CPL US Army Air Force, Jacobo “Jake” Dominic Martinez

Born and raised in Grenville, New Mexico, Jacobo “Jake” Martínez was an influential educator and coach, and a respected community leader in Santa Fé and throughout northern New Mexico 

CPL. Jacobo enlisted in U.S. Army on March 1, 1944. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, Soldiers Medal, Meritorious Service, Good Conduct, Asiatic-Pacific Theater, American Theater, and Victory Medal, he later served in the New Mexico State (National) Guard having attained the rank of Brigadier General. 
 
In 2006 the Santa Fé County Board of Commissioners dedicated the Jacob D. Martínez Community Housing Site in his honor. Coach Martínez graduated from St. Michael’s High School, earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Michael’s College, and his Master of Arts degree at St. John’s College as the first Hispanic graduate to earn this degree at the Santa Fé campus.