1945, U.S. Army Pvt. Cleto Rodriguez from San Marcos, Texas and John Reese Jr. from Muskogee, Oklahoma earn the Medal of Honor with the 37th Infantry Division in Manilla. 
Rodriquez was an automatic rifleman when his unit attacked the Japanese holding the Paco Railroad Station. His platoon was assaulting across an open field when it stalled 100 yards from the station. Rodriguez and a Pfc. John Reese Jr. teamed up and continued forward to a house about 60 yards from the station. 

Although they were in view of the enemy, the two men remained in the house for over two hours firing at targets of opportunity, killing more than 35 Japanese. When they moved closer to the station, they discovered a group of Japanese reinforcements moving to man pillboxes. Rodriguez opened fire killing another 40 enemy troops. The enemy stopped trying to reinforce the position. 

While Pfc. Reese provided covering fire, Pvt. Rodriguez then moved closer to the building throwing five grenades through a doorway, killing another seven enemy troops, destroying a 20-mm gun and heavy machine gun. 

With their ammunition running low the two attempted to disengage the enemy. One would provide covering fire as the other maneuvered. As they progressed, Reese was hit and killed. Rodriquez was able to return to friendly lines. Their teamwork and initiative completely disorganized the enemy defense and were integral in the capture of the railroad station. They accounted for over 82 enemy dead.

Rodriquez served in the Air Force from 1952-4 and then rejoined the Army in 1955. He served until 1970, attaining the rank of Master Sgt. He would also earn the Silver Star. 
He had four children and one of his grandchildren, @Cletorodriquezpage is a comedian and radio deejay in San Antonio. 

Rodriguez is interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Reese is interred at Fort Gibson National Cemetery 
The railroad station where they fought has largely been neglected, but parts of it feature painting by local artists.

News article detailing Rodriguez's achievements with John Reese, who accompanied him. Reese was also awarded the MOH, although he died earning it.

News article with mini-biographies of Medal of Honor recipients. 

Picture of Rodriguez in his dress uniform wearing the Medal of Honor

Rodriguez older at a dinner. He is in his dress uniform wearing his Medal of Honor.

Cleto Rodriguez before earning medal of honor. It is likely airbrushed.

Cleto Rodriguez in his Army uniform before earning Medal of Honor. His hat is at jaunty angle.

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Grave marker image for (CLETO RODRIGUEZ).

CLETO LUNA RODRIGUEZ

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M SGT

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29.47648386, -98.43303241

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