Daniel Cortez
Daniel P. Cortez was born in 1951 and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio before joining the Marine Corps. He completed basic training and advanced infantry training at Camp Pendleton, California, before joining a staging battalion.
In May 1970, Cortez deployed to Vietnam. There, he took part in combat operations as a squad leader. Initially, he served with the 1st and 2nd Combined Action Groups, and later with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines. On Nov. 9 that year, while leaving his fighting hole, he spotted a burning box containing hand grenades, claymore mines, and M72 light anti-tank weapons. Knowing the damage its explosion could cause, he carried the box away before it could harm his fellow Marines. He received a Navy and Marine Corps Medal for extraordinary heroism.
Cortez served as a drill instructor after coming home from Vietnam. Later, he worked in public affairs, and appeared in films such as “MacArthur” and “No Way Out.” He received the Thomas Jefferson Award for media excellence in 1974. He also served as public affairs chief in the 12th Marine Corps District in San Francisco.
After serving in uniform for more than 30 years, Cortez retired from the Marine Corps in 1990. He has remained engaged in the public affairs field, advising local, state and national political campaigns while working with several media publications, often appearing on news networks. Cortez also served as a member of former President Trump’s Advisory Commission on Hispanic Prosperity, before taking a campaign role in Virginia state politics.
In retirement, Cortez serves as the Chairman of the National Vet Court Alliance to continue his support for service members. His alliance raises funds to support Veteran treatment courts around the country. As a vocalist, Cortez enjoys singing at sporting and political events.
We honor his service.
Nominate a Veteran
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s “Honoring Veterans” social media spotlight is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission
Writer: Khaled Maalouf
Editors: Ashley Shaut, Cynthia Xu
Researcher: Raphael Romea
Graphic Designer: Saul Leon
Topics in this story
Link Disclaimer
This page includes links to other websites outside our control and jurisdiction. VA is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of non-VA Web sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policy or terms and conditions of those sites to fully understand what information is collected and how it is used.
Statement of Endorsement
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
More Stories
This week’s Honoring Veterans Spotlight honors the service of Navy Veteran Ken Mattingly, who served as a pilot during the 1950s and later became an astronaut during the Apollo missions.
This week’s Honoring Veterans Spotlight honors the service of Air Force Veteran Gavino Cavazos, who served from 1949 to 1973 during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
This week’s Honoring Veterans Spotlight honors the service of Army Veteran Howard Brown, who served during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1969 and the Gulf War from 1969 to 1992.
Thank you who ever nominated me for this incredibly high honor. To my brother and sister Nam vets….welcome home and may we never forget.
i salute my fellow hispanic vietnam vet!