| Manuel "Manny" Rodriguez | |
|---|---|
 Manny in Guadalcanal | |
|
Actor |
Jon Bernthal |
|
Rank |
Sergeant |
|
Battles |
Guadalcanal Campaign |
|
Status |
KIA, Guadalcanal |
Sgt. Manuel "Manny" Rodriguez was a marine NCO in the 1st Marine Division as well as one of John Basilone's best friends
History[]
Manny enlisted in the marines along with Basilone and Sgt. J.P Morgan. They listened to a speech spoken by LtCol. Lewis "Chesty" Puller, then visited the Basilones' home. before heading off to Guadalcanal.
Guadalcanal Campaign[]
After Robert Leckie's unit landed on Guadalcanal, Manny's unit arrived and began to hunt down the remaining Japanese still on the island. Manny was assigned as a runner and johnny-on-the-spot, serving a pivotal role in the battle. After Chesty got a report that the Japanese were heading towards his position, Chesty sent Manny to help the marines.
Manny is next seen some time into an intense battle. Basilone ran back to get some ammo for the machine guns when he suddenly bumped into a Japanese soldier. Luckily, Manny was there to save him, shooting the soldier down with his Tommy gun.
Unfortunately, however, Manny was later found by Japanese soldiers and shot to death, his corpse found by Basilone the next morning.
Legacy[]
Morgan and Basilone then toasted Manny in respect in Melbourne, Austrailia, even setting a drink for him.
Also, when John was playing golf, he gets flashbacks of Manny's death in Guadalcanal.
Trivia[]
- Manny is the first major character to be killed off in the miniseries.
- Manny is the tallest of the three NCOs featured in Guadalcanal.