Manuel P. Rodriguez is widely recognized as a national hero who grew up in Oro Grande and sacrificed his life for his country. He was born in Rosenberg, Texas on August 17, 1922, to Juan Rodriguez and Hesmerejilda Perez. As a youth in Oro Grande, Rodriguez got himself into a fair amount of trouble.
Prior to his enlistment in the Army, he became a suspect in the murder of a local mineral plant watchman. He was arrested, but due to lack of evidence and a guilty confession made by a friend of the watchman, Manuel was vindicated and released.
Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and after basic training was stationed at Fort McArthur in San Pedro. When World War II broke out, he was immediately sent to join the 89th Quartermaster Battalion to engage the Japanese in the Philippines. Lt. Rodriguez was 19 years old when he was killed in action in the Philippines on January 26, 1942. He was the first casualty in World War II of San Bernardino County and a testament to the military contributions and sacrifices made by Latinos in the High Desert during World War II. Lt. Rodriguez was awarded the Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Defense Ribbon, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Badge, and a Marksmanship Badge.
The Lt. Manuel P. Rodriguez Memorial at Oro Grande Cemetery commemorates all who have served in the armed forces, and signifies the dedication and sacrifice that individuals, families and communities have made for a free America. Learn more about Lt. Rodriguez by visiting Victor Valley Museum’s Military in the Mojave exhibit in Apple Valley where his Purple Heart is on display.
Additional County Update News – July 11, 2024
- Board actions – July 9, 2024
- Candidate filing begins for the 2024 General Election
- Regional Parks celebrates Park and Recreation Month
- Federal funding boost for Prado Regional Park
- County to host street vending workshops
- New detector canine joins Agriculture/Weights & Measures
- Free pet adoptions all month long
- Sensory-friendly hours introduced at County Museums
- Transitional Assistance Department, CalFresh help families buy the food they need
- Behavioral Health to host Summer Wellness Extravaganza
- San Bernardino County destinations
- San Bernardino County history
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week