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Forgotten Hero Remembered
(August 28, 2009) | 
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| Harlingen, Texas, August 25, 2009 -- The
Second Squad of Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh
Marine Regiment was participating in a combat patrol
from which they might never have returned, because they
became victims of an enemy ambush. The rain of bullets
seemed to come from everywhere at the same time. The
Marines found themselves pinned down by the explosions
of hand grenades and withering small arms fire. Nobody
could move from cover. The Third Squad moved up in
support of their fellow Marines who had been overwhelmed
by a strong enemy force.
According to the citation, it was a lone Marine who
helped turn the tide of battle. With complete disregard
for his own safety, Lance Corporal Steferino Rodriquez
took the initiative and exposed himself to intense enemy
hand grenade and automatic weapons fire. He moved from
position to position delivering a high volume of M-14
rifle fire. He relaxed that fire only to toss hand
grenades at the enemy positions.
During the firefight, the Second Squad Leader was
severely wounded and was lying in an exposed position.
Though already wounded himself, and in severe pain,
Lance Corporal Rodriquez immediately came to his fellow
Marine's aid. At the same time he kept up a high volume
of suppressive fire against the enemy forces only short
yards away, eliminating several enemy soldiers.
What happened in this brief combat action sounds as if
the events enfolded only yesterday. They really occurred
on March 24, 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam, during
Operation Worth. As it sometimes happens during the many
rapidly changing events of combat, the recommendation
for a medal in recognition of Lance Corporal Rodriquez's
valor was misplaced.
On August 25, 2009, friends, family and fellow Marines
gathered to celebrate a special event in front of the
Iwo Jima Memorial at the Marine Military Academy. A grey
haired Seferino Rodriquez from Rio Hondo, Texas stood at
attention as Marine Brigadier General Stephen Chaney
read from the citation, which stated in part “Lance
Corporal Rodriquez's quick thinking, courageous actions,
inspiring initiative and complete dedication to duty
were instrumental in breaking the enemy ambush.”
Just 41 years, 5 months and one day from the time those
first shots were fired, the former Lance Corporal
Rodriquez was awarded The Bronze Star with a Combat “V”
for Valor in recognition of his heroism. | |
By
Thomas D. Segel
Tom@thomasdsegel.com
www.thomasdsegel.com
Copyright
2009
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