Staff Sergeant John Ortiz
United States Army
Tank Commander, Company H, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (“Blackhorse”)
Home of Record: Chicago, Illinois
Born: August 23, 1936
Date Killed in Action: January 17, 1968
Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Panel 34E, Line 63
Service and Sacrifice
On January 17, 1968, Staff Sergeant Ortiz distinguished himself during Operation Fargo in the Loc Ninh area while serving as a tank commander with Company H, 2/11 ACR. His tank, leading the formation, came under heavy enemy fire, including recoilless rifle and automatic weapons. An anti-tank round struck his vehicle, and it caught fire, and he was killed in action.
His actions that day were recognized with the Silver Star (posthumous), a testament to the courage demanded when steel meets ambush at close range.
STAFF SERGEANT JOHN ORTIZ served as a TANK COMMANDER with COMPANY H 2nd SQUADRON
11th ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT ” BLACKHORSE “
CITATION FOR POSTHUMOUS AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to John Ortiz (RA16460144), Staff Sergeant, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Ortiz distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 January 1968, while serving as a Tank Commander with Company H, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, on a reconnaissance in force mission during Operation Fargo in Loc Ninh Province. Sergeant Ortiz’s tank, in the lead position, came under heavy recoilless rifle and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force. An anti-tank round struck his vehicle, causing it to burst into flames. Directing his men to abandon the flaming tank, Sergeant Ortiz covered their exit with highly accurate suppressive fire from his .50 caliber machine gun. When his men were safely evacuated, Sergeant Ortiz turned his main gun on the enemy fortification, destroying at least one of the recoilless rifle teams. While still firing devastating rounds into the insurgent positions, Sergeant Ortiz was mortally wounded by an exploding antitank round. Sergeant Ortiz’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Reflection
There’s a kind of bravery that doesn’t come with cover, only commitment.
The lead vehicle takes the first hit. The first burst. The first decision.
Today we honor Staff Sergeant John Ortiz for his leadership, his valor, and the life he gave in Vietnam.
Coolbeaners Appreciation
At mickyspano.com/, we honor the men and women who stepped forward when our nation called. Some came home, but many didn’t. We honor each and everyone of them.
Today, The Micky Spano Show recognizes Staff Sergeant John Ortiz, United States Army, killed in action on January 17, 1968, and forever remembered on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 34E, Line 63.
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