Jose F. Valdez

Private First Class Jose Francisco Valdez (January 3, 1925 – February 17, 1945), 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. Valdez was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1946 for his extraordinary bravery. 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.

Medal of Honor citation

Awards and recognitions

Awards

Honors

Valdez was buried with full military honors in the Santa Fe National Cemetery located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. , a technical research ship in operation during the 1960s. Valdez Elementary School, an elementary School dedicated in north Denver, Colorado. PFC Jose F. Valdez Memorial Highway, a 106-mile stretch of U.S. Route 64, from Tierra Amarilla to Bloomfield, in New Mexico. Jose F. Valdez U.S. Army Reserve Center, located in Pleasant Grove, Utah, was formerly the headquarters of the 405th Civil Affairs Battalion. The center has been vacant since September 2017, following the unit's relocation to Fort Douglas. A memorial to Valdez was dedicated in Gobernador, New Mexico, in 2002. A memorial at All Veterans Memorial Park in Berg Park, Farmington, New Mexico, was dedicated in 2009 honoring three northwest New Mexico residents who received the Medal of Honor; Valdez, USMC LCpl. Kenneth Lee Worley, and Army SSG Franklin D. Miller.