TFH 5/31: Corporal Rodolfo P. Hernandez, USA

Rodolfo Perez Hernandez, known as "Rudy" by his comrades in arms, was born on April 14, 1931 in Colton, California. He enlisted in the United States Army at age seventeen with his parents' consent and after completing basic training volunteered for airborne school. Once he had earned his jump wings, he was assigned to the 187th Infantry Regiment, then stationed on occupation duty in Germany.

With the outbreak of the Korean War, the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team was sent to fight. Rudy Hernandez was a member of the regiment's 2nd Battalion when in combat on May 31, 1951 he ignored multiple shrapnel wounds and continued fighting. When his rifle failed, he fixed his bayonet and charged the enemy. His actions were recognized with our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:

HERNANDEZ, RODOLFO P.


Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company G, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. Place and date: Near Wontong-ni, Korea, 31 May 1951. Entered service at: Fowler, Calif. Born: 14 April 1931, Colton, Calif. G.O. No.: 40, 21 April 1962. Citation: Cpl. Hernandez, a member of Company G, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. His platoon, in defensive positions on Hill 420, came under ruthless attack by a numerically superior and fanatical hostile force, accompanied by heavy artillery, mortar, and machine gun fire which inflicted numerous casualties on the platoon. His comrades were forced to withdraw due to lack of ammunition but Cpl. Hernandez, although wounded in an exchange of grenades, continued to deliver deadly fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants until a ruptured cartridge rendered his rifle inoperative. Immediately leaving his position, Cpl. Hernandez rushed the enemy armed only with rifle and bayonet. Fearlessly engaging the foe, he killed 6 of the enemy before falling unconscious from grenade, bayonet, and bullet wounds but his heroic action momentarily halted the enemy advance and enabled his unit to counterattack and retake the lost ground. The indomitable fighting spirit, outstanding courage, and tenacious devotion to duty clearly demonstrated by Cpl. Hernandez reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.

Rudy Hernandez is still living. The 2nd Batallion, 187th Infantry is currently inactive. The 1st and 3rd Battalions of the regiment serve with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at their home post of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.