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Texas WWII Vet to get Posthumous Purple Heart

Posted: Dec 6, 2012 4:45 PM

EL PASO, Texas (AP) - A World War II veteran who was struck by a German tank in France will be posthumously awarded a Purple Heart and two bronze stars after a decades-long effort by his family in Texas.

Pvt. Juan C. Marquez suffered shrapnel wounds and later broken ribs and a separated shoulder when hit by a tank after being deployed in 1944. He was discharged in 1945, but died in a car accident three years later in El Paso.

His family worked for years to find the right documents proving he deserves the honors. The Army finally agreed.

The medals will be awarded Friday during a ceremony with Maj. Gen. Dana Pittard, the commanding general at Fort Bliss, where Marquez was assigned.

Marquez's son Antonio says it'll mark closure for his family.

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