- Date Of Birth: February 25, 1927
- Date Of Death: April 20, 2019
- State: Indiana
Rodger Jay Rodick, 92, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2019, at Gentry Park Assisted Living Community. Born February 25, 1927 in Quincy, Massachusetts, Rodger was the son of the late Edwin H. and Lydia Beatrice (Eckel) Rodick.
He lived his formative years in Brooklyn, New York and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps upon graduating high school in 1945. Rodger’s military career spanned the period from 1945 to 1974, attaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. Duty stations included the Security Detachment, American Embassy in Madrid, Spain; 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Brigade in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; 3rd Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Marine Corps Liaison Officer, US Naval Magazine in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines; 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions, Vietnam (Dong Ha, Hue, and Quang Tri); Twenty-Nine Palms, California; and Marine Corps Liaison Officer, US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Indiana.
During his military career, Rodger participated in five major campaigns, which included 16 combat operations. His service was honored by presentation of the Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star; Combat “V” and one star Authorized; Combat Action Ribbon; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Good Conduct Medal with two stars; American Campaign Medal; Victory Medal World War II; National Defense Service Medal with one star; Vietnam Service Medal with five stars; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross Color with Palm & Frame; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device; Letter of Appreciation; Expert Rifle Badge; and Sharp Shooter Pistol Badge. Rodger retired from the United States Marine Corps in July 1974. He worked for 10 years for Indiana University following his retirement from the military. Rodger was a gun enthusiast, excellent marksman, and master gunsmith.
He was a member of the American Single Shot Rifle Association and the American Legion. Rodger was preceded in death by his wife, Anne L. (Jones) Rodick, whom he married February 4, 1954 in Tangier, Morocco; and, two great-grandchildren. Survivors include three daughters: Leslie K. Morgan of Clear Lake, Iowa; Pamela A. Eversole of Madison, Indiana; and Tracy D. Bruce of Austell, Georgia; grandchildren: Aaron (Jameka) Jones of Inman, South Carolina, Sean Morgan (Lisa Tibey) of Ventura, Iowa; Wade C. Smith (Pacia Carpenter) of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Gavin P. Smith (Niki Royal-Smith) of Indianapolis, Indiana; Justin Adams of Austell, Georgia; and Nicholas Adams (Sarah Parker) of Atlanta, Georgia; and nine great-grandchildren.
