Guam, a US territory with a deep military history, is now the focal point of a campaign aimed at securing the highest US military honor for three war veterans. Known as the ‘tip of the spear’ due to its strategic importance, Guam has a long-standing tradition of high enlistment rates, particularly among the Chamorro people.
Following Guam’s liberation from Japanese occupation during World War II, the island’s residents have played vital roles in various conflicts. Despite these contributions, no soldier from Guam or Micronesia has ever received the prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States.
James Moylan, Guam’s delegate to the US House of Representatives, is leading the charge to rectify this historical oversight. He is urging the Secretary of the Army to reevaluate the medals awarded to three Guam veterans and potentially elevate them to the status of Medal of Honor recipients.
One of the veterans seeking this honor is Martin Manglona, whose exceptional actions during the Vietnam War in 1969 earned him a recommendation for the Congressional Medal of Honor. However, he was ultimately awarded the Distinguished Service Cross due to limitations at the time that excluded recognition for individuals from Guam, Saipan, or other Pacific Islands.
Robert Underwood, a former delegate from Guam, is also actively involved in the campaign. He emphasizes the significance of upgrading the medals for these three men, highlighting the deep impact their service has had on the people of Guam. Many residents of Guam have personal connections to those who sacrificed their lives in Vietnam, adding emotional weight to the quest for recognition.
Securing the Medal of Honor for these veterans would not only honor their individual bravery but also symbolize a broader acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by the people of Guam in service to the United States. It would mark a historic moment for the island and its residents, providing a long-overdue recognition of the courage and valor displayed by these war heroes.
As the campaign gains momentum, it underscores the enduring ties between Guam and the US military, highlighting the island’s pivotal role in American defense strategies. The quest for the Medal of Honor serves as a testament to the resilience and dedication of Guam’s veterans, ensuring that their contributions to national security are rightfully celebrated and remembered.
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