RIP Rodolfo "Rudy" Hernandez

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December 23, 2013 - It is with great sadness that the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) joins the family of Rodolfo “Rudy” P. Hernandez in mourning his passing. Hernandez was 82 years old.

“On behalf of CalVet, I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Rodolfo P. Hernandez, who passed away on December 21,” said Peter J. Gravett, CalVet Secretary. “Rudy was a true friend to veterans and to his community. We are saddened by his passing, but are thankful for his service to our Nation. May he forever rest in peace.”

Hernandez was one of eight children born to a farmworker. At a young age, his family moved from Colton, where he was born, to Fowler, California, where he received his primary education. In 1948, at the age of 17, he joined the United States Army.

After completing his basic training, Hernandez volunteered for paratrooper school. Upon the completion of his paratrooper training, he was sent to Germany, where he was stationed until the outbreak of the Korean War. Hernandez was reassigned to Company G of the 2nd Battalion, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. His platoon was ordered to defend Hill 420, located near Wonton-ni. On May 31, 1951, his platoon was the object of a numerically superior enemy counterattack. A close-quarters firefight broke out when enemy troops surged up the hill and inflicted numerous casualties on the platoon. Hernandez was wounded during the attack, but was able to fire upon the rushing enemy troops. After his rifle ruptured, he continued attacking the enemy with his bayonet. His attack enabled his comrades to regroup and take back the hill. Hernandez was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1952 for his brave actions during that day. After a long recuperation, Hernandez continued working on behalf of veterans for many years as a counselor with the U.S. Veterans Administration and as a member of local veterans service organizations.

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