Gallagher Awards Long Overdue Medal to Green Bay Veteran

Statement

Rep. Mike Gallagher (WI-08) today presented a Southwest Asia Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star to Sergeant John Roes, a Green Bay resident who served for 20 years in the U.S. Army. Sgt. Roes earned this honor while serving in the Persian Gulf War, where he was a member of the 100th Engineer Company of the 30th Engineer Battalion and provided topographical support to the U.S. Army in Saudi Arabia.

"Sergeant Roes' efforts in the Gulf War were one chapter in a career full of distinguished service to our country," said Rep. Gallagher. "His work in Saudi Arabia was critical to helping his fellow soldiers complete their mission, and while long overdue, I'm glad Sergeant Roes is finally getting the recognition he deserves. I could not have been prouder to present the Southwest Asia Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star to him today."

The Southwest Asia Service Medal was created by President George H.W. Bush on March 12, 1991 to honor those who performed duty in the Persian Gulf War. Sgt. Roes medal includes one Bronze Service Star, which indicates that he served on one of three campaigns on the medals ribbon.

Background:
Sgt. Roes entered service in 1975 and became integral to the U.S. Army's topographical missions. During the Persian Gulf War, the company he was a part of created 800,000 maps that proved crucial to success in hitting enemy targets and providing precise locations for artillery, air defense units, and communication facilities.

Sgt. Roes performance in the war earned consistent praise, with his Commanding Officer writing: "He deployed with the unit to Saudi Arabia as the movement NCO and supply handler for all technical equipment. His proficiency enabled the company to load 90% of its equipment on rail with less than 96 hours notice. After 48 hours in country, his section had printed 12,5000 copies of seven different maps."

Sgt. Roes has earned numerous decorations including a Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal

Source