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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Korean War - U.S. Army

Rodolfo Perez Hernandez

Details
  • Rank: Corporal
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    3d Squad, 3d Platoon, Company G, 2d Battalion,
    187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: May 31, 1951
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Wontong-ni, Korea
Citation

Cpl. Hernandez, a member of Company G, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. His platoon, in defensive positions on Hill 420, came under ruthless attack by a numerically superior and fanatical hostile force, accompanied by heavy artillery, mortar, and machine-gun fire which inflicted numerous casualties on the platoon. His comrades were forced to withdraw due to lack of ammunition, but Cpl. Hernandez, although wounded in an exchange of grenades, continued to deliver deadly fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants until a ruptured cartridge rendered his rifle inoperative. Immediately leaving his position, Cpl. Hernandez rushed the enemy armed only with rifle and bayonet. Fearlessly engaging the foe, he killed six of the enemy before falling unconscious from grenade, bayonet, and bullet wounds, but his heroic action momentarily halted the enemy advance and enabled his unit to counterattack and retake the lost ground. The indomitable fighting spirit, outstanding courage, and tenacious devotion to duty clearly demonstrated by Cpl. Hernandez reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Fowler, Fresno County, California
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: April 11, 1952

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

  • Born: April 14, 1931, Colton, San Bernardino County, CA, United States
  • Died: December 21, 2013, Fayetteville, NC, United States
  • Buried: Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, Spring Lake, NC, United States
 
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