Unflinching Courage

Unflinching Courage. . , Joseph Rodriguez , Private First Class – U.S. Army , Hometown: San Bernardino, California , Recognition: Medal of Honor, Joseph Rodriguez was a twenty-two year old private first class (PFC) assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division fighting in the Korean War., On May 21, 1951, Company F was assigned the mission of taking and occupying high ground near the village of Munye-ri, North Korea. Three time Company F attacked a hill held by firmly entrenched enemy forces, and three times they were thrown back., PFC Rodriguez was assistant squad leader of 2nd Platoon, whose position was pinned down by hostile fire coming from five different emplacements. Rodriguez, seething with frustration at his unit’s inability to move forward or backward, decided to act. “I felt something had to be done,” Rodriguez said. “I didn’t even think about it. I just did it.”, He couldn’t see where the enemy fire was coming from, he only knew it was coming from high up the hill. Grabbing several hand grenades, he leapt up and sprinted toward the top of the hill. Under heavy machine gun fire, he began lobbing his grenades. With each explosion, the firing seemed to stop. He returned to his platoon and secured more grenades. Then he continued his solo charge up the hill, destroying two more machine guns with grenades. The gunfire fell silent., Rodriguez’ actions exacted a toll of 15 enemy killed, the position routed, and a strategic strongpoint secured. He was recognized with the Medal of Honor. His citation states, “His unflinching courage under fire and inspirational devotion to duty reflect highest credit on himself and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.”