For heroism: On 3 November 1967, during Operation Shenandoah II, Specialist Rhoades was serving as a mortar crewman at his battalion's night defensive position near Song Be when the camp was subjected to heavy Viet Cong mortar barrages. He unhesitatingly ran through a hail of shrapnel and debris from the incoming rounds to reach his mortar tube. Although continuously exposed to enemy fire, he remained in the open and placed devastating fire onto hostile emplacements. After a period of continuous firing, his and adjacent crews began to run low on ammunition. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Rhoades made several trips between the perimeter and a resupply point until the mortar crews were fully resupplied. He continued to direct devastating fire onto the insurgents until they were forced to flee from the area. His bold initiative and undaunted courage significantly contributed to the defeat of the Viet Cong. Specialist Four Rhoades' actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.