Jose Raucho Ortega, 95, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away on October 30, 2018. Jose was a proud Veteran of the United States Army where he was a Corporal in Company “M” 137th Infantry. During his service in the Army he received many medals, citations, awards and recognitions. Jose received the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Service Ribbon with five (5) Bronze Stars, the Bronze Star is based on the award of the Combat Infantryman Badge, for his heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States near the Forest of Gremecey, France on September 27, 1944. The enemy had completely surrounded his company as they were making their way to a new location, Private Ortega held his machine gun and commenced firing at the Germans allowing his company to extricate itself from its precarious position. Jose was commended by Major General USA Paul W. Baade for his courage and initiative which was a reflection of his character as a soldier and upon military service. Jose also received the Good Conduct Medal, 5 Bronze Stars and two (2) Overseas Service Bars and the Purple Heart. On November 9, 2012 Jose was appointed a “Chevalier” of the Legion of Honor by the Ambassador of France, Francois Delattre. The Legion of Honor is an order of distinction first established by Napoleon Bonaparte in May of 1802. It is the highest decoration bestowed in France and is divided into five degree: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand Croix (Grand Cross). U.S. Veterans who risked their lives during World War II to fight on French territory qualify to be decorated as Knights of the Legion of Honor. He participated in the Normandy Invasion, was wounded and captured at St. Lo by German army on December 1944 where he was a Prisoner of War until end of war. Jose is preceded in death by his beloved wife Maria Luisa. He is survived by his son Jessie Sims, daughters Maria Isela Torres, Carmen Ortega, Martha Ramirez, brother Reymundo Ortega, 17 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held Monday, November 5th from 5 pm to 9 pm at Martin Funeral Home Central, 3839 Montana Avenue with Prayer Service at 7 pm. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, November 6th at 9:30 am at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church, 503 Hunter followed by burial at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with Military Honors at 11 am (west shelter).
