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 Colonel (General Staff Corps) Gordon Byrom Rogers (ASN: 0-15620), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, I Corps, in action against enemy forces near Buna Village, New Guinea, on 5 December 1942. During an attack on the enemy position near Buna Village many leaders of small Infantry units became casualties and the units became disorganized. Colonel Rogers, again and again, with total disregard for his own safety, personally led assault platoons forward under heavy fire from enemy snipers, machine guns and mortars. During this attack, Colonel Rogers engaged, at close ranges, enemy snipers who were holding up the attack and by his example and intrepid leadership the men were inspired to greater effort. Colonel Rogers’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the I Corps, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
June 3, 1952 – October 25, 1953
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 92 (December 7, 1953)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General Gordon Byrom Rogers (ASN: 0-15620), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 3 June 1952 to 25 October 1953.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant GeneralAction Date:
October 1953 – August 1958
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 30 (September 13, 1961)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 Lieutenant General Gordon Byrom Rogers (ASN: 0-15620), United States Army, for eminently meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service in successive positions of great responsibility during the period October 1953 to August 1961. From October 1953 to August 1958, General Rogers served consecutively as Commanding General, 3d Armored Division; Deputy Director of the Staff, Net Evaluation Subcommittee of the National Security Council; Commanding General of the Southern Area Command, United States Army, Europe; and as Deputy Commanding General of the SEVENTH United States Army. In each of these high level command and staff assignments, General Rogers’ conspicuously superior performance of duty, inherently manifested by his resourceful leadership, mature judgment, and excellent executive capacity, made valuable contribution to the overall successful accomplishment of major military objectives of important national and international significance. His deep sense of duty, and his thorough understanding of the total military mission advanced tactical and strategic methods, doctrines and policies commensurate to meet the active requirements and demands of the modern Army. His comprehensive knowledge of departmental staff functions was constantly displayed by his able and efficient direction of complex operational efforts, and provided effective measures for prompt corrective action to resolve difficult problem areas. General Rogers culminated his brilliant career as Deputy Commanding General for Developments, United States Continental Army Command. His vast military background, inspiring leadership and dedicated devotion immeasurably enhanced and improved the training and combat readiness of that organization, and earned the high regard and admiration of all associated with him. General Rogers’ distinguished performance of duty throughout this period represents outstanding achievement in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and reflects distinct credit upon himself and the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (General Staff Corps)Division:
I CorpsAction Date:
World War II
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (General Staff Corps) Gordon Byrom Rogers (ASN: 0-15620), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army Corps, in action against the enemy in New Guinea, in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Rogers, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Brigadier GeneralDivision:
40th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
Korean War
Headquarters, 40th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 58 (1953)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Silver Star to Brigadier General Gordon Byrom Rogers (ASN: 0-15620), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving while serving as Assistant Commanding General of the 40th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in 1953. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Brigadier General Rogers, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (General Staff Corps)Division:
Army Ground ForcesAction Date:
1943 – 1945
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (General Staff Corps) Gordon Byrom Rogers (ASN: 0-15620), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as G-2, Army Ground Forces, from 1943 to 1945.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (General Staff Corps)Division:
I CorpsAction Date:
1942 – 1943
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (General Staff Corps) Gordon Byrom Rogers (ASN: 0-15620), 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 as G-2, FIRST Corps, from 1942 to 1943.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (General Staff Corps)Division:
I CorpsAction Date:
December 28, 1942
Headquarters, Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 7 (January 15, 1943)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 Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (General Staff Corps) Gordon Byrom Rogers (ASN: 0-15620), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, I Corps, during the Papuan Campaign in New Guinea. In the attack on Buna Mission in the late afternoon of 28 December 1942, Colonel Rogers displayed gallantry far beyond the call of duty in leading infantry units which had become disorganized. The front line elements of the troops involved had become cowed by the intense automatic fire laid down against them. Colonel Rogers, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, stood up erect in the face of the enemy fire and from this position exhorted the men around him to return the fire and make proper use of their weapons. The men were inspired by his leadership, forgot their fear and bravely recommenced the attack against the enemy troops. While Colonel Rogers was at the front, he was twice wounded. Colonel Rogers’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.