The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Roger Charles Bos (NSN: 0-554846), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR (VA-144), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), on 19 January 1967. Commander Bos was the strike leader of the first twenty-seven plane KITTY HAWK coordinated strike on the very important Dong Phoeng Thuong Transshipment complex, ten miles north of Thanh Hoa, North Vietnam. Considering the capabilities of the combined group of dissimilar strike aircraft and with keen perception of the enemy defenses, he planned in detail the entire attack, deploying his attack assets to achieve maximum effectiveness of each weapon system. Personally leading the A-4 Strike element, the smoothly coordinated attack was executed with precision and professionalism. Successfully evading a surface-to-air missile threat shortly after coasting in and in the face of determined anti-aircraft artillery fire in the target area, he accurately delivered his 500-pound bombs on the assigned pontoon bridge, achieving a direct hit. Commander Bos’ astute planning, expert airmanship, decisive leadership and heroic action in the face of personal danger upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Roger Charles Bos (NSN: 0-554846), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Roger Charles Bos (NSN: 0-554846), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station, Fallon, Nevada, from July 1976 through January 1979. An extremely capable and resourceful leader, Captain Bos vigorously directed the efforts of his command to provide maximum support and improved operational readiness of Fleet Squadrons and Reserve Air Wings of both the U.S. Pacific and Atlantic Fleets. His deep concern for the welfare of personnel living and working aboard the Air Station was manifested in his constant and continuing endeavors to improve station facilities. His dedicated and untiring efforts achieved increased morale for both military and civilian personnel. Captain Bos’ astute managerial abilities and outstanding leadership improved significantly the Naval Air Station capability to carry out its mission. By his resolute determination, consistently sound judgment, and total devotion to duty, Captain Bos reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 144 (VA-144)Division:
U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)Action Date:
April 20, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Roger Charles Bos (NSN: 0-554846), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 20 April 1967 while serving with Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR, embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), during a strike against the Haiphong Thermal Power Plant (West), located within the city limits of the vital port city of Haiphong, North Vietnam. Assigned as the strike leader for twenty-seven aircraft only six hours prior to scheduled launch, Commander Bos exhibited outstanding professional competence in his intense target study, planning, and briefing. On approaching the target area, the strike group was confronted with broken-cloud cover which obscured the target from the desired roll-in point. Enemy anti-aircraft fire was extremely heavy and multiple surface-to-air missile warnings were received, requiring evasive maneuvering to avoid two missiles which were detonated close to the flight. Experiencing difficulty in locating the target, Commander Bos courageously altered course to find a favorable approach. The modified flight plan left the formation in an extremely vulnerable position, but flight integrity was tenaciously maintained. On finally locating the target through a cloud break, Commander Bos led the strike group in the attack and placed his one 2,000-pound and two 1,000-pound bombs directly on the boiler house. The successfully executed strike rendered the power plant completely useless. By his valiant leadership, courageous determination, and aggressive and heroic action, Commander Bos upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.