Isabelino Vasquez-Rodriguez
Bio
Isabelino Vasquez-Rodriguez was a young college baseball player when the Korean War began. Drafted in 1950—not by a major league team, but by the U.S. government—he served as a rifleman in the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, beginning in April 1951. After returning to Puerto Rico, he rejoined the Army and rose through the ranks. He later served three tours in Vietnam as an Operations Master Sergeant with the 5th Special Forces Group and Company Commander in the 101st Airborne Division. His bravery earned him the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Bronze Star. After 30 years of decorated military service, he retired and earned both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Business Management. He then worked 16 years for ITT Corporation before retiring with his wife and family in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Video Clips
Battle at Bloody Ridge
Isabelino Vasquez-Rodriguez fought in the month-long battle at Bloody Ridge, repeatedly pushing Chinese forces off the hill. However, each time they retreated, they soon returned, forcing his unit to fight again and again in a relentless cycle of attack and defense.
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Life in Korea During the War
Isabelino Vasquez-Rodriguez constantly moved during the war, often sleeping wherever he could find space. He remembers being in almost constant danger. Meals were usually canned food rations He remembers the winters as one of the most challenging aspects of serving in Korea.
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/isabelino-vasquez-rodriguez#clip-2
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