|
Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients RODRIGUEZ, JOSEPH C. Rank and organization: Sergeant
(then Pfc.), U.S. Army, Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.
|
|
Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients RODRIGUEZ, JOSEPH C. Rank and organization: Sergeant
(then Pfc.), U.S. Army, Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.
|
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 United 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 commanding
terrain, when his squad's advance was halted within approximately 60 yards by a withering
barrage of automatic weapons and small-arms fire from 5 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 2 grenades and continued his whirlwind assault to the top of
the peak, wiping out 2 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.