Federico's plans to return to Watsonville and marry were never realized.

Federico Alaniz Jr. was the oldest of the six children of Federico and Juanita Alaniz. Born in Mercedes, Texas, on March 11, 1948, Federico Jr. spent his first seven years in Texas with his brother Robert and sisters Esmeralda, Teresa, Rosa and Leticia, before moving to Watsonville in 1955. Upon arrival in the Pajaro Valley he was enrolled in the E. A. Hall School where he remained until 1964 when he entered Watsonville High School as a freshman. Federico did not finish high school but chose instead to enter the work force. He was employed by a local nursery and in the fields driving a truck.

Alaniz received his draft notice in April 1968, and in May reported to Fort Lewis, Washington, to begin his basic and advanced individual training. On September 22, he reported to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he joined the 21st Infantry Division as a senior wireman. He was then assigned to a brief tour of duty in Germany before being deployed to Vietnam.

Private Alaniz reported to Company B, 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry Division on April 27, 1969, and was attached to the 196/198 Lt. Infantry Regiment stationed in Quang Tin province. In March 1969, his unit moved to Landing Zone Professional in the mountains southwest of Tien Phuoc. There they conducted patrols in the vicinity of Firebase Maryann. During a patrol on June 13, 1969, Company B came under small arms gunfire that took the life of Private First Class Federico Alaniz Jr.

His body was returned; however, his final resting-place has not been identified. His awards include the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

(VVMW; VVVW; WHSM; WRP June 18, 1969 1:2, June 19, 1969 2:4)