"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 machine gun, 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 knife-like 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."
From Pvt. Martinez's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on October 27, 1943.
May you be at peace,
Brian
Martinez Hall at Ft. Ord, CA.
Memorial Park in Denver, CO.
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