Cleto L. Rodriguez Biography

Cleto L. Rodriguez

As a private in the U.S. Army, Company B, 148th Infantry, during World War II, Rodriguez became an expert shot with the automatic rifle. While fighting in the Philippines, Rodriguez risked his life to further the American advance on Paco Railroad Station on Feb. 9, 1945, during the battle for Manila. Two days later, Rodriquez again showed courage in battle and great skill in marksmanship. He later served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1954 and from 1955 to 1970. Rodriguez became the fifth person of Hispanic descent to win the Congressional Medal of Honor.