Donaldo Antonio “Tiny” Martinez

Cpl Donaldo Antonio “Tiny” Martinez

Birth: 16 Jul 1923, Boulder, Boulder County, Colorado, USA
Death: 1 Mar 2006 (aged 82) Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico, USA

US Army Air Corps | World War II

Burial Site: Mount Calvary Cemetery Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico, USA

He was born on July 16, 1923, in Boulder, Colorado, the son of Margarita Estefanita (C deBaca) and Antonio Jose Martinez of New Mexico.  Donaldo Martinez attended high school and New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas New Mexico.  He trained as a pilot air cadet in 1942. He did not complete the course after 60 hours of flight time due to health and inner ear issues that kept him passing the final pilot flight physical. He would then be trained as an aviation mechanic and gunner in the Pacific theater. He was assigned to the 20th Air Force. Upon completion of his military service he would return to Las Vegas, New Mexico and complete his education at NMHU. He would become a vociferous advocate for Veterans and the Nuevo Mexicano community.1

At his funeral a summary of his illustrious life was given: “Donaldo Antonio “Tiny” Martinez,  was born on July 16, 1923, in Boulder, Colorado, the son of Margarita Estefanita (C deBaca) and Antonio Jose Martinez.[1] His grandfather, Esequiel Cabeza deBaca, was the first Lieutenant Governor after New Mexico was admitted to statehood in 1912. He was elected and became the State’s Second Governor on January 1, 1917; and passed away on February 18, 1917.

Donaldo was chairman of the San Miguel County Democratic Party for 12 years and served in the state House of Representatives from 1955 to 1956. He was district attorney in the 4th Judicial District in Las Vegas from 1957 to 1972; and district judge there from 1979 to 1984. San Miguel County Attorney, Jesus Lopez, said Donaldo encouraged him and other Hispanics to enter politics. “He changed the entire complexion of Northern New Mexico and it was through his efforts that Hispanics began to assert themselves and control their own destiny.”2

Notes:

 

  1. Ancestry.com, All Results for
  2. Find a Grave “Obituary” accessed on 6/7/23 at 
  3. Photo by, Martinez Family, June 2023, U.S. Army, Cpl. Donaldo Antonio “Tiny” Martinez

Biography prepared by E. Garcia Central New Mexico College