By Direction

of the

President of the United States

The

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded

To

Roger A. Pederson

(Posthumously)

Rank and Unit:  Specialist Four, HQ & HQ Troop, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry, 5th Infantry Division

Date and Place:  29 March 1971,  Republic of Vietnam

Reason:  For extraordinary heroism in connection with Military operations involving, conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four Pederson distinguished himself as medical aidman in support of a besieged American unit. While en route to the contact area, his convoy was ambushed by an enemy force firing rocket propelled grenades and automatic weapons. Specialist Pederson leaped from his vehicle amid intense enemy fire and raced forward to treat the wounded. With enemy rounds spraying around him, Specialist Pederson treated two wounded and dragged both to safety. Although wounded in this action, he again attempted to reach another casualty. Ignoring his own wounds Specialist Pederson began treating the casualty’s wounds. When a hail of bullets struck his location, Specialist Pederson shielded the soldier with his own body, sustaining additional wounds. Shortly thereafter he succumbed to his own wounds. Specialist Four Pederson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty at the cost of his life were in keeping of the traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.