Peter Julien Ortiz
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| Peter Julien Ortiz | |
|---|---|
| August 5, 1913 – May 13, 1988 (aged 74) | |
  Col. Peter Julien Ortiz,Navy Cross recipient |
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| Place of birth | New York City |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross (2X) Purple Heart (2X) Legion of Merit Order of the British Empire Croix de Guerre (5X) Médaille des Blesses Médaille d’Evades Médaille Coloniale |
| Other work | April 1954 he volunted to return to active duty to serve as a Marine observer in Indochina (Viet Nam). The Marine Corps did not accept he request because "current military policies will not permit the assignment requested." |
Colonel Peter Ortiz (August 5, 1913-May 13, 1988) born in New York City, was one of the most decorated Marine officers of World War II. He served in both Africa and Europe throughout the war, as a member of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS).
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[edit] Military career
Although born in the U.S., he was educated at the University of Grenoble in France and began his military service in 1932 at the age of 19 with the French Foreign Legion. He was wounded in action and imprisoned by the Germans in 1940. After his escape, he made his way to the U.S. and joined the Marines. As a result of his training and experience, he was awarded a commission, and a special duty assignment as an assistant naval attaché in Tangier, Morocco. Once again, Ortiz was wounded while performing combat intelligence work in preparation for Allied landings in North Africa.
In 1943, as a member of the OSS, he was dropped by parachute into France to aid the Resistance, and assisted in the rescue of four downed RAF pilots. He was recaptured by the Germans in 1944 and spent the remainder of the war as a POW.
[edit] Navy Cross citations
| “ | The Navy Cross is presented to Pierre (Peter) J. Ortiz, Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while attached to the United States Naval Command, Office of Strategic Services, London, England, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in enemy-occupied territory, from 8 January to 20 May 1944. Operating in civilian clothes and aware that he would be subject to execution in the event of his capture, Major Ortiz parachuted from an airplane with two other officers of an Inter-Allied mission to reorganize existing Maquis groups in the region of Rhone. By his tact, resourcefulness and leadership, he was largely instrumental in affecting the acceptance of the mission by local resistance leaders, and also in organizing parachute operations for the delivery of arms, ammunition and equipment for use by the Maquis in his region. Although his identity had become known to the Gestapo with the resultant increase in personal hazard, he voluntarily conducted to the Spanish border four Royal Air Force officers who had been shot down in his region, and later returned to resume his duties. Repeatedly leading successful raids during the period of this assignment, Major Ortiz inflicted heavy casualties on enemy forces greatly superior in number, with small losses to his own forces. By his heroic leadership and astuteness in planning and executing these hazardous forays, Major Ortiz served as an inspiration to his subordinates and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. | ” |
| “ | The Navy Cross is presented to Pierre (Peter) J. Ortiz, Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Office of Strategic Services during operations behind enemy Axis lines in the Savoie Department of France, from 1 August 1944, to 27 April 1945. After parachuting into a region where his activities had made him an object of intensive search by the Gestapo, Major Ortiz valiantly continued his work in coordinating and leading resistance groups in that section. When he and his team were attacked and surrounded during a special mission designed to immobilize enemy reinforcements stationed in that area, he disregarded the possibility of escape and, in an effort to spare villagers severe reprisals by the Gestapo, surrendered to this sadistic Geheim Staats Polizei. Subsequently imprisoned and subjected to numerous interrogations, he divulged nothing, and the story of this intrepid Marine Major and his team became a brilliant legend in that section of France where acts of bravery were considered commonplace. By his outstanding loyalty and self-sacrificing devotion to duty, Major Ortiz contributed materially to the success of operations against a relentless enemy, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. | ” |
[edit] Awards and recognitions
Ortiz's decorations included two Navy Crosses, the Legion of Merit, the Order of the British Empire, and five Croix de Guerre. He also was made a Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur by the French.
[edit] Later years
Upon return to civilian life, Ortiz became involved in the film industry as an actor. At the same time, at least two Hollywood films were made based upon his personal exploits, Operation Secret and 13 Rue Madeline. Ortiz appeared in several films, many with director John Ford. He died on 16 May 1988 at the age of 75.
[edit] See also
[edit] Note
[edit] External links
- [1]
- The California State Military Museum entry
- Internet Movie Database http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0651237/
