Martin Bender
August 28, 1969, Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam: Three companies of Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division were inserted into a hot LZ (a helicopter landing zone with incoming enemy fire) to conduct a search and destroy mission south of Da Nang. Kilo company was the first on the ground and immediately came under heavy fire from North Vietnamese Army regulars (NVA). Lima and Mike Company soon joined in as the full-fledged battle unfolded.
Fourteen Marines died that day by the time the NVA retreated. As a testament to the intensity and veracity of the fighting, seven of the Marines killed were posthumously awarded medals for their heroism. Two were awarded the Bronze Star, two the Silver Star, two the Navy Cross, and one the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Born in Mexico City in March 1946, Jose “JoJo” Jimenez came to Arizona as a teenager with his mother, a Mexican government employee. He attended Santa Cruz Valley Union High School in Eloy graduating in June 1968. That same month, Jose Jimenez enlisted in the Marines.
After basic training and infantry combat training, Private First Class Jimenez joined Kilo Company, 3/7 in Vietnam. Assigned duty as a guide and fireteam leader, he was promoted to Lance Corporal in June 1969.
LCpl Jimenez was one of the 14 Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice at Quang Pam on Aug. 28, 1969. For his courage, bravery, and selfless actions in combat, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor Citation reads:
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 August 1969. On that date Lance Corporal Jimenez’ unit came under heavy attack by North Vietnamese Army soldiers concealed in well-camouflaged emplacements. Lance Corporal Jimenez reacted by seizing the initiative and plunging forward toward the enemy positions. He himself destroyed several enemy personnel and silenced an anti-aircraft weapon. Shouting encouragement to his companions, Lance Corporal Jimenez continued his aggressive forward movement. He slowly maneuvered to within 10 feet of hostile soldiers who were firing automatic weapons from a trench and, in the face of vicious enemy fire, destroyed the position. Although he was by now the target of concentrated fire from hostile gunners intent upon halting his assault, Lance Corporal Jimenez continued to press forward. As he moved to attack another enemy soldier, he was mortally wounded. Lance Corporal Jimenez’ indomitable courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”
Memorial Day is May 25 … a day to salute those who gave all.
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