He died protecting other members of his unit from a concealed land mine using his own body, for which he received the Medal of Honor.

Due to financial constraints his wife lived with her parents and would drive up to Fort Rucker on weekends to pick him up and take him home.

Rodney Evans died one day after his twenty-first birthday and is buried in Liberty Hill Cemetery, Florala, Alabama.

Evans distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism while serving as a squad leader in a reconnaissance sweep through heavy vegetation to reconnoiter a strong enemy position.

The force had started to move forward when a nearby squad was hit by the blast of a concealed mine.

With complete disregard for his safety he shouted a warning to his men, dived to the ground and crawled toward the mine.

His gallant and selfless action saved his comrades from probable death or injury and served as an inspiration to his entire unit.

Evans' gallantry in action at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S.