Hispanics in Americs Defense Home Medal of Honor
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http://www.neta.com/~1stbooks/defen11c.htm
Aleutian Islands World War IIThe American invasion of the Aleutian Island in May, 1943 was intended to protect Alaska from Japanese invasion. The fighting there produced the first Hispanic Medial of Honor recipient of World War II--Private Jose P. Martinez. Born in Taos, New Mexico in 1920, Martinez was one of nine children. He moved with his family to Ault, Colorado in 1927 where his father found work as an agricultural laborer. He was drafted in August 1942 and took his basic training at Camp Roberts, California.After training he was assigned to a unit in the 7th Infantry Division. On May 11, 1943, Martinez landed on Red Beach with his unit at Holtz Bay, Attu, the western most island on the Aleutian chain.During an attack by his unit 15 days after landing, Martinez' unit was pinned down by Japanese small arms, machine guns, and mortars. On his own initiative, martinez jumped up and lead his platoon in the assault.Others followed his example. When the attack faltered under withering fire, Martinez again leapt forward.On two separate occasions, he jumped into a trench among the Japanese defenders and drove them back.During the second episode, he was mortally wounded.A Disabled American Veterans chapter in Colorado and an American Legion post in California are named in his honor.He became an inspiration to many when the Army released his story.
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