The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

 

NAVY CROSS MEDAL  to

 

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ROGER D. ROSENBERGER

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

 

Co M, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division

 

Date Of Action: June 17, 1969

 

Citation:

 

For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Rifleman with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 June 1969, Company M was participating in Operation VIRGINIA RIDGE approximately seven miles north of the Dong Ha Combat Base in Quang Tri Province. As the Marines crossed a large open field, the point element came under a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons, machine gun, and rocket-propelled grenade fire from enemy forces well-concealed in a hedgerow. Observing that his companions were pinned down by the intense hostile fire, Private First Class Rosenberger unhesitatingly rushed across the fire-swept terrain to attack the most forward enemy position. Although seriously wounded and knocked to the ground by the explosion of a hostile hand grenade, he resolutely regained his footing and continued his aggressive assault against the enemy emplacement, temporarily suppressing the enemy fire. As the enemy soldiers began to retreat, one of them threw a second hand grenade at Private First Class Rosenberger, mortally wounding him. His heroic actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his fellowman inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, determination and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Rosenberger contributed significantly to the subsequent defeat of the hostile force and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.