Peter Harry
Rogers
DFC
161 (Indep)
Recce Flt 11 Nov 68 - 05 Nov 69 |
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Second Lieutenant Peter Harry
Dickson Rogers enlisted in the
Australian Regular Army on 25 July 1966. He subsequently graduated from Officer
Training Unit and completed helicopter training at the 1st Aviation Regiment. He
arrived in South Vietnam on 12 November 1968.
On 7 June 1969, Second Lieutenant Rogers carried out an
aerial reconnaissance of a village under enemy ground attack. Observing a number
of enemy occupying a bunker system he directed armed helicopters and ground
troops onto the position resulting in the capture of two enemy. Twice during the
day he returned to the area and directed armed helicopters and ground troops
until darkness precluded further air reconnaissance. Throughout the day, Second
Lieutenant Rogers operated his aircraft at low altitudes continually exposing
himself to the enemy and being engaged by ground fire on a number of occasions.
On 15 July 1969, Second Lieutenant Rogers was marking an
enemy base camp in the mountains for an airstrike. Whilst operating at tree top
height his aircraft was hit in the cockpit and fuel tank. Until the airstrike
was effective he remained in the area marking the target, exposing himself to
further fire. Although the aircraft was extensively damaged with some of the
flying controls severed, he landed the aircraft safely at base.
On 2 August 1969, Second Lieutenant Rogers was called upon to
mark an airstrike for troops in contact. Although the friendly troops were being
heavily engaged with small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire, he conducted
a ten minute reconnaissance at tree top height to locate the enemy position thus
repeatedly exposing himself to ground fire.
On each occasion, Second Lieutenant Rogers displayed a high
degree of flying skill, determination and courage. His complete disregard for
his own safety in bringing these actions to a successful conclusion was an
inspiration to the members of his unit.
* Text of citation has been copied from the original recommendation for
"
Honours & Awards" dated 18 August 1969.
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