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Navy Federal Credit Union

Corporal Jose Jesus Anzaldua, Jr. (MCSN: 2468970), United States Marine Corps, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from January 23, 1970 until his release on March 27, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    December 7, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Corporal Jose Jesus Anzaldua, Jr. (MCSN: 2468970), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving with the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 7 December 1969, Corporal Anzaldua was at his battalion’s command post in Quang Nam Province when he observed a helicopter crash near the battalion landing zone. Reacting instantly, he ran to the burning aircraft and began assisting the shocked and injured passengers to safety. Upon being informed by the pilot that the crew chief was missing, he disregarded the explosions from the burning ammunition inside the aircraft and fearlessly entered the flaming wreckage through the rear section. Finding the crew chief pinned under several pieces of heavy debris, and although painfully burned himself, Corporal Anzaldua, with the assistance of two other Marines, freed the injured man and moved him to an area where he could receive proper medical aid. Refusing treatment himself, he reentered the blazing helicopter and freed a Vietnamese civilian who was trapped under some fallen equipment. Corporal Anzaldua’s bold and courageous actions in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in saving the lives of at least two men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Staff Sergeant Jose Jesus Anzaldua, Jr. (MCSN: 2468970), United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from January 1970 to November 1971. Through his strong leadership qualities among enlisted prisoners and his efforts in camp communications, Staff Sergeant Anzaldua displayed courage and determination in maintaining camp organization and resistance. Directly through his efforts many of the prisoners remained steadfast in their observance of the Code of Conduct. Staff Sergeant Anzaldua’s knowledge of the Vietnamese language was a valuable source of intelligence to his senior officers in the camp. By his superb performance under harsh conditions of imprisonment, Staff Sergeant Anzaldua reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant [then Corporal]

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    November 1971 – March 1973

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant [then Corporal] Jose Jesus Anzaldua, Jr. (MCSN: 2468970), United States Marine Corps, for meritorious achievement while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from November 1971 to March 1973. First Lieutenant Anzaldua displayed extraordinary leadership and devotion to his companions. Using his knowledge of the Vietnamese language, he was diligent, resourceful, and invaluable as a collector of intelligence information for the senior officer interned in the prison camp. In addition, while performing as interpreter for other United States prisoners making known their needs to their captors, First Lieutenant Anzaldua regularly, at the grave risk of sever retaliation to himself, delivered and received messages for the senior officer. On one occasion, when detected, he refused to implicate any of his fellow prisoners, even though severe punitive action was expected. By his superb performance, under harsh conditions of imprisonment, First Lieutenant Anzaldua upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]