Six World War II Veterans received the Congressional Gold Medal during a presentation March 18 at the Las Cruces Convention Center as part of Pre-Bataan Memorial Death March events.
The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by Congress and is the highest civilian award in the United States. The decoration is awarded to an individual or unit who performs an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States. Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. The U.S. Mint designs a special and unique medal to commemorate the achievement of the recipient of the award.
On October 25, 2017, the U.S. Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to all Filipino and American Soldiers who fought in the Philippines during World War II. It is our nation’s highest civilian honor. Today, six of those Soldiers were honored for their service.
Maj. Gen. (retired) Antonio Taguba, White Sands Missile Range Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little, Undersecretary Administrator of the Filipino Veteran Affairs Office Reynaldo B. Mapagu, and Lt. Gen. (retired) Edward Soriano presented the award to the following individuals or their descendants:
Lt. Nino Sylmar, a Bataan Death March Prisoner of War; Lt. George C. Bach, who served in the Philippines, Staff Sgt. Harley Saaw (deceased), a Bataan Death March survivor; Tech Sgt. Geronimo Secretario (deceased), a Bataan Death March survivor, Sgt. Rafael Pamintuan (deceased), who served in the Philippines; and Pvt. Emilio Alzona (deceased), who served in the Philippines.
The presentation was sponsored by the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project which honors the service, sacrifice and duty to country of Filipino American World War II Veterans.
“This group works tirelessly to ensure that our country recognizes the veterans who fought in wartime and persevered through the Bataan Death March and ensuing prisoner of war camps,” Little said.
To the marchers he said, “I encourage you to remember the strength, the fortitude and the perseverance demonstrated by those 75,000 Filipino and American service members who were surrendered.”
“This award ceremony is a once in a lifetime event for many here today, especially the living veterans,” Taguba said. “This is our 102nd award ceremony we have conducted.”
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