Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Aviation Radioman 3rd Class

Unit:

Bomber Squadron 19 (VB-19), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

October 26th, 1944

Awarded for wounds received on August 5th, 1944.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Aviation Radioman 2nd Class

Unit:

Bomber Squadron 19 (VB-19), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For meritorious achievement in aerial flight as Gunner, Radioman and Observer of a Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron NINETEEN, attachted to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON, in action against enemy Japanese forces in Formosa and the Marianas, Bonins, Palaus, Philippines and Ryukyus from July 18 to November 6, 1944.
Participating in numerous combat missions during this period, ORTIZ contributed to the success of his squadron in the infliction of damage and destruction on hostile grounded ans airborne aircraft, military installations, harbor areas and shipping. His devotion to duty in the face of enemy aerial opposition and antiaircraft fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Aviation Radioman 2nd Class

Unit:

Bomber Squadron 19 (VB-19), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Gunner and Radioman in Bombing Squadron NINETEEN, attachted to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON, in operations against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on October 25, 1944. Skilled and courageous in the performance of his assigned duties, ORTIZ rendered valuable assistance to his pilot in the infliction of severe damage on enemy warships during a hazardous dive-bombing attack on large Japanese Carrier Forces in the face of extremely intense and continuous antiaircraft fire and persistent hostile air opposition. His bravery, superb fighting spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty contributed essentially to the success of his squadron's operations in a period of intense and vital aerial activity and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."