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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Korean War - U.S. Army

Joseph Charles Rodriguez

Details
  • Rank: Sergeant (rank at time of action: Private First Class)
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    2d Squad, 2d Platoon, Company F, 2d Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment,
    7th Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: May 21, 1951
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Munye-ri, Korea
Citation

Sgt. Rodriguez distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the Unites Nations. Sgt. Rodriguez, an assistant squad leader of the 2d Platoon, was participating in an attack against a fanatical hostile force occupying well-fortified positions on rugged command terrain, when his squad's advance was halted within approximately 60 yards by a withering barrage of automatic-weapons and small-arms fire from five emplacements directly to the front and right and left flanks, together with grenades which the enemy rolled down the hill toward the advancing troops. Fully aware of the odds against him, Sgt. Rodriguez leaped to his feet, dashed 60 yards up the fire-swept slope, and, after lobbing grenades into the first foxhole with deadly accuracy, ran around the left flank, silenced an automatic weapon with two grenades and continued his whirlwind assault to the top of the peak, wiping out two more foxholes and then, reaching the right flank, he tossed grenades into the remaining emplacement, destroying the gun and annihilating its crew. Sgt. Rodriguez' intrepid actions exacted a toll of 15 enemy dead and, as a result of his incredible display of valor, the defense of the opposition was broken, and the enemy routed, and the strategic strongpoint secured. His unflinching courage under fire and inspirational devotion to duty reflect highest credit on himself and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, California
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: January 29, 1952

    The White House, presented by Pres. Harry S. Truman

  • Born: November 14, 1928, San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA, United States
  • Died: November 1, 2005, El Paso, TX, United States
  • Buried: Mountain View Cemetery, San Bernadino, CA, United States
 
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