SFC Rodney Yano: A Selfless Act of Valor

While serving with the Air Cavalry Troop, SFC Rodney Yano performed the duties of crew chief aboard the troop's command-and-control helicopter during combat against enemy forces entrenched in dense jungle terrain. From an exposed position under intense small arms and antiaircraft fire, he provided suppressive fire and marked enemy positions with smoke and white phosphorus grenades. His actions enabled his troop commander to direct accurate and effective artillery strikes on the hostile emplacements.

During the engagement, a grenade prematurely exploded, severely wounding SFC Yano and covering him with burning phosphorus. The explosion ignited supplies and ammunition inside the helicopter, causing detonations and filling the aircraft with dense white smoke. This obscured the pilot's vision and led to a loss of control. Despite being partially blinded and having the use of only one arm, SFC Yano disregarded his own safety to hurl the burning ammunition from the helicopter, further wounding himself in the process. His extraordinary actions removed the immediate threat, stabilized the situation, and prevented further injury or loss of life among the crew.

For his unparalleled bravery and selflessness, SFC Rodney Yano was awarded the Medal of Honor.