[1] On January 25, near Bennwihr station, France (then referred to as Rosenkranz by the Germans), Valdez volunteered to cover his patrol's retreat under heavy fire, despite being severely wounded.

[1] Valdez served in the 3rd Infantry Division under Major General John W. O'Daniel, which fought in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany.

When two German companies launched a larger attack, Valdez volunteered to cover his patrol's withdrawal under intense fire, despite being wounded.

His sacrifice is remembered as an act of extraordinary bravery that repelled an overwhelming enemy force and saved the lives of his fellow soldiers.

Overcoming agonizing pain, he regained control of himself and resumed his firing position, delivering a protective screen of bullets until all others of the patrol were safe.

By field telephone he called for artillery and mortar fire on the Germans and corrected the range until he had shells falling within 50 yards of his position.

Through his valiant, intrepid stand and at the cost of his own life, PFC Valdez made it possible for his comrades to escape, and was directly responsible for repulsing an attack by vastly superior enemy forces.