Joe Guadalupe Rodrigues, Jr.

Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps

Navy Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Joe G. Rodrigues, Jr. (MCSN: 2058221), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 22 February to 3 March 1969. On 26 February, while Company L was patrolling in support of Fire Base Pete north of the Rockpile in Quang Tri Province, Sergeant Rodrigues' platoon became heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force and, during the ensuing fierce fire fights, sustained several casualties. Fearlessly maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain, Sergeant Rodrigues directed the suppressive fire of his men and skillfully deployed them away from the hazardous area to rejoin the main body of the company. On the afternoon of 28 February his platoon commander was mortally wounded. Unhesitatingly assuming command, Sergeant Rodrigues completely disregarded his own safety as he moved about the hazardous area, reorganizing his men and restoring their confidence and effectiveness as an aggressive fighting unit. Maneuvering them to a more tenable position, he then established a night defensive perimeter. During the early morning hours of 3 March, his sector of the perimeter was breached by a North Vietnamese Army unit, accompanied by sappers, and in the initial moments of the vicious attack numerous Marines were seriously wounded. Reacting instantly, Sergeant Rodrigues ignored the hostile fire and rushed to the point of heaviest contact and, moving from one position to another, assisted the injured men to locations of relative safety. After repeatedly crossing the fire-swept terrain to aid the casualties, he observed two wounded Marines lying in positions dangerously exposed to the enemy fire and unhesitatingly placed himself between the injured men and the North Vietnamese Army soldiers and provided covering fire for his comrades. Although struck several times by small arms fire, he valiantly continued his determined efforts to protect his comrades until he succumbed to his wounds. By his inspiring courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Sergeant Rodrigues upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.