THE WALL OF FACES

Roger Carl Bangert
Date of birth: January 24, 1945
Date of death: January 22, 1969
Home of record: Albert Lea Minnesota
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal [then Private First Class] Roger Carl Bangert (ASN: US-56505290), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Bangert distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 January 1969 while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company B, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Dinh Tuong. After his platoon came under intense hostile fire as they moved across an open rice paddy toward a woodline, Private Bangert saw that one of his comrades was seriously wounded and lying in an exposed position. He courageously left a position of relative safety and ran through the fusillade of enemy fire to reach the man, but was mortally wounded himself, as he started to administer aid to his comrade. Private First Class Bangert's extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 1586 (February 11, 1969)

Action Date: January 22, 1969

Service: Army

Rank: Corporal

Company: Company B

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 39th Infantry Regiment

Division: 9th Infantry Division

Dear CPL Roger Carl Bangert, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Roger, Thank You!! I never really had a chance to say THANK YOU that day we were a little busy -had quite a few NVA shooting at us -what I heard later, there was a battalion in those woods in front of us-(S2 said there was a NVA platoon ,WRONG AGAIN) --shooting at us. I always wanted to say thank you Roger -as I did say to Henry and Fred later at a reunion in Indiana .I Always think of you guys AND PRAY FOR YOU AND THE OTHER COMBAT INFANTRYMEN OF THE 2ND PLATOON. BY THE WAY I WAS SHOT IN THE LOWER RIGHT LEG BROKE BOTH BONES on my birthday 8/278/68. Roger thanks for the present .RIP- your brother forever. Ray (bravo26) .

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest In Peace and Honor Roger.

 

 

On August 27, 1968, you joined Fred Benson and I, as we pulled back to safety our platoon leader Ray Gruno. Again you rose to help our brother Kenny Brownlee, toghethr you perished. After you fell, I remember that you recieved a 'Care Package' from home, the pain of that day is as fresh today as it was then.
I have never been much for religous belief; instead,I have come to believe that instead of dying, that we 'crossover' to a better place; therefore, i will see you again, and we can catch up.
Henry Velez
B Co 2nd 39th Inf 7-68 to 7-69
Republic of Viet Nam