The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Rolla Mel Breed (ASN: 0-5406364), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Breed distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1959 while serving as a Pilot with Troop D, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division on a reconnaissance mission in Kien Hoa Province. After learning that a friendly ground force had several casualties who needed immediate evacuation, Captain Breed flew to the area to attempt the extraction of the wounded men. Finding that the landing zone was impossibly small, he directed two smaller craft to land first as he flew cover for them, but when they were unable to pick up all of the casualties, he courageously maneuvered his craft into the hazardous landing zone and skillfully extracted the men in spite of the fact that his helicopter was heavily loaded. Captain Breed’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

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 (Air Defense Artillery) Rolla Mel Breed (ASN: 0-5406364), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Breed distinguished himself on 21 March 1967 while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1D helicopter involved in a hazardous re-supply of a forward artillery base of the 3d Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. The situation was considered a tactical emergency. The Viet Cong were attacking in human waves with mortars and automatic weapons. Their attack with superior numbers of more than five-to-one, was rapidly depleting the supply of ammunition in the American defensive position. The 116th Assault Helicopter Company was called upon to perform the emergency re-supply on the beleaguered unit. Captain Breed showed superb flying skill, extreme devotion to duty, and uncommon discipline in the face of intense enemy fire throughout this encounter. He flew his aircraft into and out of the landing zone heavily loaded with ammunition and casualties. During this time the landing zone was under continuous attack. Heavy enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire raked the area. Only through his skillful maneuvering, extreme courage, and professional accomplishment was this mission successfully completed. The unit being re-supplied, gratefully received the ammunition and dealt the Viet Cong a tremendous defeat. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.