photo #8789024

For 18 straight hours, Master Sergeant Jose Rodela stood in the fire. On September 1, 1969, his company was hit with mortars, rockets, and machine gun fire so intense that entire positions were wiped out. Yet Rodela moved through it all exposing himself again and again to organize defenses, pull wounded men to safety, and keep his company fighting. A B-40 rocket slammed into him, wounding his back and head. He got up anyway. Then, alone, he charged an enemy rocket position and eliminated it - turning the tide for his men. He first received the Distinguished Service Cross, but decades later the nation corrected the record. His valor was undeniable. His courage was absolute. Master Sergeant Jose Rodela, Medal of Honor. A leader forged in fire and faithful to his soldiers until the last moment.