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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army MSG Jose Rodela.
Medal of Honor
Episode 2985 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army MSG Jose Rodela. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Army University Press – NCO Journal.
Master Sergeant Jose Rodela displayed extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War, earning the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions on September 1, 1969. A U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, Rodela led Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces in a fierce battle against overwhelming enemy forces in Phuoc Long Province, Vietnam.
As his unit was caught in an intense firefight, Rodela exposed himself to relentless enemy fire, rallying his troops and providing critical leadership under extreme conditions. He moved across the battlefield, eliminating multiple enemy positions and ensuring the safety of his men. Despite suffering serious wounds, he continued to fight, displaying exceptional valor, determination, and selflessness.
Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Rodela had dedicated over 17 years to military service by the time of his heroic actions. For decades, his bravery remained largely unrecognized until a Pentagon review of past awards for Hispanic and African American soldiers led to the upgrading of his Distinguished Service Cross to the Medal of Honor in 2014. President Barack Obama personally awarded him the nation’s highest military honor for his gallantry and unwavering courage.
Rodela’s story serves as an inspiration to future generations, embodying the warrior ethos and the Special Forces motto: “De Oppresso Liber” (To Free the Oppressed). His legacy as a Vietnam War hero and Medal of Honor recipient remains a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of America’s elite soldiers.
Listen to Episode 2985 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army MSG Jose Rodela.
