Marquez was assigned to the U.S. Army’s L Company, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, when he went missing in action on Nov. 28, 1950. Following his release, Capt. William Shadish, a medical officer and fellow prisoner of war, confirmed that Marquez was captured and held captive in North Korea. Shadish stated that Marquez died from starvation, exposure, and pneumonia on Jan. 20, 1951, at age 21. Other former POWs corroborated this information and the Army issued a death certificate. After the North Korean government returned the remains of 55 U.S. service members in July, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency scientists identified Marquez’s remains Aug. 9. Marquez now rests in his native New Mexico. Soldiers from the New Mexico Army National Guard’s Military Funeral Honors Program served as pallbearers for Marquez, fired three rifle volleys, sounded “Taps,” and ceremoniously folded an American flag. Maj. Frank Izquierdo of the 515th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) presented the flag to Marquez’s half-sisters Ana Bell Ortiz and Rose Mary Ortiz. Marquez is also survived by his nephew Corie Ortiz and cousin Izela Martinez. Izquierdo also presented the family with Marquez’s awards and decorations: two Purple Hearts, the Prisoner of War Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Japan clasp, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three bronze service stars, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Sgt. 1st Class Neil Esparza, also of the RTI, served as the family’s Casualty Assistance Officer. He said that he found the duty rewarding. “I am honored to be a part of bringing this fellow Soldier and New Mexican home after so many years,” Esparza said. [gallery ids="4185,4186,4187,4188,4184"]
