BIOGRAPHY

Jose’ Veliz Jr. was born October 18, 1929 in Laredo, Texas. His parents were Jose’ and Consuelo Veliz. He had a younger brother, Tony, and two infant sisters died when they were babies. Another younger sister Janie Renteria lives in Texas.

Jose’ attended Christen Junior High School and Martin High School in Laredo, Texas. He lost both his parents during his teens and enlisted in the Texas National Guard and in 1947 enlisted in the Regular Army at the age of 17. After completing Basic Training, he was sent to Korea.

During the time Joe was in Korea, he received a letter from Margaret Alviso, who also lived in Laredo. In May of 1951, he returned home and according to Margaret, it was ‘love at first sight.’ He married her on November18, 1951 at St. Augustine Catholic Church. They honeymooned at Fort Hood, Texas. Their union brought six sons who gave him several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Son Joey was born in Laredo, TX, Robert and Edward were born at Fort Ord, and Daniel, Tony and Ralph were born at Fort Lewis.

Joe retired from the Army in 1973 and attended Clover Park Education Center. He briefly worked for General Metals, St. Regis, Monroe Corrections, Western State Hospital, Sears, and spent several years with the Seattle Bulk Mail Center and SCS Refrigerated Services.

Joe’s wife Margaret passed away in 2002. They were married 50 years.

After Margaret passed, her brother Joe Alviso and sister-in-law Louvain continued to visit him and held annual family reunions. Numerous nieces and nephews knew him as their “Uncle Joe” (among the many Joes in the family).

Joe loved to barbecue and in his retired years, did some traveling, took a few cruises, and dropped a few pennies at the casino with friends and family.

Joe was widely known for his infectious smile, hearty laugh, and for saying, “Oh, cornflakes!”
For over a year now, Joe battled several health complications. His most recent stay was at Orchard Park and the family especially thanks Melissa McPherson for her tireless effort on behalf of their dad. From 2006 to 2012, he lived at Patriot’s Landing in Dupont.

Joe belonged to the Knights of Columbus and was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Church.
He claimed victory through Christ last Sunday, February 17th.

SERGEANT FIRST CLASS JOSE’ VELIZ, JR.
MILITARY CAREER

Jose’ was a Cadet Corporal in the Army Infantry Unit at Martin High School. He enlisted in the Texas National Guard and in 1947 enlisted in the Regular Army. He completed basic training at Fort Ord, CA and received orders for Korea. While there he learned to speak Korean. His unit remained in Korea until 1949 when he was reassigned to Sapporo, Japan as an occupation force until the outbreak of the Korean War.

On September 19, 1950, he landed at Inchon, Korea with the 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, Company G. Their mission was to head 20 miles southwest to capture Suwon and the airstrip located there.
He said, “It was high ground on the Suwon Airstrip. We attacked and lost at least half the company. We had World War II leaders, platoon sergeants, 2nd lieutenants, and captains. We lost all but maybe two or three in that first engagement. All the officers and non-commissioned officers were gone with the exception of a few. This was my first time in combat.”

His company was then transported by train to the area of the Chosin Reservoir to join the Marines who were fighting the Chinese. They fought alongside the Marines on the hills and he led his squad in several firefights.

In May of 1951 he was promoted to Tech Sergeant. He was then assigned to Desert Rock, Nevada to participate in Operation Buster-Jangle / Atomic Bomb testing. The purpose was to train troops and gain knowledge of military maneuvers and operations on the nuclear battlefield. He was designated an Atomic Soldier on his records.

Joe’s army career included rotation to posts in the United States and throughout the world. He was stationed in Germany twice and served with distinction as a senior drill instructor at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam with one of these assigned as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Army.

He was awarded The Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces in the republic of Vietnam. He also was awarded The Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service.

Joe was a member of the 31st Infantry Regiment ProPatria, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion.

Joe retired from the Army in 1973. He was a man of tremendous strength from an era long past. He said what he meant and meant what he said.