The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel David Milton Roeder (AFSN: FR-83066), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Assistant Deputy Director for Planning Integration and Assistant Director for Resources, Directorate of Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, Headquarters United States Air Force, Washington, District of Columbia, from 21 October 1985 to 31 December 1988. In these important positions, his keen insight, superior judgment, and ceaseless efforts consistently provided concise analysis and on-target advice for the Air Force senior leadership on defense resource allocation issues of national importance. Tempered by experience as a fighter pilot in Vietnam and an Iranian hostage in the American Embassy in Tehran, Colonel Roeder’s farsighted counsel and clear vision of national goals contributed immeasurably to the present and future warfighting capability of the nation. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Roeder culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
October 21, 1985 – December 31, 1988
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (Iran)Action Date:
November 4, 1979 – January 20, 1981
Lieutenant Colonel David Milton Roeder (AFSN: FR-83066), United States Air Force, was held hostage in Iran from 4 November 1979 to 20 January 1981, while assigned as Deputy U.S. Air Force Attach, United States Embassy, Teheran, Iran. He was among the sixty-five Americans taken prisoner and held in captivity for 444 days by armed Iranian terrorists who were directly supported by the Government of Iran. During this period of confinement, he and other hostages were subjected to abominable conditions and constant harassment from their captors. The hostages were continuously used in several forms of propaganda such as being paraded in front of media cameras while blind folded and hands tied behind their backs. Throughout the duration of their captivity, the hostages were held in conditions comparable to those under which persons have generally been held captive by enemy forces during periods of armed conflict. Despite the harsh conditions, he continuously provided an example for all other Americans to emulate through his adherence to the Code of Conduct.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain David Milton Roeder (AFSN: FR-83066), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain David Milton Roeder (AFSN: FR-83066), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain David Milton Roeder (AFSN: FR-83066), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot over Southeast Asia on 21 April 1968. On that date, Captain Roeder was a member of a flight assigned an interdiction mission deep in hostile territory. Without any flak suppression, Captain Roeder courageously braved intense hostile fire and only by placing himself in the most hazardous of conditions, achieved maximum results with his ordnance. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Roeder reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.