Martin Cervantes Sanchez

Martin “Marty” Sanchez of Houston, Texas, passed away on June 5, 2025, at the age of 81. He was born on October 21, 1943, in Raymondville, Texas, to Feliciano and Marcelina Sanchez. He grew up in Raymondville alongside his siblings: Santos, Mike, Lucy, Rosie, Bennie, and Israel Sanchez.

Martin attended Raymondville High School and later earned his GED while proudly serving in the U.S. Army. He spent most of his career working in carpentry and flooring, a trade he deeply respected and excelled in. He was also actively involved in the Tejano Veterans Association and the Gathering of the Eagles, dedicating time to support fellow veterans and causes close to his heart.

Sergeant Martin C.Sanchez (United States Army) served 5 tours of combat during the Vietnam War where he earned 5 Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star along with multiple other medals. Sergeant Sanchez was awarded the Silver Star by the President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963) for gallantry in action. Sergeant Sanchez distinguished himself by conspicuous heroism on 19th and 20th November 1967, while serving on a combat operation in the Republic of Vietnam as a Squad Leader with Company D, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). On 19 November 1967, while engaged in a search and destroy mission, Company D made contact with a numerically superior enemy force. Sergeant Sanchez immediately deployed his squad aggressively against the enemy positions. When the order to withdraw was given, Sergeant Sanchez, taking the machine gun from his wounded gunner, covered the withdrawal of his squad and their wounded. He continuously exposed himself to intense rocket, grenade and automatic weapons fire in order to place an accurate and devastating volume of fire upon the enemy. On the following day, after reinforcements had arrived, Sergeant Sanchez observed a machine gunner in the attacking force fall wounded. Sergeant Sanchez retrieved the enemy soldier’s machine gun and joined the attack element aggressively moving up the hill, laying down a heavy, accurate volume of fire and taking charge as he went. He continuously exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he advanced, and his actions inspired the men in the attack force to advance with him, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Sergeant Sanchez’s outstanding display of aggressiveness, personal bravery and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Martin was preceded in death by his wife of many years, Diane Castillo Sanchez; his parents, Feliciano and Marcelina Sanchez; his brother, Mike Sanchez; and his sister, Lucy Sanchez.

He is lovingly remembered by his children: Martin Sanchez Jr., Ruben Sanchez, Leslie Sanchez, and Jonathan Sanchez; his grandchildren: Gabriel Guzman, Michael, Martin, Mathew and Mark Sanchez; and his great-grandchildren: Kimberly Sanchez, Amara Rose Sanchez, and Mathew Sanchez.