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 Master Sergeant Michael L. Roth, United States Army, for meritorious service from 26 November 2004 to 1 October 2005 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Master Sergeant Roth played an essential role in the training, development, and deployment of the Iraqi Security Forces. He excelled in identifying operational challenges, solving problems, and coordinating task force operations, despite having no prior staff experience. Master Sergeant Roth’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force EAGLE, the Raider Brigade Combat Team, Division Task Force Liberty, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
First Sergeant Michael A. Roth distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as the Master Gunner for Task Force 1-128, Task Force Liberty from 26 November 2004 to 1 October 2005 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM III. First Sergeant Roth demonstrated outstanding abilities to identify operational challenges, solve problems, and coordinate Task Force operations. First Sergeant Roth routinely performed the duties of the Task Force S-3 and consistently displayed the capacity to perform functions normally performed by senior staff officers. Although lacking any prior staff experience, First Sergeant Roth participated in the Task Force planning process, routinely briefed the 1BCT Deputy Brigade Commander, coordinated the movement of hundreds of combat patrols, acquired ISR assets to support combat operations, and regularly solved complex problems presented to the S-3 section. His knowledge, skills, and abilities allowed him to become an essential component of the TF 1-128 staff. First Sergeant Roth was instrumental in the success of Iraqi elections in the TF 1-128 Area of Operations on 30 January 2005. In the month preceding the elections, First Sergeant Roth prepared schedules for all TF combat patrols, coordinated attack aviation support for more than a dozen offensive operations, and assisted in the development of a comprehensive TF plan to secure polling sites. First Sergeant Roth’s efforts directly contributed to creation of a secure environment for elections with limited enemy activity resulting in no attacks on polling sites, and no friendly or civilian casualties. Throughout Operation IRAQI FREEDOM III, First Sergeant Roth played an essential role in the training, development, and deployment of Iraqi Security Forces. First Sergeant Roth assisted in the development of squad and platoon training plans implemented across the entire 4th Iraqi Army Battalion. First Sergeant Roth was equally instrumental in the formation of a dedicated TF Training Cadre to prepare Iraqi soldiers and NCOs for combat operations. First Sergeant Roth directly contributed to the success of TF 1-128 pre-deployment training at Mobilization Station SHELBY and the National Training Center. First Sergeant Roth personally constructed systems to accurately track the qualification of nearly 700 soldiers and over 1,000 weapons and weapon systems. Following deployment to the CENTCOM Area of Operations, First Sergeant Roth personally planned and supervised live fire training at the Udari Range Complex in Kuwait and Range Hawaii in Iraq. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, Task Force Eagle, the Raider Brigade, Task Force LIBERTY, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First SergeantAction Date:
May 1, 2009 – January 15, 2010
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to First Sergeant Michael L. Roth, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service from 1 May 2009 to 15 January 2010 as First Sergeant during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. His outstanding duty performance 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, Joint Task Force 134, Multi-National Force-Iraq, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
First Sergeant Roth distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States as First Sergeant, Company C, 2d Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, Multi-National Force-Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq, from 1 May 2009 to 15 January 2010 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. First Sergeant Roth’s exceptional leadership and strong attention to detail were significant contributing factors in the success of Charlie Company. His commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence produced a highly motivated, cohesive unit that was selected as the Battalion main effort tasked with conducting critical detainee transfers and securing coalition forces and civilian contractors during the international border crossing convoys. First Sergeant Roth’s Company traveled 110,000 accident free miles, more than any other Company in the Battalion. His strict enforcement of standards and safety procedures set the standard for all Companies in the Battalion to follow. Setting the example and leading from the front, First Sergeant Roth participated in 10 detainee air transfer missions, three outpost personnel swaps and two international border crossing convoys. His Company helped significantly in ensuring the external security of the forward operating base in an area of operations that consisted of 340 square kilometers of battle space and 75 kilometers of main and alternate supply routes. He did this amidst threats of small arms fire, improvised explosive devices, indirect fire and explosively formed projectiles that continue to exist throughout Iraq. First Sergeant Roth constantly sought to improve the Company’s ability to accomplish the mission. He was the driving force behind the transition of logistical responsibility associated with the Safwan Hill combat outpost, a theater level critical asset. He coordinated directly with the Brigade staff of an adjacent Division to ensure the needs of the outpost were met. He was able to determine the reporting needs for ordering supplies and helped to streamline the communications process from the outpost to the Base Defense Operations Center so those that needed the information received it timely and accurately. First Sergeant Roth was able to improve the quality of life at the outpost by obtaining a satellite internet and phone system. He developed direct contact with various contractors to ensure services to the outpost were done timely and also was directly involved in the improvement of force protection measures for the outpost. First Sergeant Roth significantly improved communication within the Company coordinating the installation of equipment that enabled direct communication with the combat outpost, patrols and convoys from the company tactical operations center. His extensive knowledge of Excel has helped streamline the tracking of training, missions and accountability of 37 million dollars worth of Company equipment. First Sergeant Roth was integral in the development of the Company motor stables program which was a significant factor in the improvement of the vehicle operational readiness rate by 20 percent and helped to develop more knowledgeable vehicle operators. He became extremely familiar with maintenance issues of each of the 40 tactical vehicles assigned to the Company. First Sergeant Roth significantly helped to streamline Company reporting and tracking for the forward operating base battle drills. As the unit’s senior enlisted leader, First Sergeant Roth worked diligently in mentoring, disciplining, training, and motivating Soldiers assigned to the unit. The biggest strength of Charlie Company is in its Non-commissioned Officer Corps for which First Sergeant Roth’s influence has had the biggest impact. First Sergeant Roth implemented a Non-commissioned Officer Development Program that helped to develop future leaders and instruct current leaders on tactical and administrative information necessary to succeed. First Sergeant Roth’s efforts were essential to the success of Company and Battalion missions. First Sergeant Roth’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Multi-National Force-Iraq, and the United States Army.