COLONEL ROGER DIMSDALE (then Captain), Infantry, United States Army, Company B, 1st Battalin, 46th Infantry, 198th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Captain Dimsdale distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 September 1968 while commanding an infantry company and cavalry troop on a search and clear operation near the village of Quang Ngai. An estimated reinforced North Vietnamese Army battalion occupying well entrenched positions unleashed a devastating attack with rockets, recoilless rifles, automatic weapons and small arms on Captain Dimsdale’s advancing force. Several armored personnel carriers were hit by rocket-propelled grenades in the initial barrage. Quickly regrouping his unit, Captain Dimsdale led an assault against the aggressors. Seeing an enemy soldier jump into a trench, he fearlessly charged and killed him with a hand grenade. Suddenly the communists opened up on one flank with a heavy concentration of grenades and automatic weapons fire. Captain Dimsdale was painfully wounded by shrapnel, but refused treatment and charged the hostile position. Maneuvering through the withering hail of enemy fire, he tossed a grenade into the bunker which killed three North Vietnamese and made it possible for his men to continue their advance. As the enemy began to withdraw, he again maneuvered through the hostile fire to help carry the wounded from the battlefield and supervised their evacuation. When contact was broken he set up a night position, submitting to treatment for his own injuries only after security was established. Captain Dimsdale’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.

Col. Dimsdale resides in Virginia.