Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Weapons Company, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division "The Spearhead", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Platoon Leader of a 75-mm. self-propelled Gun Platoon of Weapons Company, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Landing with his platoon in the sixth wave on the fire-swept beach, Captain Rhoades skillfully maneuvered his guns into position on the extreme left flank of the enemy where fire could be delivered against the enemy fortifications on Mount Suribachi and, racing back and forth between the guns, pointed out targets to the crews. His daring action contributed to the destruction of many of the enemy and aided materially to the neutralization of the fortifications, thereby enabling his Regiment to establish a beachhead. By his initiative and courageous devotion to duty, Captain Rhoades upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."