Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 1 Line: 51

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Citation accompanying the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Major Gregory F. Roche Jr. OF105811, United States Army, distinguished himself by .exceptional heroism while participating in aerial flight in support of military operations against a hostile-force near Tri Ton, Republic of Vietnam. On 17 November 1968, Major Roche was serving an aircraft commander of a CH-47B helicopter and as mission commander of four CH-47B aircraft. The mission was in support of a large operation aimed at assaulting Nui Co To Mountain. Major Roche's helicopter was conducting an artillery insertion into firing positions near: the base of the mountain. There was heavy fighting near the landing zone. An enemy 50 caliber machine gun position was under attack by Air Force fighters a short distance away, and the entire area was exposed to violent bursts of enemy fire.

The aircraft scheduled to put the command post group in the area drew fire on approach and was ordered to abort by the "Command and Control" ship. Major Roche, knowing that artillery support was essential for the success of the operation, calmly evaluated the situation and decided to-take a 105mm Howitzer and crew in. With exceptional skill Major Roche made a low-level approach into the landing zone and though the aircraft was exposed to the enemy positions and under fire, placed the gun and ammunition in the desired location. His aircraft picked up another gun and crew and again went into the landing -zone.

Once more intense enemy fire was encountered and the -enemy could be seen running in the trees, Major Roche. Not knowing the position of friendly troops in the ever changing situation, ordered the gunners not to fire. After the completion of the second lift, it was decided by the ground commander to move the artillery unit to a new position less harassed by enemy fire. Major Roche, with courage and determination, voluntarily went back into the initial position to retrieve the guns previously placed there.

To complete the hook-up of the gun and ammunition, it was necessary for the helicopter to hover above the trees exposed to the blistering automatic weapons fire from the enemy guns. Major Roche displayed exceptional courage as the aircraft received multiple hits during the critical period when it could not maneuver. He calmly directed the crew members until the load was secure, with complete disregard for his personal safety. Major Roche directed the removal of the second howitzer to the new landing zone and after it was-securely in position requested a damage report.

An inspection of the aircraft disclosed severe battle damage and it was evacuated to Can Tho. Major Roche, disregarding the fact that he had been flying more than eight hours under the most adverse conditions, acquired a flyable helicopter and returned to the operations area to complete the mission.

Major Roche's remarkable courage under fire and his determination to complete the mission were inspirations to all who participated in the operation. By his immediate response to the rapidly changing situations, and his professional ability, Major Roche was responsible for the completion of the artillery move and contributed to the success of the overall operation. Major Roche's heroic actions and outstanding performance are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.