Is history being rewritten, or merely forgotten? The recent erasure of Charles Calvin Rogers, a decorated Black war hero, from the Department of Defense's official website suggests a troubling trend, raising serious questions about the preservation and celebration of valor in the face of shifting ideological tides.
The silence surrounding Charles Calvin Rogers, a name that should resonate with pride and respect in the halls of the Pentagon, is deafening. The story of Lieutenant Colonel Rogers, a man who earned the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery during the Vietnam War, has been, at least temporarily, relegated to the shadows. This deliberate removal of his story, a story of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment, demands scrutiny. The actions of Rogers, a field artillery officer, exemplify the warrior ethos and warfighting excellence that the U.S. Army holds dear. His leadership during a fierce battle near the Cambodian border, the Fishhook region, speaks volumes about his character and dedication. His actions on that day, and the subsequent recognition, are etched in the annals of military history, yet now, it seems, subject to the vagaries of bureaucratic discretion.
This is a man who, on May 14, 1970, was presented with the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon. His citation, a testament to his extraordinary valor, details the specific actions that earned him the nation's highest military honor. This is not merely a matter of removing information; it is the removal of a symbol, a potent reminder of the sacrifices made and the principles defended. It is a dismissal of a man who rose through the ranks, a man who served with distinction, a man who represented the best of American ideals.
To fully understand the magnitude of this, let's delve into the life and service of this remarkable individual. The table below offers a glimpse into the career and personal background of Charles Calvin Rogers, a hero whose legacy deserves to be preserved and celebrated.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles Calvin Rogers |
| Date of Birth | September 6, 1929 |
| Date of Death | September 21, 1990 |
| Military Rank at the Time of Medal of Honor | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Branch of Service | U.S. Army |
| Entered Service | Second Lieutenant |
| Medal of Honor Citation | For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, during the defense of a fire support base near the Cambodian border. |
| Medal of Honor Presentation | May 14, 1970, by President Richard Nixon |
| Location of Medal of Honor Action | Fishhook area, near Cambodian border, Republic of Vietnam |
| Notable Achievements | Highest-ranking Black soldier in the U.S. military to receive the Medal of Honor. |
| Other Information | Served as commanding officer, 1st Battalion, during the defense of a fire support base, demonstrating exceptional leadership under fire, even after being wounded. |
| Additional Information | Rogers was wounded three times during the battle and refused medical evacuation, continuing to lead his men until the enemy attack was repelled. His dauntless courage and heroism inspired the defenders. |
| Reference | Charles Calvin Rogers - Wikipedia |
The specifics of his actions are as stirring as they are inspiring. During the defense of a fire support base near the Cambodian border, Rogers demonstrated unwavering courage and leadership. Facing a relentless enemy assault, he moved from position to position, directing artillery fire and encouraging his troops. Even after being wounded, he refused medical evacuation, choosing instead to remain with his men. His determination was the cornerstone of their success, a testament to the power of a leader who embodies courage under fire. His citation highlights his extraordinary valor, stating that his actions were above and beyond the call of duty. It is precisely this type of individual that should be held up as a beacon of service and sacrifice.
The Department of Defense's decision to remove Rogers' webpage and, subsequently, the narrative associated with his actions, raises concerning questions. Why was this decision made? What factors influenced this erasure? The official explanation has been vague, leaving room for speculation and fueling public outcry. The erasure is especially perplexing considering Rogers' distinguished career and the importance of recognizing the contributions of Black Americans within the military. He wasn't just a recipient of the Medal of Honor; he was the highest-ranking Black soldier to receive the honor, a distinction that adds another layer of significance to his legacy. His story is not just a historical anecdote; it is a testament to the progress made, and a reminder of the struggles overcome.
The argument, from some, may be that this is part of a broader shift in focus, a move toward emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. However, the act of removing a profile of a decorated war hero, especially when considering the context of DEI efforts, appears counterintuitive. DEI, at its core, is meant to amplify diverse voices, not silence them. In this case, the erasure of a prominent Black soldier from official platforms runs directly contrary to the stated goals of DEI. This is a blatant dismissal of a decorated officer, erasing a significant chapter of valor from the public record. It doesn't just affect Rogers' legacy; it sends a chilling message about the perceived value of all contributions.
The deletion of Rogers' page from the Pentagon website is not an isolated incident. It is part of a larger trend of re-evaluating, and in some cases, erasing, historical narratives. This is concerning because it suggests a prioritization of ideology over historical accuracy and, ultimately, the honoring of those who have served and sacrificed for their country. Removing pages such as Rogers' creates a gap in historical understanding. These gaps can then be easily filled by misinformation. This is why these acts of erasure are not merely administrative adjustments. They are, in effect, acts of historical revisionism.
The details of the events that unfolded during the defense of that firebase near the Cambodian border remain a critical piece of military history. The actions of Rogers, in the face of overwhelming adversity, are a lesson in leadership and perseverance. He led the 1st Battalion in a desperate battle against a determined enemy, and his courage, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to his men ensured their survival. The Medal of Honor citation vividly captures the events: Lt. Col. Rogers, despite being wounded three times, refused medical evacuation and continued to direct his troops, inspiring them to fight on. The citation concludes with this powerful statement: Lt. Col. Rogers' dauntless courage and heroism inspired the defenders of the fire support base to fight with extraordinary valor, and were directly responsible for the defeat of a numerically superior enemy force.
The story of Charles Calvin Rogers serves as a potent reminder of the human cost of war, and the extraordinary courage that can be found even in the darkest of times. It is a story that should be celebrated, not erased. The actions taken by the DoD raise questions about the priorities of the department. It is essential to understand why this action took place and what factors led to such a decision. Only then can we start to understand the true narrative behind this unsettling act. The decision to remove Rogers' story is not just a matter of administrative convenience. It is a matter of historical memory and, ultimately, the values the nation holds dear.
The actions of Charles Calvin Rogers should serve as an inspiration to all. His story reminds us that valor is not defined by race or rank, but by character and dedication. His life and actions are a testament to the best of the U.S. military, and the courage that is needed in the face of adversity. It is imperative that his story is not lost, but instead, is celebrated and remembered for generations to come. He exemplified the warrior ethos and warfighting excellence, and his legacy should be etched into the annals of American history, not relegated to the shadows of bureaucratic change.
