On Feb 9, 1945 PFC John Reese Jr. (Left) and Pvt. Cleto Rodríguez were part of a large offensive to overtake a train station in Manila, Philippines with the 148th Inf., 37th ID.
Their platoon was halted 100 yards from the station by intense enemy fire. On their own initiative, they both left the platoon and began their assault against 300 enemy soldiers.
Although under heavy fire, they killed 35 and wounded many more as they advanced.
Moving closer to the station and discovering a group of Japanese replacements attempting to reach pillboxes, they opened heavy fire, killing more than 40.
They then managed to get close to the station and began clearing the occupied buildings with grenades and hand to hand combat.
After killing more of the enemy, they took out several 20mm guns and MG positions.
With their ammo running low, the 2 men started to return to the American lines, alternately providing covering fire for each other's withdrawl. PFC Reese would be mortally wounded at this point.
In 2.5 hours of fierce fighting, the intrepid team had killed more than 82 Japanese, completely disorganized their defense, and paved the way for the subsequent overwhelming defeat of the enemy.
Rodríguez would survive the war and both soldiers would receive the Medal of Honor.
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