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.

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.