Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

2nd Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division "Red Arrow", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1944

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Roy F. Zinser, Major (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 128th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces pm 16 December 1942, during the Papuan Campaign, near Buna, New Guinea. Lieutenant Colonel Zinser, Executive Officer of his battalion, which had suffered heavy casualties during a month of combat, voluntarily led one flank of an attack on the heavily defended enemy position at Coconut Grove, Girua Gardens. The situation in this section was critical, and the enemy's position was a most difficult one to storm. In the face of withering small arms and mortar fire, he led his troops in an assault against determined opposition until he was seriously wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Zinser's courageous leadership in this attack inspired his troops to a magnificent effort. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.


Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 2

Period:

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Rank:

Colonel

Awarded on:

November 5th, 1964

"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Roy F. Zinser, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from June 1961 to September 1964."

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 36