The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain John M. Rolland, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service from 21 January 2005 to 10 January 2006 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM III. His outstanding dedication to duty during combat operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the Command’s mission. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
For meritorious service during counterinsurgency operations against enemy forces in Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM III from 21 January 2005 to 10 January 2006. Captain Rolland distinguished himself while serving as the Assistant Brigade Fire Support Officer for 2d Brigade Combat Team and as Military Transition Team (MiTT) OIC and Assistant Battalion Operations Officer for 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery. As 2d Brigade Combat Team built combat power in Kuwait, Captain Rolland served as the Add-On-Armor OIC for 2d Brigade. He superbly planned, managed and executed an expanded program that saw more than 60 HMMWVs, 200 PLSs and FMTVs outfitted with level II armor thereby dramatically increasing the force protection level of the Spartan Brigade. Captain Rolland then deployed early to Baghdad where he rapidly assumed the responsibility as lead effects planner for the Brigade. Captain Rolland proved his flexibility and determination as the changing environment in Iraq called for a different skill set to combat terrorism and increase the population’s confidence in the Coalition forces, the Iraqi Security Forces and the Iraqi Government. As the number of ISF battalions in our battlespace expanded from two to eight, he was invaluable to the Spartan team as he assumed additional responsibilities in the Iraqi Security Force (ISF) Cell as our main effort transitioned to Military Transition Team (MiTT) Support for Iraqi Security Forces. His performance was so outstanding he was requested to report early to 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery to assume MiTT OIC duties in support of training the 1st Iraqi Army Battalion, 2d Iraqi Army Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division in the Baghdad area of operations. Captain Rolland superbly led this hand-picked cadre of officers, noncommissioned offi8cers and soldiers as they trained the 1/2/6 Iraqi Army Battalion (IAB) for combat operations as the Iraqi Army prepared to assume battlespace within the Spartan Brigade area of operations. Under constant attack by indirect fire, small arms, and VBIEDs, Captain Rolland’s calm leadership and command presence allowed his isolated team to defeat each and every attack. For example, during a four hour direct fire contact in the streets of the Adhamiyah neighborhood, Captain Rolland aggressively used fire and maneuver in conjunction with attack aviation by coordinating the activities of his small team and a newly formed Iraqi army unit to defeat a company size attack without a single casualty. As the battalion’s mission changed, Captain Rolland was again requested by name to assist with the Brigade’s efforts to train the 2d Iraqi Army Brigade. He immediately immersed himself in this new challenge. Captain Rolland’s focused efforts directly contributed to the 2d Iraqi Army Brigade’s ability to assume battlespace a full month ahead of schedule while defeating numerous small arms, indirect fire, and VBIED attacks. He routinely proved his capability as a planner by planning and executing numerous Brigade and Battalion sized operations with the 1st Iraqi Army Battalion, and the 2d Iraqi Army Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. Captain Rolland superbly put his talents to use in support of 1-I FA Battalion operations as well. During breaks from MiTT training requirements, Captain Rolland served as both a Battle Captain and lead planner for the Battlekings. As a direct result of his heroic efforts, the battalion was able to aggressively execute numerous cordon and searches, cordon and knocks, and other offensive operations to shape and control our battle space resulting in the detainment or elimination of 104 terrorists, the capture of 76 weapons to include two D30 howitzer and three S-60 air defense weapons, and destruction of over 10 tons of enemy ammunition caches. Captain Rolland’s efforts aided the War on Terror by providing each soldier a legitimate chance to survive in combat while accomplishing their mission. Throughout Operation IRAQI FREEDOM III, Captain Rolland’s dedication to duty, professionalism, and tactical expertise have been in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Battlekings, the Spartan Brigade, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.