Earl Kenneth Rodman was born on 17 August 1914 in Paulding Co, Ohio. His parents are Benjamin & Clarice Rodman, former Brush Ridge residents. Earl had two brothers Ray and Vernon who in 1950, were serving at Fort Riley, Kansas. Earl K. Rodman was married to Hannah A. (Bibler) Rodman. Prior to entering service Earl K. Rodman was employed with Huber Manufacturing Company and later at the Bendix Airplane corporation, in Wayne, Michigan.

Earl K. Rodman entered service on 21 December 1942. He was trained at Fort Benning, Georgia. Earl attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC). Rodman served on guard duty in Washington, D. C. He was sent overseas in June of 1944. PFC Rodman was reported as Missing in Action since 28 September 1944. He was serving with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Division “Blue Devils.” It was later determined that PFC. Rodman was killed in action near Bologna, Italy. His company was part of the Battle along the Gothic Line, in which his battalion was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation. The actions from Mount Battaglia, are described in part below.

Second Day and Night on Mount Battaglia
At 0530 hours, 28 September [1944]another terrific mortar barrage descended upon the mountain. It ceased in fifteen minutes and the Jerries struck again. The main effort was again directed at G Company. The forward outposts were soon overrun and the attacking troops were beaten back only after they had reached within a few yards of the crest.
Again the artillery played a tremendous part in repelling the effort. The heroic actions of Lt. Vergot who defied all risks and dangers stayed at his observation post and directed deadly fire on all the critical areas.
Several minor attacks continued during the morning and small groups of 25 to 30 attempted unsuccessfully to penetrate the outer lines.
By now it became evident that the men of G Company could not stay in their prepared positions on the forward slope, because the constant mortar and rifle grenade shelling was making their positions very dangerous and costly. Captain Roeder consulted Lt. Col. Williamson and they decided to develop the rear slope for daylight occupancy, which would afford protection from enemy observation to the front and right.
Everyone knew by now the Germans would assault — immediately following the cessation of preparation fires. It would be a case now of beating the Krauts to the hill top and occupying positions, so that grazing fire could meet his desperate rush.
Casualties were so numerous that the command post was moved into a large defilade area in the open and the entire..
Other reports talk of the “fierce hand to hand combat that threw the enemy from the hill with both side suffering heavy losses.”

Quote from the 350th Infantry Regiment’s Historical Narratives

PFC Earl K. Rodman was temporarily buried in Italy. In September of 1950, his remains were returned to Marion, for final rest.

PFC Earl K. Rodman’s name is memorialized along with other members of the 2nd Battalion, 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, on the peak of Monte Battaglia, Italy.

PFC Earl. K. Rodman is buried in Chapel Heights Memory Gardens, Marion County, Ohio.
Earl K. Rodman is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park, in Marion, Ohio; on the west wall of the Marion County Courthouse; and on the World War Two Memorial Wall, at the Marion Cemetery.