H.R. 5302 — Introduced in House

V 113th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 5302 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 30, 2014 Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services A BILL To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Special Forces Command Sergeant Major Ramon Rodriguez of the United States Army for acts of valor during the Vietnam War. 1. Authorization for award of the Medal of Honor to Special Forces Sergeant Ramon Rodriguez for acts of valor during the Vietnam War (a) Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) At the age of 17, Ramon Rodriguez of Wilmington, California, began his military career when he enlisted in the Army during his junior year at Banning High School. (2) While a Staff Sergeant in the Army, Ramon Rodriguez served in Vietnam for 32 months during the Vietnam War. (3) During a mission in 1967 in Phu Bai in Thua Thien Province, Staff Sergeant Rodriguez was wounded while leading five soldiers to safety, for which he received a second award of the Silver Star in recognition of his fearless action while exposed to intense enemy fire. (4) In all, Staff Sergeant Rodriguez was awarded the Silver Star three times within a span of 34 days for his courageous service during the Vietnam War. (5) Staff Sergeant Rodriguez was awarded three Bronze Stars with V and 2 Oak Leaf Cluster and five Purple Hearts. (6) Command Sergeant Major Rodriguez received a total of 17 combat medals and awards for his service in Vietnam in recognition of his heroism and acts of valor against hostile enemy forces. (7) Staff Sergeant Rodriguez attended the United States Ranger School and graduated with distinguished honors. (8) Staff Sergeant Rodriguez led the Special Forces scuba team at Ford Gulick, Canal Zone, Panama, and directed several rescue missions. (9) In 1981, Staff Sergeant Rodriguez earned the rank of Command Sergeant Major at the United States Sergeant Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas. (10) Command Sergeant Major Rodriguez was nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1982. (11) Command Sergeant Major Rodriguez completed two more assignments before officially retiring from the Army in 1983. (12) On June 11, 2008, Command Sergeant Major Rodriguez was inducted as a member of the Ranger Hall of Fame. (13) Command Sergeant Major Rodriguez is known to be one of the most decorated combat soldiers who served in the Vietnam War. (14) Rodriguez currently serves as the Chairman of the Military and Veterans Affairs Commission for the County of Los Angeles, California. (b) Waiver of time limitations Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 3744 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President may award the Medal of Honor under section 3741 of such title to Command Sergeant Major Ramon Rodriguez of the United States Army for acts of valor, sacrifice, and courage at the risk of his own life beyond the call of duty during the Vietnam War.