AFTER seven decades, Filipino soldiers who fought alongside American forces during the Second World War have finally been recognized by the United States government.
The awarding took place during the 120th founding anniversary of the Philippine Military Academy at Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City, where United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim was guest of honor and speaker.
In the twilight of their years, 29 Congressional Gold Medal awardees from Bneguet, Nueva Vizacaya, Cavite and La Union were given honor and recognition for their service during the Pacific war.
“We also have the honor of awarding the congressional gold medal to 29 deserving Filipino soldiers who have fought valiantly for their country. This is a long overdue recognition for their heroic actions during World War 2,” said Kim.
The war veterans, who are in 90s served under the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines–Northern Luzon [USAFIP-NL], were emotional and thankful for the recognition.
The awardees were Corporal Rizalino Alingbas, Sergeant Angelo Andrada, Private Camilo Dacali Atas, Private First Class Mateo Denmogo Bakian, Private Cosem Dasdas Baltazar, Private First Class Tuscan Laclac Barian, Private First Class Timoteo Isla Boado, Private Alberto Malate Bugtong, Private Alberto Malate Bugtong, Private First Class Graciano Diaz Clavano Jr., Private Pio Banasi Doro, Second Lieutenant Wilfredo Valdez Estandian, Private Pedro Villanueva Hipol, Private Magno Galwan Lamsis, General Vicente Lim (deceased), Private Vicente Avendanio Madarang, Lieutenant Colonel Pastor Martelino (deceased), First Lieutenant Francisco Alafiz Paraan (deceased), Private First Class Orlando Claudio Pimentel, 100-year-old Corporal Cato Damon’s Pulac, Third Lieutenant Jose San Juan(deceased), Private Enrique Aguinalde Sobrepena Jr., Major Jaime Munar Tabernero, Corporal Jose Flores Tadifa, Staff Sergeant Jose Amuguen Tiangao, Private Garcia Samoda Wakit, and Private Salvador Padasen Yapyapan.
A Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by the United States Congress. The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom are the highest civilian awards in the United States.
"There are no permanent statutory provisions specifically relating to the creation of Congressional Gold Medals. When a Congressional Gold Medal has been deemed appropriate, Congress has, by legislative action, provided for the creation of a medal on an ad hoc basis. American citizenship is not a requirement; you will hear stories of their courage, resolved and fighting spirits. They gave everything they had for the cause and would not quit even when the odds were stacked against them,” Kim said.
The United States Army Forces in the USAFIP-NL -- Tagalog: Sandatahang Lakas ng Estados Unidos sa Pilipinas-Hilagang Luzon (SLEUP-HL)/Hukbong Sandatahan ng Estados Unidos sa Pilipinas-Hilagang Luzon (HSEUP-HL) and Ilocano: Fuerza Armada ti Estados Unidos iti Filipinas-Amianan ti Luzon (FAEUF-AL) -- was the military and guerrilla organization active in the Philippines after the Japanese occupation. It is composed of the United States Army and Philippine Commonwealth Army soldiers, reservists and civilians.
“These men, some of them PMA graduates exemplify the PMA motto of courage, integrity and loyalty,” Kim said.
About 250,000 Filipinos answered President Franklin D. Roosevelt's call to
serve in World War II as scouts, guerrillas, and enlisted soldiers in the Philippine Army. They were told they would get full benefits in exchange for putting their lives on the line, fighting side-by-side with the US military.
But when the war was over, the promise was rescinded. The Rescission Act of 1946 voided their service and deemed their time of duty as not being “active military, naval, or air service for the purposes of any law of the United States conferring rights, privileges, or benefits upon any person.”