Sgt martin Joseph "Marty" Gonzalez

Marty Gonzalez joined the Marine Corps at age 19.  He served as a Squad Leader for Third Battalion, Fifth Marines.  He was awarded two Bronze Stars for Valor, three Purple Hearts, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Letters of Appreciation, a Certificate of Commendation, a Certificate of Appreciation, and the Good Conduct Medal.   The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determined that Marty was 100% disabled and he was then medically discharged from the United States Marine Corps.  These disabilities derived from his traumatic brain injury, his gunshot wound to his elbow, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  On November 28, 2020, Sgt Marty Gonzalez died due to a blood clot in his lungs. It stemmed from complications following injuries he sustained during his tour in Iraq. 

Sgt. Marty Gonzalez, was a decorated Marine who spoke honestly and openly of his own struggles with injuries both physical and psychological in the hopes of inspiring others. Marty was both a recipient and volunteer for groups that donate to veterans.  

First assigned to clear roadside bombs as a squad leader with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Sgt Marty Gonzalez, 24 at the time, entered the city of Fallujah days into what became known as the Second Battle of Fallujah. The fighting was the deadliest of the Iraq War, waged house by house in the ancient city. Four Marines in Gonzalez’s squad died, among the 95 Americans killed.
Gonzalez left alive but severely wounded, one of 615 U.S. service members injured. 

On Nov. 14 of that year, an insurgent grenade exploded, burning Gonzalez’s hand as he helped another Marine retreat. Dec. 12, charging up stairs with other soldiers to rescue a wounded squad member, another grenade exploded in the group and sent concrete flying. Gonzalez was struck in the head. Three others were killed and dozens wounded.

Sgt Gonzalez didn’t last another 24 hours in Fallujah without additional injury. On Dec. 13, Gonzalez took a bullet through the elbow clearing a house, though it was just the start of his fight.
Doctors performed nine surgeries to save his arm, then others to address back pain that at times put him in a wheelchair and constantly made it painful to walk. His head injury caused multiple issues.

From 2004 to 2013 Gonzalez underwent more than 15 surgeries. After what would be his final back surgery in 2013, he was left paralyzed. For years he lived in pain and agony.  Other scars were less physical and instead psychological. Gonzalez struggled to return to normalcy, haunted by casualties around him and frustrated that the country he served had turned its back on him. His requests for treatment and medications were mired in bureaucracy. In 2007 he was charged with driving while intoxicated with a minor in the vehicle, his young son, high on pain medication.

Sgt Marty Gonzalez, and local lawyers, began to work together for programs in Texas that helped veterans address their problems and defer criminal charges as they navigated the Veterans Affairs system.  Today, we call this program the Houston County Veterans' Court Program.

Within months, Sgt Marty Gonzalez wasn’t just a beneficiary of the programs to help veterans, he was in some accounts its poster child. He went to

Austin to speak to lawmakers about even more reforms to improve the lives of veterans. 

The Marine Corps League Sgt M.J. Marty Gonzalez Detachment #1485 of Cypress, TX is proud to honor Sgt Marty Gonzalez by continuing his work to help fellow veterans.  Semper Fidelis Marty!  We will never forget!