Cleto Rodriquez was born on April 23, 1923 in Texas. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions with the 37th Infantry Division during the Battle of Manila in February 1945. He was awarded the MOH along with John Reese. Also a veteran of Korea and Vietnam. From Find a Grave: World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Army during World War II, rising to Technical Sergeant in Company B, 148th Infantry, 37th Infantry Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on February 9, 1945 at the Paco Railroad Station in Manila, Philippine Islands. His MOH CITATION reads: "While making a frontal assault across an open field, his platoon was halted 100 yards from the station by intense enemy fire. On his own initiative, he left the platoon, accompanied by a comrade, and continued forward to a house 60 yards from the objective. Although under constant enemy observation, the 2 men remained in this position for an hour, firing at targets of opportunity, killing more than 35 hostile soldiers and wounding many more. Moving closer to the station and discovering a group of Japanese replacements attempting to reach pillboxes, they opened heavy fire, killed more than 40 and stopped all subsequent attempts to man the emplacements. Enemy fire became more intense as they advanced to within 20 yards of the station. Then, covered by his companion, Pvt. Rodriguez boldly moved up to the building and threw 5 grenades through a doorway killing 7 Japanese, destroying a 20-mm. gun and wrecking a heavy machinegun. With their ammunition running low, the 2 men started to return to the American lines, alternately providing covering fire for each other's withdrawal. During this movement, Pvt. Rodriguez' companion was killed. In 2 l/2 hours of fierce fighting the intrepid team killed more than 82 Japanese, completely disorganized their defense, and paved the way for the subsequent overwhelming defeat of the enemy at this strongpoint. Two days later, Pvt. Rodriguez again enabled his comrades to advance when he single-handedly killed 6 Japanese and destroyed a well-placed 20-mm. gun by his outstanding skill with his weapons, gallant determination to destroy the enemy, and heroic courage in the face of tremendous odds, Pvt. Rodriguez, on 2 occasions, materially aided the advance of our troops in Manila." He would go on to serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, and in the United States Army again during the War in Vietnam.