Benito Martinez (Medal of Honor)

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Benito Martinez
March 21, 1931 - September 6, 1952
Medal of Honor recipient
Place of birth	Fort Hancock, Texas
Place of death	Near Satae-ri, Korea
Allegiance	United States Army
Rank	Corporal
Unit	Company A, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division

Benito Martinez was a soldier in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on September 6, 1952.

[edit] Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company A, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division

Place and date: Near Satae-ri Korea, 6 September 1952

Entered service at: Fort Hancock, Tex. Born: 21 March 1931, Fort Hancock, Tex.

G.O. No.: 96, 29 December 1953.

Citation: ^[1]

Cpl. Martinez, a machine gunner with Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. While manning a listening post forward of the main line of resistance, his position was attacked by a hostile force of reinforced company strength. In the bitter fighting which ensued, the enemy infiltrated the defense perimeter and, realizing that encirclement was imminent, Cpl. Martinez elected to remain at his post in an attempt to stem the onslaught. In a daring defense, he raked the attacking troops with crippling fire, inflicting numerous casualties. Although contacted by sound power phone several times, he insisted that no attempt be made to rescue him because of the danger involved. Soon thereafter, the hostile forces rushed the emplacement, forcing him to make a limited withdrawal with only an automatic rifle and pistol to defend himself. After a courageous 6-hour stand and shortly before dawn, he called in for the last time, stating that the enemy was converging on his position His magnificent stand enabled friendly elements to reorganize, attack, and regain the key terrain. Cpl. Martinez' incredible valor and supreme sacrifice reflect lasting glory upon himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.