Jose R. Martinez

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Jose R. Martinez (0-1339897), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 26 April 1951, the 2d Battalion was ferociously attacked by two enemy regiments in the vicinity of Ilbisang-ni, Korea. In the ensuing battle, the battalion command post was brought under heavy fire from automatic weapons and mortars. From his position in the post, Lieutenant Martinez saw that panic was beginning to spread among the friendly troops and revealing himself constantly to enemy fire he moved forward to rally the men. Working his way among them, he encouraged and reorganized the soldiers into a stable defense line. In spite of the fierce continuing engagement, he successfully controlled the line, thus releasing the pressure of the attack and enabling the men to hold their positions. Lieutenant Martinez’ fearless action and exemplary initiative reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the most gallant traditions of the military service.