Rank Insignia Previous Honoree ID Next Honoree ID


   
honoree image
First Name: Jose

Last Name: Velez

Birthplace: Lubbock, TX, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Army (1784 - present)



Home of Record: Lubbock, TX
Middle Name: Alfredo



Date of Birth: 21 October 1981

Date of Death: 13 November 2004

Rank: Corporal

Years Served: 2000 - 2004
Jose Alfredo Velez
'Freddy'

   
Engagements:
•  Iraq War (Operation Iraqi Freedom) (2003 - 2011)

Biography:

Jose Alfredo Velez
Corporal, U.S. Army

[Note: Although he is wearing the rank insignia of a Specialist (E-4) and his family grave marker lists his rank as SPC, the Silver Star citation lists his rank as Corporal (E-4). The pay grade for both ranks is the same (E-4) and it is possible that the rank was changed posthumously.]

On 4 November 2004, then-Corporal Jose Alfredo Velez was serving with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On that date, when his unit was attacked in Fallujah, Iraq, CPL Velez was killed by a sniper as he stood over wounded comrades in efforts to shield them from enemy fire. CPL Velez’s courageous actions that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

The body of Corporal Jose Alfredo Velez was escorted home by his brother, Andrew Velez, also a member of the U.S. Army. Less than two years later Andrew Velez was killed in action in Afghanistan. The Velez family of Lubbock is the only family to lose two sons in the Global War on Terrorism.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Combat Infantryman Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Jose Alfredo "Freddy" Velez, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 4 November 2004. When his unit was attacked in Fallujah, Iraq, Corporal Velez was killed by a sniper as he stood over wounded comrades in efforts to shield them from enemy fire. Corporal Velez's gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Burial

Corporal Jose Alfredo Velez is buried at Resthaven Memorial Park in Lubbock, Lubbock County, TX.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9927019/jose-alfredo-velez



Honoree ID: 4835   Created by: MHOH

Ribbons


Medals


Badges


Honoree Photos

honoree imagehonoree imagehonoree image

honoree imagehonoree image

honoree image

Remembrances


Tributes