The High Desert Museum in Apple Valley, California, has unveiled a collection of medals belonging to World War II hero Army Lt. Manuel Rodriguez. The medals were presented to the museum by Rodriguez’s nephew, Air Force veteran David Carrasco, who traveled from Phoenix for the event. Carrasco hopes that his uncle’s medals will be displayed alongside his Purple Heart, which has already been on display at the museum for the past five years.
Lt. Manuel Rodriguez served in the 89th Quartermaster Battalion during the Battle of Bataan in the Philippines, where he tragically lost his life at the age of 20. The Bataan Death March, a grueling forced march endured by prisoners of war, claimed the lives of thousands of soldiers. Rodriguez was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, as well as several other medals including the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and a Marksmanship Badge.
The unveiling of Rodriguez’s medals is the culmination of a 17-year journey, during which the medals made their way to Carrasco through various veteran organizations and individuals across the United States. Carrasco expressed his wish for the medals to serve as a tribute to his uncle and to honor his memory for generations to come.
The High Desert Museum is operated by the County of San Bernardino and features a variety of exhibits related to military history, including the Military in the Mojave display room where Rodriguez’s Purple Heart is currently showcased. The museum also pays homage to Air Force Capt. Joseph McConnell Jr., an Apple Valley resident.
During the medal presentation event, Carrasco and Joe Manners, a volunteer caretaker of the historic Oro Grande Cemetery, shared stories about Rodriguez’s life and sacrifice. Rodriguez’s troubled past as a youth in Oro Grande was acknowledged, but it was emphasized that he ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
The Oro Grande Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in the Victor Valley area, is the final resting place for Rodriguez. The cemetery is recognized as a Point of Historic Interest by the State of California Office of Historic Preservation.
The addition of Rodriguez’s medals to the museum’s collection serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice displayed by the men and women who served during World War II. The museum hopes that visitors will come to appreciate the valor and dedication exhibited by Army Lt. Manuel Rodriguez and the countless others who fought for freedom.
