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.