United States Ambassador Mary Kay Carlson lauded the bravery and gallantry of Filipino war veterans who fought side by side with the American soldiers that helped liberate the country from the tyrannic Japanese rule during World War II.
Speaking before surviving veterans and members of the families of the recipients of the US Congress Gold Medal Award recently held at the Baguio Convention Center, Ambassador Carlson said that the sacrifices of both Filipino and American soldiers during the war has contributed in strengthening the partnership between the Philippines and the United States where the relations has lasted to the present and continuing to the future.
She underscored that such a formidable partnership as a friend and an ally in various aspects of governance will definitely contribute in bolstering the nurtured relationship that will extend for generations.
Earlier, some 51 World War II veterans were awarded the coveted US Congress Gold Medal Ward by US Ambassador Carlson assisted by officials of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) headed by Undersecretary Renaldo Mapago and the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) president Renato Claravall and first vice president for marketing and communications Mike Villa-real.
Of the recipients of the coveted award, 25 are surviving war veterans from the different parts of the country while the 26 others got their posthumous recognition and were received by the members of their families.
Among the living awardees include 2Lt. Eduardo M. Peralta, 92; Pvit. Marcelo V. Munar, 94; Cpl. Contes K. Balutoc, 95; Pvt. Eusebio S. Pasadillo, 96; Pvt. Simplicia M. Espedido, 96; Pvt. Filomena A. Amate, 96; Pvt. Guillermo B. Quiteves, 97; Pvt. Eladio E. Beronilla, 97; Cpl. Pedro D. Indunan, 98; 2Lt. Lourdes Barbero, 98; Pfc. Estigoy D. Sison, 98; Pvt. Florence R. Marasigan, 98; Pvt. Juan Bisquera, 98; Pvt. Miguel, P. Montes, 99; Pvt. Angel P. Damoasen, 99; Pvt. Jose M. Parado, 99; Pvt. Gaspar S. Dominguez, 99; Pvt. Epifanio L. Besuayan, 100; Pfc. Federico A. Balneg, 100; Pvt. Paulino D. Vargas, 102; Pvt. Filomeno G. Caburao, 102; Pvt. Miguel F. Toledo, 102; Pvt. Fangsosot C. Tangcawan, 102; Pvt. Inestancia M. Ola, 103; and Pvt. Sixta Q. Favila, 106.
On the other hand, the posthumous awardees of the US Congress Gold Medal were Col. Mariano C. Azurin, Col. Marciano P. Aganon, Maj. Dennis M. Molintas, Maj. Bado Dangwa, Capt. Conrado D. Yap, 1lt. Jose L. Artiaga, 1lt. Santos B. Zate, 2lt. Carlito I. Millado, 1Sgt. Felipe A. Dacquigan, SSgt. Pablo M. Laayon, SSgt. Nicasio B. Napeek, Sgt. Juliano G. Balanges, Sgt. Antonio J. Guillermo, Sgt. Amado B. Acosta, Cpl. Igmedio R. Casuga, Cpl. Agustin Miranda, Cpl. Eduardo G. Calonge, Pfc. Bernardo T. Bagwan, Pfc. Pio T. Quisaba, Pvt. Marciano K. Miles, Pvt. Tope N. Mayomis, Pvt. Alfredo N. Siblag, Pvt. Ew-ew B. Matias, Pvt. Marianito B. Bagbagen, and Pvt. Luciano G. Simangan.
Filipinos participated in the war out of national pride, as well as out of a commitment to the allied forces’ struggle against fascism, where 57,000 Filipinos in uniform died in the war effort. Estimates of civilian death range from 700,000 to upwards of 1 million or between 4.38 to 6.25 percent of the pre-war population of 16 million.
The US remains forever indebted to the bravery, valor, and dedication that the Filipino veterans of World War II displayed and that their commitment and sacrifice demonstrate a highly uncommon and commendable sense of patriotism and honor.
