Armando "Chris" Martinez IV

Armando "Chris" Martinez IV was commissioned into the U.S. Army in October 2011 and served for the next decade, including time in Korea with the 9th Infantry; Fort Bliss, Texas, with the 1st Armored Brigade; Germany with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment; and Fort Wainwright with the 25th Infantry Division.

In January 2020, the SSG Martinez’s platoon was designated as a “quick response force” (QRF), when the Al Asad Airbase was hit by multiple ballistic missiles. Martinez made the decision to stay on base to direct and control the squad’s movement while under the attack. After the base was evacuated to a new location, Martinez was ordered to check for casualties and help move civilians and service members into bunkers. While on foot, a second volley started, and while Martinez and his squad were loading civilians into their vehicles, they were hit by the impact of a round.

After recovering to his feet, SSG Martinez continued to give accurate directions and instructions to others, ultimately saving hundreds of lives. He suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during the attack and was medevaced out of Iraq.

Along with his Purple Heart, SSG Martinez was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Army Commendation Medal with Device, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Armando "Chris" Martinez IV represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Alaska’s honoree during the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission.