World War II Honoree

Rudolfo Rochin Chavez

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Richmond, California

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private. Inducted into the United States Marine Corps December 27, 1943 and received his Combat Infantry Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Served in the Pacific Theater and experienced combat with Headquarters Service Company, First Amphibian Tractor Transport Group, Fifth Amphibian Battalion, an element of the 5th Marine ‘the Spearhead/Fighting Fifth’ Division. Participated in the amphibious assault on the Volcanic Island of Iwo Jima, Code Name: Operation Detachment. Saturday, February 17, 1945 he was killed in action on the first day of the invasion and buried in the Fifth Marine Division battlefield cemetery on Iwo. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, his remains were returned to his family, with interment in the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California on April, 7, 1948. This Marine, an American Patriot so gallantly gave his life for his country.