Roger Sherman Betts, a 1952 graduate of South Kent School, served with distinction in the US Navy, including roles as a submarine officer, White House aide, and Defense and Naval Attaché, retiring as a Captain after receiving numerous awards for his leadership and service spanning from 1951 to 1986.
At South Kent School, Betts played four years of Hockey, and three years of Football and Baseball. He participated in Dramatics, the Pigtail Board, the Yearbook Board, the Glee Club, Public Speaking, the Kitchen Squad and the Cardinal Infirmary.
Upon graduation Sherman embarked on a remarkable career in the US Navy, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication throughout his service. After enlisting in the US Naval Reserve in June 1951, he was appointed as Midshipman 4/c at the US Naval Academy in June 1952. Upon graduating from the Naval Academy in June 1956, Roger was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy.
During his naval career, Roger served aboard several vessels including the USS Benham (DD-796), USS Rock (SSR-274), USS Macabi (SS-375), USS Bashaw (SS-241), USS Tench (SS-417), USS Bang (SS-385), and USS Skipjack (SSN-585). He attended and graduated from the US Navy Basic Officer’s Submarine School in January 1957, marking the beginning of his distinguished submarine service.
Roger’s career also included significant roles ashore, such as serving as a White House Aide to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson from January 1963 to March 1964. He later served as an Intelligence Analyst Staff at US MACV in Saigon from January 1968 to January 1969, contributing to operations in South Vietnam.
Roger Betts held numerous leadership positions, including Executive Assistant for the Director of Intelligence at Pacific Command, Executive Officer aboard USS Point Defiance (LSD-31), and Commanding Officer of USS Plymouth Rock (LSD-29). His service extended globally, including a tenure as Defense and Naval Attaché in Valetta, Malta, from June 1975 to April 1979, during which he was promoted to Captain in the US Navy.
Recognized for his exemplary service, Roger received several prestigious awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, two awards of the Legion of Merit, two awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, the Gallantry Cross with Palm, and numerous campaign ribbons.
After his extensive career, Roger Betts retired from active duty in the US Navy on September 1, 1986, culminating a lifetime of service marked by professionalism, valor, and commitment to duty.