Ex-Coast Guard Chief Roland Dies

Edwin J. Roland, a commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1962 until his retirement in 1966, died here last month while on vacation. He was 80 and made his home in Connecticut.

In ceremonies in 1966 accompanying the presentation of the Distinguished Service Medal, the nation’s top award for military service and achievement, Roland was praised for improvements he had made in the Coast Guard. He also was cited for his response to the need for small river craft during the Vietnam War.

Before being named commandant by President John F. Kennedy, Roland had been assistant commandant in Washington, D.C., and commander of the Third Coast Guard District, headquartered in New York, and of the First Coast Guard District in Boston.

He is survived by his wife, Jane; two sons; four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.