate and fired in all missions by Alpha Battery. During the course of hostilities, his platoon fired over 325 rounds in direct support of troops in contact, many within danger close distances of less than 600 meters of friendly positions. His platoon served as the trail platoon for all battery movements providing rear security for all battery logistical assets. In one 24 hour period from 24 – 25 March 2003, First Lieutenant Rolland’s platoon participated in a 150 kilometer plus movement during the hours of darkness and through a blinding sandstorm. The battery fought through no less than seven ambushes while participating in actions to secure a key crossing over the Euphrates River at the city of An Najaf and push deep into enemy held territory. During this movement, First Lieutenant Rolland and his platoon engaged multiple ambush positions with individual and crew served weapons, providing suppressive direct fire at enemy positions often less than 25 meters away and fired an emergency mission against dug in enemy positions less than 1,500 meters away. Once across the river, the battery remained in position with Alpha “Apache” Troop, surrounded and cut off from friendly forces for over 72 hours. During this time, the Battery Commander pushed forward to serve as Fire Support Coordinator at the Squadron TAC. First Lieutenant Rolland’s competence and leadership ensured the success of the battery during this critical period, freeing the Commander to assist in the planning and coordinating of fires with Squadron Fire Support Officer (FSO). His direct and personal supervision of his platoon firing included two key missions in support of actions by Bravo “Bone Crusher” and Charlie “Crazy Horse” Troop. On 25 March 2003, Bone Crusher Troop became decisively engaged with an enemy ambush position during a swirling sandstorm with visibility less than 50 meters. With two M1 tanks lost and a disabled Bradley IFV on the verge of being overrun, the Troop FSO called for artillery fire on its own position. Despite being in the middle of moving, less than 2,000 meters from the action, and on a main avenue of approach, First Lieutenant Rolland’s platoon stopped and fired the mission causing the enemy to break contact. This enabled the troop to successfully withdraw without a single casualty. Later that night Crazy Horse Troop was surrounded by what is estimated as having been a battalion size element of dismounted infantry. As the troop fought to survive and running out of ammunition, First Lieutenant Rolland supervised his platoon for what would be a continuous firing of Base Bleed Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions creating an impenetrable wall of steel 1,000 meters from the friendly positions until B-52 bombers could be brought on station to break the enemy’s back. So intense was the firing that Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicles were required to rotate to PLSs for ammunition re-supply. These actions enabled the Troop to survive the night without a single casualty. First Lieutenant Rolland’s actions reflect outstanding credit upon himself, the cavalrymen of 3d Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry “Garry Owen”, 1-9 Field Artillery, the 3d Infantry Division (M) “Rock of the Marne”, and the U.S. Army.

The Secretary of the Army of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Commendation Medal with Combat “V” to Captain John M. Rolland, United States Army, for valorous achievement during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM III, during combat operations in Eastern Baghdad, Iraq, during a VBIED attack against the 2d Iraqi Army Brigade’s Headquarters on 15 July 2005. He completely disregarded his own safety and moved to the blast site to provide additional security. His quick thinking, tactical skill and complete disregard for his own safety helped prevent further attacks. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, the Spartan Brigade Combat Team, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
For valorous action as a 2d Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division Military Transition Team (MiTT) advisor with the 2d “Tiger” Brigade, 6th Division Iraqi Army on 15 July 2005. After two VBIED attacks against the 1st and 2d Battalions of the Tiger Brigade were reported to the MiTT Tactical Operations Center, the Brigade MiTT increased the force protection posture at the entry control point (ECP) to the Brigade Headquarters at the Old Ministry of Defense (MOD) compound in East Baghdad. At approximately 1400 hours, a white sedan entered the ECP lane and accelerated around the jerseey barriers towards the soldiers and a civilian van departing the Old MOD. The vehicle collided with the civilian vehicle, bounced off the lead M1A1 and exploded. Upon hearing the explosion and ICOM radio call from the ECP concerning the VBIEDS, Captain Rolland got an interpreter and immediately moved the ECP to assess the situation. While he was en route to the ECP, a secondary explosion went off. Captain Rolland and the interpreter arrived at the ECP) and found the area blocked by one of the M1A1s and destroyed/burning vehicles. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Rolland ran through the smoke and burning debris to reach the site of the detonation. He quickly organized the Iraqi soldiers at the ECP and moved them forward to the traffic circle to expand the perimeter and prevent further VBIEDs from entering the site, while at the same time directing emergency fire trucks and ambulances onto the scene. While he was at the ECP, a tertiary explosion from the VBIED went off within 20 meters of his position. Captain Rolland’s actions were commendable in the face of danger. He disregarded his own safety and moved into a still dangerous situation to assist and prevent further attacks against the MiTT personnel and 2d Tiger Brigade soldiers. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of selfless and courageous military service.