America 250 Veteran of the Day

SPOTLIGHT: Lieutenant Colonel Charles C. Rogers

United States Army
Vietnam War

September 6, 1929 – September 21, 1990

Charles Calvin Rogers

The Base Must Hold

In the early morning darkness of November 1, 1968, enemy forces launched a massive assault against Fire Support Base Rita near the Cambodian border.

The attack came with:

artillery
mortars
rockets
and repeated ground assaults

The defenders were outnumbered.

The situation was critical.

Wounded But Still Leading

Then-Lieutenant Colonel Rogers was wounded during the opening stages of the battle.

Most men would have sought treatment.

Instead, Rogers moved throughout the battlefield:

directing artillery fire
organizing defenses
encouraging wounded soldiers
reinforcing threatened positions

A second enemy attack struck.

Again he was wounded.

Again he refused evacuation.

Holding the Line

Throughout the night, Rogers continued moving from bunker to bunker while enemy fire swept across the base.

His calm leadership inspired the defenders to continue fighting despite overwhelming pressure.

By dawn, Fire Support Base Rita still stood.

The enemy attacks had failed.

A Historic Honor

For his actions, Rogers received the Medal of Honor.

He became one of the highest-ranking African American officers to receive the nation’s highest award for valor during the Vietnam War.

His courage remains an enduring example of leadership under fire.

Reflection

Leadership is not measured by where a commander stands when things are easy.

It is measured by where he stands when everything is falling apart.

Charles Rogers stood with his soldiers.

Decorations

Medal of Honor
Purple Heart
Bronze Star
Air Medal
Army Commendation Medal

Legacy

Charles Rogers demonstrated that leadership is more than authority.

It is presence.

It is courage.

It is refusing to leave your people when they need you most.

Final Resting Place

Lt. Col. Charles C. Rogers rests with honor at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Micky Spano Radio Show proudly honors Lieutenant Colonel Charles C. Rogers, United States Army, as America 250 Veteran of the Day for June 10, 2026, remembering his courage, leadership, and steadfast devotion to his soldiers during the Vietnam War.

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