Rodríguez Balinas was born and raised in the town of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, where he received his primary and secondary education.

In 2018 Antonio Rodríguez Balinas was posthumously inducted to the Puerto Rico Veterans Hall of Fame.

Congressional Gold Medal On June 10, 2014, President Barack Obama, signed the legislation known as "The Borinqueneers CGM Bill" at an official ceremony.

On April 23, 1951, while occupying defensive positions on Hill 305, in the vicinity of Ognyo-bong, Korea, Company "F" was subjected to a furious attack by an estimated 300 enemy.

During the ensuing attack, Lieutenant RODRIGUEZ BALINAS, leader of the Second Platoon, continuously moved through withering hostile fire, encouraging and directing his men.

Lieutenant RODRIGUEZ BALINAS'S gallantry under fire inspired the members of his unit to contain the enemy attack and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

During the course of this vicious fighting, Lieutenant Rodriguez Balinas lost his carbine but, armed with only two hand grenades, he undauntedly charged another position manned by an enemy machine gun crew.

He fearlessly walked through the lethal hail of fire directly toward the hostile bunker, hurled his hand grenades and completely destroyed the position and its occupants.

Lieutenant Rodriguez Balinas' outstanding gallantry and inspirational leadership were instrumental in the success of the mission and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.