The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Gabriel R. Martinez (ASN: 0-531211), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in action in Belgium. On 26 December 1944, during fierce, close-range action near Bastogne, Belgium, Captain Martinez observed friendly airmen abandon their burning transport aircraft and parachute to earth between his position and those of the enemy. With utter disregard for his own safety, he organized a rescue party of three men and led them through the withering hostile fire to the location of the four wounded parachutists who had landed near the enemy emplacements. Although the enemy fire mounted in intensity, he succeeded in evacuating them safely to his own lines. Captain Martinez’ heroic actions and unswerving devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Second Lieutenant (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
318th Infantry RegimentDivision:
80th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 13, 1944
Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 94 (December 4, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Gabriel R. Martinez (ASN: 0-531211), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 13 November 1944 in France. On that date, Second Lieutenant Martinez, a Platoon Leader, assumed command of a rifle company with the mission of assaulting a strongly fortified village, after all other officers of the company had been evacuated as casualties in a previous engagement. Leading the company over a ridge in full view of the enemy and under heavy mortar, automatic, and small arms fire, he gained entry into the town, personally accounting for 8 of the 85 prisoners captured by the company. The valor, leadership, and sincere devotion to duty exhibited by Second Lieutenant Martinez exemplify the finest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Regiment:
318th Infantry RegimentDivision:
80th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
April 10, 1945
Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 261 (October 25, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Gabriel R. Martinez (ASN: 0-531211), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 10 April 1945 in Germany. Captain Martinez, when his company was temporarily delayed at Schmira, Germany, rose from his position of cover and aggressively advanced on the ring of hostile guns. His men, inspired by this display of courage, followed their commander and destroyed and captured the hostile force. Captain Martinez’s outstanding leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.