American GI Forum of California

Resolution

American GI Forum of California Resolution

Manuel F. Martinez

Whereas:  PFC Martinez exhibited extraordinary heroism while serving as grenadier with 1^st platoon, C Company, 26^th infantry, 1^st Infantry Division, in action against Viet Cong forces during Operation Bismark, north of Saigon.   On 3 December, 1966,   Company C was called in to support the 3d platoon which had been pinned down by a Viet Cong force and;

Whereas: Rushing in to aid the 3d platoon Company C unknowingly entered an occupied Viet Cong base camp in dense jungle and walked into an ambush.  At approximately 20 yards a Viet Cong machine gunner opened fire on the 1^st platoon pinning them down, and;

Whereas:  The point man, Private First Class Leland Morgan was killed immediately.   PFC Martinez was behind him and was hit in the right armpit.  The entire platoon took cover while PFC Martinez, though badly  injured, returned fire with his M79 grenade launcher, which was ineffective at that close range, and;    

Whereas: Although pinned down with painful  injuries, PFC Martinez opened fire with his 45 caliber pistol thereby drawing the enemy machine gun fire upon himself and diverting attention away from his platoon, and; 

Whereas: While single handedly continuing to engage the machine gun nest with his pistol, the enemy detonated a claymore mine.  The concussion lifted PFC Martinez up off the ground, flipping   him over and inflicting shrapnel wounds to both shoulders.  More seriously, it inflicted serious shrapnel wounds to his  head and face, causing permanent loss of sight to his left eye,  permanent loss of hearing to his left ear, leaving  him with lifelong neurological complications, and; 

Whereas: Undaunted, but now gravely wounded, Martinez continued returning fire.  This brave and selfless act drew attention away from his platoon which was then able to maneuver through the dense jungle to the Viet Cong machine gunner’s position. SP4 Robert M. McKee successfully took out the enemy machine gun nest and was immediately recommended for the Silver Star.   While the battle continued and while Martinez was receiving medical attention he received additional shrapnel wounds to his left foot from a grenade, and; 

Whereas: PFC Martinez, even though gravely wounded, and under intense enemy  fire,  unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own personal safety continued to single handedly engage the enemy machine gun at close quarters.     His unparalleled actions saved the lives of many members of his platoon who otherwise would have fallen to the enemy machine gun.    PFC Martinez’ gallantry and extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty enabled his platoon to complete their mission with only 1 KIA and 11 wounded, and;

Whereas: Operation Bismark was successfully completed PFC Martinez was thought to have been killed, and in the intensity of the period was overlooked for recognition.  He was airlifted to Japan where he recovered from most of his wounds and served out his full enlistment, and; 

Whereas: PFC Martinez did not receive any recognition until making contact 30 years later with former platoon members who were astounded that he was alive.  He was awarded the Silver Star on 26 July, 1997:   “for solely drawing fire upon himself away from his platoon”.    Since then, other platoon members have been located and have stepped forward with supporting details so that now the events of that day are fully documented. This compelling story makes it clear that PFC Martinez is truly an American hero who is fully deserving of the Medal of Honor.