There are times I feel compelled to write of injustices - especially when those injustices can be rectified. This is one such time.
This is the story of a Marine and Recipient of the Medal of Honor- Lance Corporal Jose “JoJo” Francisco Jiménez, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1969. His story is one of valor, but also one of injustice that deserves our attention.
When LCpl Jiménez was in elementary school, his mother
Jose saw his service as an honor. Mexico, however, saw his service differently. Despite Mexico's neutrality, the government openly sympathized with the Viet Cong. Jose was considered a mercenary by the government. Others branded his actions as near treasonous. Any Mexican citizen fighting for the U.S. would be disavowed by Mexico if captured. Mexico would do nothing to help them or secure their release.
On August 28, 1969, serving as Fire Team Leader with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, LCpl Jiménez charged a North Vietnamese Army gun emplacement, neutralizing an anti-aircraft gun and machine gun nest. After which, he courageously drew enemy fire away from his fellow Marines, giving what Lincoln called “the last full measure of devotion.”
After his death, Jose's remains were returned to his hometown of Morelia, Mexico, where his family had hoped to return once his mother left consulate service.
However, his internment was devoid of honor. The Mexican government opposed the placement of a headstone that honored him as a Medal of Honor recipient and Marine. Instead of being honored, he was seen as a disgrace and a traitor.
In 1987, through the efforts of Marines, veterans, and the Reagan Administration, a granite headstone acknowledging his bravery was finally placed on Jose's grave in Mexico. Protests marred this event, and military honors were not permitted.
The Jiménez family chose not to return to Mexico; they settled in Phoenix and became U.S. citizens. Before she died, Jose’s mother expressed a poignant wish: that he could rest beside her in the country he chose to serve with such loyalty and love.
On January 17, 2017, I had the profound honor of attending the re-internment and memorial service for LCpl Jiménez in Glendale, AZ. This time, a flag was present, and four F-35s from the USMC flew over the cemetery. As one jet peeled away, creating the “missing man formation,” it brought tears to many eyes. We watched as seven young Marines, none of whom were born when LCpl Jimenez died, give a 21-gun salute, followed by the haunting notes of Echo Taps filling the air on that chilly morning.
As I stood there, reflecting upon the Medal of Honor and speaking with Jose’s family, a startling realization struck me: we had just laid to rest a hero who, in many ways, was a man without a country. He wasn’t a U.S. citizen, nor did Mexico claim him.
I was compelled to act. There are currently eight Honorary U.S. Citizens, such as Winston Churchill and the Marquis de Lafayette. Why shouldn’t LCpl Jiménez, a man who gave his life in service, be the ninth?
Over the years, I have reached out to Senators and Representatives to champion this cause, but thus far, no resolutions have been initiated.
I’m asking for your help. Help raise awareness of Jose’s story. I’m not asking for money—just for your voice in sharing his story.
This young man gave everything for the U.S; its time we honor him with Honorary Citizenship in return.
Please Share.
