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Pvt Joe V. Martinez was a skilled mechanic and repairman of motor vehicles before he enlisted in Fort Logan, Colorado on 27 March 1944.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For gallantry in action as a member of the 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 January 1945 in France. When an enemy attack set all but one of the buildings, which his platoon was occupying, afire, Pvt Martinez, an automatic rifleman, remained in the house which had not caught fire and fired on the enemy while the rest of the platoon withdrew. When the enemy fired bazookas and machine guns and threw grenades into the house occupied by Private Martinez, he displayed indomitable courage and although wounded by enemy fire, continued to fire until his platoon had set up defensive positions. Finally the enemy force, forced an entrance into the building and with automatic fire killed Pvt Martinez. The steadfast determination displayed by Pvt Martinez in the face of great personal risk reflect highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.