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Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients MARTINEZ, JOE P. Rank and organization: Private,
U.S. Army, Company K, 32d Infantry, 7th Infantry Division.
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Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients MARTINEZ, JOE P. Rank and organization: Private,
U.S. Army, Company K, 32d Infantry, 7th Infantry Division.
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Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy. Over a
period of several days, repeated efforts to drive the enemy from a key defensive position
high in the snow-covered precipitous mountains between East Arm Holtz Bay and Chichagof
Harbor had failed. On 26 May 1943, troop dispositions were readjusted and a trial
coordinated attack on this position by a reinforced battalion was launched. Initially
successful, the attack hesitated. In the face of severe hostile machinegun, rifle,
and mortar fire, Pvt. Martinez, an automatic rifleman, rose to his feet and resumed
his advance. Occasionally he stopped to urge his comrades on. His example inspired
others to follow. After a most difficult climb, Pvt. Martinez eliminated resistance
from part of the enemy position by BAR fire and hand grenades, thus assisting the
advance of other attacking elements. This success only partially completed the action.
The main Holtz-Chichagof Pass rose about 150 feet higher, flanked by steep rocky ridges
and reached by a snow-filled defile. Passage was barred by enemy fire from either
flank and from tiers of snow trenches in front. Despite these obstacles, and knowing
of their existence, Pvt. Martinez again led the troops on and up, personally silencing
several trenches with BAR fire and ultimately reaching the pass itself. Here, just
below the knifelike rim of the pass, Pvt. Martinez encountered a final enemy-occupied
trench and as he was engaged in firing into it he was mortally wounded. The pass,
however, was taken, and its capture was an important preliminary to the end of organized
hostile resistance on the island.