VALLEJO, Calif. (Tribune News Service) — Filipino World War II veterans were given the ultimate honor for their service on Saturday: The congressional gold medal.
The service featured 18 congressional gold medals given out at the Joseph Room of Vallejo’s JFK Library.
When Pearl Harbor and Manila were attacked in December of 1941, these soldiers were brought into direct combat as the United States officially entered World War II. During the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, U.S. and Filipino Soldiers fought together in battles across the Philippines, including Bataan, Corregidor, Luzon, Leyte, and Southern Philippines.
During the Battle of Corregidor, American forces ultimately surrendered to the Japanese. These soldiers were taken as prisoners of war and were forced to endure the infamous Bataan Death March. Between 60,000-80,000 Filipinos and Americans marched approximately 65 miles through the jungles to confinement camps throughout the Philippines. They were deprived of food, water and medical attention, and many were killed on the spot if they stopped to rest. During the march, approximately 10,000 men died. Of these men, 1,000 were American and 9,000 were Filipino.
The bravery, heroism and dedication of the Filipino veterans played an integral part in leading Allied powers to victory in the Pacific. After the war, President Truman signed laws, such as the Rescission Act of 1946, that stripped away promises of benefits and citizenship for Filipino veterans.
During Saturday’s ceremony speeches were given by Vallejo Mayor Robert McConnell, U.S. Army Reserve Brig. General Steven McClaughlin and U.S. Rep. John Garemendi.
Garamendi said it was “a privilege” to be at the event.
“I noticed something when the Filipino and U.S. national anthems were sung,” Garamendi said. “I looked out into the crowd and I saw in your faces the love for your home country. And then once again when the U.S. anthem was sung I saw once again in your faces, nods, lip reading the same things and same pride. Today is very special because we recognize the special relationship between the Filipino and United States’ communities. It’s a very special binding between nations.
“We’re very blessed to have in Vallejo a large Filipino community that plays an extraordinary role,” Garamendi continued. “There is a special reason why we’re here today and that’s to recognize the blood spilled and the lives lost on Dec. 7, 1941. You have to remember that attack wasn’t just on the United States, but on the Philippines. And they didn’t hesitate. They didn’t wait on an act of Congress or a Declaration of War. They were immediately in action. So today is a day of great pride.”
The Filipino veterans honored with Congressional Gold Medals were:
• Petronio Ado
• Marciano Canaya
• Jacinto Cutaran
• Luis Gamboa
• Alfredo Nasaire
• Luis Pasion
• Numeriano Armas
• Apolonio Cruz
• Alex Fabros
• Julian Gonzales
• Deogracias Nunez
• Federico Rosales
• Marcelino Canaya
• Leoncio Cruz
• Teotimo Gabac
• Larry Hidalgo
• Jose Pasion
• Tiburico Sobremonte
(c)2023 Times-Herald (Vallejo, Calif.)
Visit at www.timesheraldonline.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This congressional gold medal honors a quarter-million Filipinos who fought during World World II at a time when their country was a U.S. commonwealth. (U.S. House Office of Photography)
