Cleto Rodriguez (1923-1990)
Raised in San Marcos and San Antonio, Texas, Cleto Rodriguez joined the army in early 1944 and served in the Philippine Islands in the South Pacific. He earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery in the battle for Manila. The Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces, recognizes gallantry and bravery in combat. Rodriguez became the fifth Mexican-American so honored, and the first of Mexican descent to receive the award for action in the South Pacific. He joined 14 other Texans, six of whom were Mexican-American, in receiving the medal for their service on all fronts during World War II. He continued in military service to 1970.
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Photo of Medal of Honor Recipient Cleto Rodriguez
Frankel-y Speaking - Chapter 19 - Return of the Heroes