US Congress bestows highest award to Filipino veterans

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – Asst. Director Kevin Mcallister of the US Embassy, as guest of honor at the awarding ceremony of the US Congressional Gold Medal said in his message that it is a continuing effort of the US Congress to award the Congressional Medal to all Filipino World War II veterans in coordination with the country, with the Philippine Veterans Affairs office (PVAO) and the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Last Monday, April 8, ten Filipino Veterans were conferred the highest award held at the Emiliana Hall, this City.
Mcallister who was then stationed in Subic when he met his Filipina wife said that 3 days ago, they’ve started recognizing veterans for the veterans week and was glad to have this opportunity to pay tribute to the servicemen, hear their stories, of which one family member even came from San Diego, California to receive the honor, which only goes to show how important this award is.
Mcallister put emphasis on this overdue recognition to Filipino legends for
their loyalty and valor exemplified during the Second World War.
Among the awardees are, PFC Florentino T. Platero, who served in the Morong regiment, Pvt. Macario O. Roque, part of the Folsom’s Fil-Am guerillas, Pvt. Rogel Viray under the 1st regiment of the Bataan
military district, Pvt. Leopoldo T. Gunsay, of the, “A” company 3rd regiment of Bataan, PFC Francisca P. dela Fuente of the 1st regiment, Pvt. Democrito A.
Domingo under the 2nd regiment, Pvt. Lewe A, Domingo (posthumous) of the Morong regiment, Ssgt Gabriel Layug (posthumous) of the 31st division of the Phil Army, Capt. Quirico P. Evangelista (posthumous) off shore patrol of the Phil Army and Major Pedro M. Quezon (posthumous) member of the
2nd Regular division of Phil Army.
Cong. Joet Garcia, on his part, expressed his gratitude to the National Defense, Phil Veterans Office and Chairman of Araw ng Kagitingan technical working committee, Usec Reynaldo Mapagu, for holding the ceremony here and for the veterans, he greeted, “isang mapagpalang pagpupugay sa kanilang handog”.