Major Rolla M. Breed, United States Army (retired), graduated from Paris High School in Paris, AR in 1955 and from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1972. He served two tours in the Arkansas National Guard and one year as a midshipman in the Naval Reserve before entering active duty in the Army in 1957. He served six years as an enlisted man, attaining the rank of Specialist 5, and was commissioned upon graduation from Artillery and Missile Officer Candidate School on 23 November 1963. He was assigned to an air defense battery until his selection for flight training in 1965.

His first assignment after flight school was with the 116th Assault Helicopter Company where he earned several commendations, including the Distinguished Service Cross, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star with V device, and two Army Commendation Medals with V device. After serving as an instructor pilot at Fort Walters, Texas, he returned to Vietnam as Operations Officer and Scout Platoon Leader in D Troop, 3rd of the 5th Cavalry, earning additional awards such as two Silver Stars, another Distinguished Flying Cross, the Soldier's Medal, two Air Medals with V device, another Army Commendation Medal, and a Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. His combat flight hours totaled 2702, with 81 Air Medals.

After retiring from the Army, Major Breed worked as an engineer for General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, and Sikorsky Aircraft. He has been inducted into the Paris High School Hall of Fame and the Artillery and Missile OCS Hall of Fame. The order for the Distinguished Flying Cross states that he demonstrated extraordinary heroism during military operations in Vietnam, particularly noted for his actions on the night of 22 December 1966 while flying in a mission to extract troops from hostile conditions. His efforts included making repairs under fire, returning to battle to extract troops, rescuing wounded crew members, and leading reinforcements. His actions were credited with saving many lives and reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.