By Direction

of the

President of the United States

the

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded 

to

John R. Rowland

Rank and Organization:  Second Lieutenant, D Company, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

Date and Place:  22 June 1970, Republic of Vietnam

Reason:  For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam:  Second Lieutenant Rowland distinguished himself while serving as platoon leader during combat operations in Cambodia on 22 June 1970.  On this date, Lieutenant Rowland's company was engaged by a large, well concealed enemy force firing small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket grenade launchers.  Reacting immediately to the intense hostile fire, the lieutenant maneuvered among his men to direct their suppressive fire and locate them in strategic defensive positions.  When the allies ran perilously low on ammunition, Lieutenant Rowland utilized a bomb crater as a drop zone and directed a helicopter resupply operation.  Although wounded by enemy fire, Lieutenant Rowland continued to distribute the ammunition to his men.  Exposing himself to intense hostile fire, the lieutenant, on two separate occasions charged forward through the fusillade to shield a medic and a wounded soldier with his body.  After securing a landing zone, he supervised the helicopter evacuation of his wounded men amid a hail of enemy fire.  Then refusing to allow his own wounds to be treated, he remained with his men throughout the night to direct their defenses against the determined enemy force.  Second Lieutenant Rowland's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.