Peter Julien Ortiz

Infobox Military Person
name= Peter Julien Ortiz
born= birth date|1913|8|5
died= death date and age|1988|5|13|1913|8|5
placeofbirth= New York City
placeofdeath=
placeofburial=


caption= Col. Peter Julien Ortiz,Navy Cross recipient
nickname=
allegiance= United States of America
branch= United States Marine Corps
serviceyears=
rank= Colonel
commands=
unit=
battles= 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
laterwork=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).

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.

Navy Cross citations

ORTIZ, PIERRE (PETER) J.
"
(First Award)
"
Rank and organization:"Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve)
"
Place:"Office of Strategic Services (London)
"
Date of Action:"January 8 - 20, 1944
"
Citation:
"----
ORTIZ, PIERRE (PETER) J.
"
(Second Award)
"
Rank and organization:"Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve)
"
Place:"Office of Strategic Services (France)
"
Date of Action:"August 1, 1944 - April 27, 1945
"
Citation:
"cquote|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 August 1, 1944, to April 27, 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. [ [http://www.homeofheroes.com/valor/1_Citations/03_wwii-nc/nc_06wwii_usmcN.html First and second Navy Cross citations] ]

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.

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 May 16, 1988 at the age of 75.

ee also

Note

External links

* [http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/pjortiz.htm]
* [http://www.militarymuseum.org/Ortiz.html The California State Military Museum entry]
*Internet Movie Database http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0651237/