Joseph Martinez

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.

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


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:
 * Combat Infantry Badge.svg Combat Infantryman Badge