Lemoore California

Danny David Rhoads, age 20, from Lemoore, California, Kings county.

Service era: Vietnam
Schools: Lemoore High (1965)
Military history: 35th Infantry Regiment

Date of death: Sunday, March 12, 1967
Death details: Bronze Star citation: For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Rhoads distinguished himself by heroic action on 12 March 1967 while serving with A, 2/35th Infantry during a search and destroy mission. Moving over dense mountains terrain, the company made contact with a multi-battalion size enemy force and was subjected to massive barrages of small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. As the battle wore on, one of the platoons which had suffered heavy casualties sent for help in order to evacuate them. Specialist Four Rhoads, working as Communications Chief, unselfishly volunteered to go as an infantryman to the aid of his stricken comrades. Disregarding his own safety, risking certain danger, he chose to cross 300 meters of open, enemy held territory so that he could help his fallen comrades. Outfitting himself with extra water and ammunition for the other men, he set out for his objective. As he neared the end of the hazardous mission, Specialist Four Rhoads’ squad was suddenly placed under intense automatic, mortar, and sniper fire; pinning them down. Specialist Four Rhoads spotted a sniper position and began to maneuver in order to engage the enemy. As he moved, a mortar round fell near him and he was fatally wounded. Inspired by Specialist Four Rhoads� actions, the remainder of the platoon aggressively maneuvered and reached their objective. Specialist Four Rhoads’ display of courage, devotion to duty, and determination are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Cemetery: Lemoore

Source: National Archives, 35th Infantry Regiment Association