For heroism in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Sergeant Roese distinguished himself by valorous actions on 12 February 1968, while serving as a Special Forces advisor to a Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) combat reconnaissance platoon conducting a joint operation north of Qui Nhon City. When Sergeant Roese’s element approached an island-like hamlet by way of a dike with little cover, a concealed enemy machine gun position opened fire and wounded two CIDG troops. Sergeant Roese immediately returned fire, temporarily silencing the enemy gun and allowing his element to seek cover. Subsequent to the initial burst another gun position opened fire wounding a third CIDG soldier and killing a Vietnam Special Forces patrol leader. Observing that his machine gun was unmanned, Sergeant Roese sprinted fifty meters down the dike, drawing an intense barrage of enemy machine gun fire, to aid a wounded man. After pulling him to safety, and determining that he was not seriously wounded, Sergeant Roese again exposed himself and raced back through the enemy fire to retrieve the machine gun. After persuading the assistant gunner to accompany him, he then maneuvered the gun into a good firing position and provided covering fire as his element withdrew in order to permit artillery, air and gunship strikes to pound the enemy-held village. These strikes failed to rout the enemy and another CIDG was killed before Sergeant Roese could locate the enemy gun and lay suppressive fire. Sergeant Roese then gave covering fire allowing all wounded to be evacuated to a secure area. Sergeant Roese’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Special Forces and the United States Army.