Rafael Rodriguez-Gonzalez

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Rafael Rodriguez-Gonzalez (1240178), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 19 to 20 March 1953. Serving as a fire team leader, Private First Class Rodriguez-Gonzalez displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty while participating in the defense of an outpost forward of the main line of resistance. When the enemy launched a savage assault, he unhesitatingly manned a fighting position and although knocked to the ground on several occasions by the concussion of hostile grenades and mortar rounds, he fearlessly resumed his position and delivered accurate, killing fire on the attackers. When he learned that the communications between the outpost and the machine gun positions had been destroyed by the intense enemy fire, he expressed complete disregard for his personal safety and exposed himself in order to relay wire to the machine gun emplacements. After re-establishing the vital communications, he courageously placed himself in a position where the enemy had directed heavy fire. Through his savage fighting and indomitable spirit, he prevented the enemy from gaining access to the trench and outpost. Private First Class Rodriguez-Gonzalez’s gallant and courageous actions and aggressive leadership served as a constant inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.