Another unsung Hispanic hero of World War II is Gerard Rodriguez.

His military career began during World War II, but spanned three
major conflicts in thirty-eight years.

Born in Andorra, a small country in the Pyrenees Mountains between
Franch and Spain, Rodriguez experienced war at the early age
of 13 when the Spanish Civil War engulfed his homeland.

After the death of his parents, he hiked across France
and got a job as a cabin boy on a ship going to the United States.

He became a citizen in 1940 and joined the US Army.

Rodrigquez was assigned to the 3d Cavalry, but when his unit was mechanized he volunteered to join the 5307th Composite Group which was soon to gain fame as "Merrill's Marauders."

The 5307th was the first, U.S. long ranged penetration group. In 1943, the 5307th arrived in India and after training with Allie forces, moved behind Japanese lines. Rodriguez was assigned to the Intelligence and Reconnaissance platoon. The 5307th marched over 600 miles in performing their mission, living off the land and occassional drops of airborne supplies. They fought several major battles and were instrumental in preventing a Japanese invasion of India.

Throughout the length of their mission, they were hunted by Japanese troops and suffered from extreme harships caused by the weather and terrain.

When the war ended, Rodriguez moved to Wichita, Kansas where he first joined the Army National Guard and then the Army Reserve.

During his Reserve tour, he served in the Special Forces and the U.S. Bicentennial Color Guard, eventually being promoted to Master Sergeant. He became a member of the 5048th U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer Acedemy when he could no longer participate in parachute jumps with the Special Forces.

In mid-1981, having been promoted to Sergeant Major, he retired. He is believed to have been the last of "Merrill's Maurauders" to leave active duty.

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