Jose F. Valdez


Private First Class Jose Francisco Valdez, later known as Jose Frank Valdez, was a United States Army soldier who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during World War II. Valdez was born in Gobernador, New Mexico and enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1944. Assigned to Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, he fought in the Battle of the Colmar Pocket in January 1945. On January 25, near Bennwihr station, France, Valdez volunteered to cover his patrol's retreat under heavy fire, despite being severely wounded. His actions saved his comrades, and he died of his injuries three weeks later. Valdez was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1946 for his extraordinary bravery. He is honored with various memorials, including the USNS Private Jose F. Valdez and a monument in Gobernador, New Mexico.

Early years

Valdez was born on January 3, 1925, in Gobernador, New Mexico, a small rural community that has since become a ghost town. Of Mexican descent, he grew up working on nearby ranches to support his family. His father, Jose Venceslas Valdez, died in 1929, and his mother, Maria Julianita Vigil Valdez, raised him. Valdez enlisted in the U.S. Army at a recruiting station in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in June 1944. After completing basic training, he was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division.

World War II

Valdez served in the 3rd Infantry Division under Major General John W. O'Daniel, which fought in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. In January 1945, the division engaged in the Battle of the Colmar Pocket to liberate Alsace from German control.
On January 25, 1945, near Bennwihr station, France—then referred to as Rosenkranz by the Germans—Valdez's patrol faced an enemy counterattack. Valdez opened fire on an approaching tank with his automatic rifle, forcing it to retreat. Moments later, he killed three enemy soldiers in a firefight. When two German companies launched a larger attack, Valdez volunteered to cover his patrol's withdrawal under intense fire, despite being wounded. His Medal of Honor citation states he "delivered a protective screen of bullets," ensuring the safety of his comrades. Valdez also called in artillery and mortar fire to halt the German advance.
Although he managed to drag himself back to American lines, Valdez succumbed to his injuries three weeks later on February 17, 1945. His sacrifice is remembered as an act of extraordinary bravery that repelled an overwhelming enemy force and saved the lives of his fellow soldiers.

Awards and recognitions

Honors