Valdez was born in San Antonio, Texas, to second-generation Mexican immigrants. Standing at over six feet tall, Juan was a skilled athlete who played high school football. After graduation, he went on to join the US Marine Corps, completing his MOS training in 1956 and serving a tour in Vietnam from 1965-67. In 1974, Valdez was sent to Saigon to serve as the Commanding Officer of the U.S. Embassy Marine Corps detachment. On April 29, 1975, Operation Frequent Wind, the military effort to evacuate Saigon, began. During this operation, Valdez worked for nearly 20 hours without sleep, managing crowds of desperate South Vietnamese citizens and ensuring that the embassy staff were moved to safety. Over 50,000 people were evacuated due to the efforts of Valdez and his fellow service members. Master Gunnery Sergeant Valdez was likely the last American to leave Vietnam. Valdez retired from the Marine Corps in 1987, and his awards include the Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal.  

JUAN J VALDEZ

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