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In Memory of  U.S. Army Warrant Officer

Roger Sletten Cameron

Pierpont, South Dakota, Day County

October 10, 1944 – January 31, 1968

Died of Wounds in Action in Vietnam

Roger Sletten Cameron was born on October 10, 1944, in Webster, South Dakota, to Robert and Phyllis (Sletten) Cameron. He had two brothers, Bruce and Joe, and two sisters, Nancy and Rhoda, who died in infancy. Roger attended high school in Pierpont, South Dakota, and later graduated in 1962. Roger enjoyed sports, music, and high school rodeo. After high school, he worked at Tri-County Cheese and Cameron Construction in Pierpont. His sister, Nancy, has this memory: “Roger was a very loving and caring person with a twinkle in his eye.”

Roger Cameron entered the service August 3, 1965. He had his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He also took mechanical and technical school at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and then applied for flight training and was accepted. Roger took primary helicopter training at Fort Wolters, Texas, and graduated April 11, 1967, from Fort Rucker, Alabama helicopter school, at which times he was awarded his wings and appointed as a Warrant Officer. On May 7, 1967, WO Cameron commenced his tour of Vietnam, stationed at Bien Hoa Air Base near Saigon. According to the newspaper, Cameron was one of eight chosen from a select group for training in Vietnam to fly the Cobra, a heavily armed and maneuverable helicopter.” Warrant Officer Cameron was part of the 334th Aviation Company, 145th Aviation Battalion, 12th Aviation Group, and the 1st Aviation Brigade.

On January 31, 1968, Warrant Officer Roger Sletten Cameron “died from gunshot wounds received while pilot aboard military aircraft on combat operation when aircraft was hit by hostile arms fire” in Vietnam when flying a dust off mission in an attempt to save fellow soldiers. At first he was listed as missing in action, but a few weeks later, it was confirmed that he had been killed. His body was recovered and returned to the United States and buried with military honors at Homer Cemetery in Pierpont, South Dakota.

Warrant Officer Cameron was issued lots of awards while he was in the service; among them were the Distinguished Flying Cross, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Purple Heart, Silver Star, Air Medal with 27 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Aviator Qualification Badge, Sharpshooter and Expert Badges, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Pendant and Medal, and Vietnam Service Ribbon. It is believed that Roger is “one of the highest decorated servicemen ever from South Dakota,” according to the newspaper.

Roger’s current survivors include his brother, Joe Cameron, Pierpont, and his sister, Nancy (Gerald) Cutshaw, Pierre.

In closing, the following was posted by Grant Bobbit on www.vvmf.org in memory of Roger:

Roger, I remember you from flight school and also remember what a nice guy you were.

I was with you flying a dustoff mission in Vietnam when you were killed flying a gunship. I know the details of your death and I know that you did not feel any pain. I have thought of your family and feel for their loss. You are a hero!

I will remember Warrant Officer Cameron for his service and his sacrifice he made for our country.

Vietnam Memorial, Washington D.C.

 This entry was respectfully submitted by Chris Delahoyde, 8th Grader, Spearfish Middle School, March 23, 2006. The information for this entry was provided by the Reporter and Farmer February 7, 1968, February 28, 1968, March 6, 1968, issues; and an application for Vietnam Veterans Bonus. Additional information, photo, and profile approval by Nancy Cutshaw, sister.