He spoke ten languages, five of them fluently.
Served in the French Foreign Legion, the U. S. Marine Corps, and the O. S. S.
Captured by the Germans in World War II, but escaped.
He was awarded 24 medals by three different countries.
The films 13 Rue Madeleine and Operation Secret were based upon his exploits.
He rose to the rank of colonel in the Marines.
Parachuting into France, he became a Maquis leader in 1944. He frequented a Lyons nightclub to gain information from the German officers who also frequented the popular club. One night, a German officer damned President Roosevelt, then the USA, and finally the Marine Corps. Ortiz then excused himself, went to his apartment and changed into his Marine Corp uniform. Returning to the club, he ordered a round then removed his raincoat and stood there resplendent in full greens and decorations yelling, "A toast to President Roosevelt!" Pointing his pistol at one German officer then another, they emptied their glasses as he ordered another round to toast the USA then Marine Corps! The Germans again drained their glasses as he backed out leaving his astonished hosts and disappeared into the night.
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