The phrase "Roger Dodger" originated during World War II and was verbally circulated throughout the United States military as a part of a story about a pilot or soldier who added his own flair to radio phraseology.
Here is one version of the story set in the Pacific Theater of Operations of World War II:[1] A squadron of Navy aircraft was returning to base after a wildly successful mission.
It is easy to see how the story can be adapted to different military branches and duties but still retain the essential ingredients: the successful war hero in the thick of the action and the overbearing officer concerned only with strict adherence to the regulations.
Over several decades, the story faded into folklore, but the phrase "Roger Dodger" retains widespread recognition in the United States, even though most people do not know what it really means or its origin.
However, in modern times, pilots must read back (repeat) air traffic control clearances to verify they heard them correctly, but most instructions may be "rogered".