35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  SP4 Manuel Galvan Ortiz    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



Bravo Company
2nd Battalion
35th Infantry Regiment
Vietnam War

"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"
National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal


The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SP4 Manuel Galvan Ortiz, who died in the service of his country on September 13th, 1968 in Quang Duc Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Multi-Frag. At the time of his death Manuel was 25 years of age. He was from Chicago, Illinois. Manuel is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 44W, Line 52.

The decorations earned by SP4 Manuel Galvan Ortiz include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

Manuel was drafted in September 1967. He was a graduate of St. Michael's Central High School in Cgicago. Prior to the Army, he was a machinst for the Chicago and North Western railway.He was survived by his mother, Mrs Librada Ortiz; a brother Frank; and a sister Marguerita.

Manuel is buried in the Queen of Heaven Cemetery; 1400 South Wolf Road; Hillside, IL. Hillside is located on the western edge of Chicago.

AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL FOR HEROISM
General Orders Number 6080, HHC, 4th Inf Div
For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Ortiz distinguished himself while serving as a Team Leader with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. On 13 September 1968 Specialist Ortiz' company was proceeding up a hill north of Duc Lap when it started receiving sniper fire. As the company took cover, Specialist Ortiz led a small element forward in an attempt to locate and silence the snipers. Hindered by the dense vegetation, he was unable to complete his mission and returned to the company's position. As the company divided into platoons and maneuvered forward, Specialist Four Ortiz volunteered to assume the point-position. Proceeding a short distance, he located an enemy automatic weapons position, warned the company, and charged forward. Firing his weapon accurately and hurling grenades, Specialist Ortiz moved forward under intense enemy fire until one of his grenades silenced the enemy bunker. Then while engaging another bunker in the same manner, Specialist Four Ortiz was mortally wounded by enemy shrapnel. Specialist Four Ortiz' courageous acts, determination, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.