Rank Private First Class Battles and wars World War II Service/branch United States Army | Battles/wars World War II Allegiance United States of America | |
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Awards Distinguished Service Cross Award Distinguished Service Cross | ||
Private First Class Joseph (José) Raúl Martinez born in San Germán, Puerto Rico served in the U.S. Army 335th Infantry Regiment in World War II. PFC Joseph Martinez destroyed a German Infantry unit and tank in Tunis by providing heavy artillery fire, saving his platoon from being attacked in the process. He received the Distinguished Service Cross from General George S. Patton, thus becoming the first Puerto Rican recipient of said military decoration. PFC Joseph Martinez was the first Puerto Rican U.S. Army soldier to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
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World War II
PFC Joseph Martinez served with the 335th Infantry Regiment from Camp Howze, Texas. PFC Martinez bravely destroyed a German Infantry unit and tank Tunis capital of Tunisia providing heavy artillery fire, saving his platoon from enemy attackers.
Distinguished Service Cross citation
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Joseph R. Martinez, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in action against enemy forces in March 1943. Private First Class Martinez's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 25 (1943)
Postscript PFC Martinez was the first Puerto Rican to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Awards and decorations
Among Private First Class Joseph Martinez awards and decorations are the following:
Badges: