John-Rodelli

Rodelli arrived at Fort Campbell, KY in 1967 and was assigned to 1st Platoon. .He went with A Company to Vietnam, December 1967. He presently lives in Barrington Hills, IL.

Medals and Awards

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal with "V" device & 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Purple Heart Medal
Army Commendation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Star
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Ribbon with Silver Star
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge

Unit Citations:

RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm (Per GO #8; 19 March 1974)
RVN Civil Actions Medal, First Class (Per GO #48; Para IV; 14 October 1971)

PURPLE HEART

22 February 1968 2LT John R. Rodelli earned the Purple Heart for military merit and for wound received during action in combat. (HQ, 101st ABN DIV; General Order Number 230)

SILVER STAR

3 February 1968

2LT John R. Rodelli was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 3 February 1968. Second Lieutenant John R. Rodelli distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Leader of the 1st Platoon of Alfa Company 2d Battalion (Airborne) 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Lieutenant Rodelli was with his platoon on a serial mission in a CH-47 helicopter when the aircraft came under direct fire, severely wounding one of his men and tearing into the starboard engine of the helicopter, thus disabling it. Told by the pilot that the helicopter was going to crash Lieutenant Rodelli quickly organized a perimeter defense to be established immediately upon contact with the ground. His calm manner and precise orders served well to prepare his men in advance and quell the fear that immediately rose with the news of the impeding crash.Once on the ground the platoon evacuated the helicopter and formed a perimeter defense to return the enemy fire. With enemy automatic weapons fire coming in, Lieutenant
Rodelli calmly placed his men and directed the fire, at the same time calling in a Medevac helicopter, and radioing back for another CH-47 helicopter to come in to pick up his platoon. Then under enemy fire Lieutenant Rodelli rushed back inside the inflamed aircraft along with a medic to help treat the wounded man who was still strapped to his seat and bleeding severely.Provided with excellent covering fire, the Medevac picked up the wounded man, and the requested CH-47 helicopter landed to evacuate the rest of the platoon. With outstanding professional skill and exceptional bravery under fire, Lieutenant Rodelli directed his men aboard the helicopter while keeping the enemy no more than thirty-five meters distant, pinned down. In their defense Lieutenant Rodelli’s men killed at least two enemy soldiers while suffering no casualties themselves. The successful defense and evacuation of his platoon as well as his
personal conduct is testimony to Lieutenant Rodelli’s outstanding heroism and high degree of professional skill under fire. Second Lieutenant Rodelli’s extraordinary heroism is in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

BRONZE STAR

22 February 1968

2LT John R. Rodelli was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for heroism in ground combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 February 1968. Second Lieutenant Rodelli distinguished himself by heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force while serving as a platoon leader while Company A, 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry was on a combat operation near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. The company had come under heavy fire from a series of fortified positions held by an estimated enemy company. Second Lieutenant Rodelli, realizing the importance of knocking out the fortified enemy positions to free the company’s progress, led the lead elements of his platoon against the enemy’s positions disregarding his own safety. Even though sustaining heavy automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire, Second Lieutenant Rodelli fearlessly led his men across an open field. Under his masterful direction of fire, and great personal courage, Second Lieutenant Rodelli’s Platoon overran the tough enemy position. This courageous act enabled the rest of the company to move forward unhindered and free to accomplish their mission. Second Lieutenant Rodelli’s unhesitating courage and dedication to his unit’s mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. (HQ, 101st Air Cavalry Division, General Orders Number 3806; 18 July 1968)

PHOTOS

Platoon Leaders - Shaw - Rodelli - Adams