John Valdez was born in San Antonio, Texas, about the 15th of March, 1890. During the last fifteen years of his life he live with a friend, J. D. Woods, now resident of Reno, Nevada, coming to Nevada with Mr. Woods about ten years before the war broke out. For three or four years he lived in Tonopah, Nye County, then moved with his friend to Reno. He was living there on November 2d, 1917, when he entered the army from Washoe County. From the time of his entrance at Camp Lewis, Washington, until the 10th of November, he served in the 37th Company, 166th Depot Brigade, going then into Company K, 164th Infantry. With this unit (40th Division) he went overseas on December 5th, 1917.

On January 9th, 1918, he was transferred to Company H, 16th Infantry, 1st Division, and served with it until the 2d of April in the Toul trenches. In the meantime the German forces were fighting southward for a decisive blow at Paris, which necessitated the sending of American troops to strengthen the Allied lines. The 1st Division entered the front line in the Montdidier Sector, relieving two French divisions stationed there, April 25, 1918. A month later (May 28th, 1918) the 1st Division launched the first American offensive of the war. In a brilliant attack, the 1st captured the important observation stations at Cantigny which it held in the face of repeated counter-attacks by Germany’s best troops. During the second day of the battle, Private, First Class, Valdez, was killed in action.

No data have been obtained regarding the whereabouts of John Valdez’ relatives and it can not be said which of his kin survive him. He was well known in Reno where he resided for so many years, but even his closest friend knew nothing of his family. His friends are proud of the noble record of the soldier who was cited by the Division Commander for “gallantry in action and especially meritorious services,” during the battle for the heights above Soissons.