The Valor of Lt. Col. Charles Calvin Rogers at the Forward Fire Support Base

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Calvin Rogers, of the Field Artillery, displayed extraordinary heroism while commanding the 1st Battalion in defending a forward fire support base. In the early hours, the base was hit by a heavy bombardment of mortars, rockets, and rocket-propelled grenades. Concurrently, a massive ground assault began, with enemy sappers breaching defensive barriers using bangalore torpedoes.

Despite the danger, Lt. Col. Rogers moved through intense enemy fire to rally his artillery crew, who were stunned by the initial attack. Under his leadership, they manned their howitzers and directed fire at the advancing enemy. Knocked down and wounded by an explosion, Lt. Col. Rogers quickly rose and led a counterattack against enemy forces that had breached the howitzer positions. Though injured again in the assault, he pressed on, killing several enemy soldiers and forcing the rest to retreat. Refusing medical attention, Lt. Col. Rogers reinforced the defensive positions.

As a second wave attacked a different sector, Lt. Col. Rogers directed artillery fire and led another counterattack, inspiring his men to drive back the assault. Moving through heavy fire from position to position, he provided encouragement and strategic guidance to his troops. At dawn, the enemy launched a third, determined attempt to overrun the base. Lt. Col. Rogers rushed to the most threatened area, coordinating fire on the advancing forces. When he saw a howitzer crew out of action due to casualties, he joined the survivors to get the weapon operational again.

During the defense, Lt. Col. Rogers was seriously wounded by mortar fragments. Although unable to lead physically, he continued to direct and inspire his men in repelling the final assault. His unwavering bravery and leadership inspired the defenders to overcome a numerically superior force. For his actions, Lt. Col. Rogers was awarded the Medal of Honor.