Flew on C. Dale Briscoe crew. Reported to group on 15 Jan 9143. Completed 7 missions. He was severely wounded on 01 May 1943 St. Nazaire mission. He received a medical discharge in August 1944.



DSC, AM OLC, PH,



DSC Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant John R. Roller United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 369th Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action on 1 May 1943. The B-17 in which Staff Sergeant Roller was serving as Tail Gunner was attacked by a force of enemy fighter airplanes and during the encounters he was severely wounded. In spite of his wounds this soldier remained at his post of duty, continued to fire his guns, with the result that one enemy airplane was definitely destroyed. Enemy fire had started a fire in the tail section of the plane and Staff Sergeant Roller's clothing was ablaze. He was removed to the radio room where first aid was administered. Immediately thereafter several attacks were encountered by enemy fighter airplanes. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and the pain form his wounds, and thinking only of the safety of his airplane and crew, Staff Sergeant Roller gallantly manned the radio gun and beat off several attacks until he fell unconscious as a result of his wounds. The courage, heroism and devotion to duty displayed by him without regard to his own personal safety contributed materially to the safe return of the aircraft and crew and is an inspiration to the armed forces of the United States.