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 team work 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 announcing Reeese's burial at Fort Gibson National Cemetery

Cushing Daily Citizen Oklahoma October 10, 1945

News article announcing Reees earning medal of honor.

Reese in civilian clothes. It's a white collared-shirt.

Fort Gibson National Cemetery

Today we honor PFC Reese on the radio show and on our perpetuity Veteran of The Day site.  

Thank you for your service ? you ate a true American Hero Rip brave soldger

Serving a country that did not serve his ancestors well, putting aside any rancor he might have felt, thank you for becoming one of the Greatest of The Greatest Generation. God bless you and keep you.


Your sacrifice is close to my heart Sir, my Son was born in Manila and i thank/you for your service and i celebrate your life and your dedication to peace and freedom. May your spirit live forever amongst the brave.

Thank you for your service. You were certainly a wonderful young man gone too soon. 

YOUR SERVICE HUMBLES SO MANY OF US WHO FOLLOWED YEARS LATER, SIR! YOUR FAMILY AND AMERICA THANKS YOU FOR YOUR ULTIMATE SACRIFICE! I SALUTE YOU!


Thank you for what you did for me and every single American in our Country. If not for you, we would not be this wonderful Free America that we love so today. Thank you, Pvt Reese for your service. God bless your Spirit.  

Thank You John for your courageous service and ultimate sacrifice. God Bless You and All who have served.

To me every man who participated in the war is a hero willing to give their lives for their fellow man… some did. God bless each and every one.

John, You showed courage and bravery when other soldiers would hide in their bunkers! Whenever I  see Audie Murphy in a movie, I  will see you!! Thanks again for keeping this country free while  other sought to destroy it!

Thank you Sir for your service and dedication to your country so that we could remain free. Freedom is not free. It is paid for each day by our military personnel who give their last breathe for their country. 
Thank you

When this Brave Man Died Defending His Country
I Was a Very Small Boy in Oklahoma . Because of
Fellow Oklahoman JOHN REESE AND Other Brave
American Soldiers, I was not in Danger from a Vicious
Enemy . I Grew Up Free in this Great Nation . We who
Survived OWE these BRAVE, UNSELFISH Men a HUGE
DEBT OF GRATTITUDE . 


God bless you for your bravery and heroism.  Freedom fighters will never be forgotten.

JOHN N REESE JR

Service

PFC

Resting Place

35.8048343, -95.23014283

Mementos

Tributes

Word Cloud

undefined

Milestones

Mementos

Historical Documents

Veteran programs and services

More VA resources

Get VA updates

In crisis? Get help now

Contact us