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 Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Wayne H. Rouson (ASN: W-3159628), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 29 October 1968 while serving with the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Warrant Officer Rouson was performing an aero scout mission when he received a report that approximately twenty Viet Cong had been observed in his immediate area. He immediately proceeded to the area of contact and began giving intelligence reports to the troop commander, while utilizing his own aircraft in a suppressive fire role. Subjecting his aircraft to constant small arms and automatic weapons fire, Warrant Officer Rouson continued to circle the hostile positions in order to provide information to the ground commander. Despite the intense ground fire, he landed his aircraft on four different occasions in order to evacuate four wounded prisoners. Warrant Officer Rouson’s unwavering devotion to duty, disregard of personal safety and professional ability were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Wayne H. Rouson (ASN: W-3159628), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty on 1 December 1968 while serving as an aero scout with the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date in the vicinity of Bien Hoa, Warrant Officer Rouson was engaged in an assault upon an enemy force of unknown size. During the course of the fierce action, Warrant Officer Rouson, although exposed to intense automatic weapons fire directed at his aircraft, relayed a steady flow of information concerning the enemy’s location and strength to his commander. During the engagement he was called upon to land and evacuate a number of casualties. Courageously, he maneuvered his aircraft through the enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, landed on the edge of a bomb crater, placed the wounded on board and flew them to a medical treatment facility. Warrant Officer Rouson’s unwavering devotion to duty and disregard of personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.