[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 100 (Thursday, June 13, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E624-E625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            SUPPORTING THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR GUAM VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES C. MOYLAN

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2024

  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following 
letters in support of awarding the Medal of Honor to three Guam natives 
who served in the Vietnam War.

        Call to Action: Support Medal of Honor for Guam Veterans

       As veterans and residents of Guam, we have a unique 
     opportunity to support three of our own who have displayed 
     extraordinary valor in service to our nation. Delegate James 
     Moylan has introduced amendments to the 2025 National Defense 
     Authorization Act (NDAA) to authorize the President of the 
     United States to award the Congressional Medal of Honor (MOH) 
     to:
       CSM Martin Manglona, U.S. Army Retired
       SGM Juan Ogo Blaz, U.S. Army Retired
       SPC4 Joseph Meno Perez, U.S. Army Retired (Medical)
       These three veterans, all of whom served in the Vietnam 
     War, have already been awarded the Distinguished Service 
     Cross (DSC), the U.S. Army's second highest honor. However, 
     they have never been given a fair chance at being considered 
     for the MOH, despite their actions mirroring those of other 
     soldiers who have received this prestigious award.


                            Why This Matters

       No other veteran from Guam or the Marianas has ever been 
     awarded the MOH.
       SPC4 Perez absorbed the explosion of a hand grenade to save 
     his battalion, an act of valor that has earned the MOH for 
     others.

[[Page E625]]

       SGM Blaz and CSM Manglona exemplified bravery that saved 
     the lives of those within their battalion.
       These veterans endured many indignities due to their ethnic 
     backgrounds yet persevered to serve with distinction.


                            How You Can Help

       We urge all veterans and residents of Guam to sign this 
     statement in support of Delegate Moylan's amendments to 
     authorize the MOH for these three heroes. By standing 
     together, we can ensure that their bravery and sacrifice are 
     properly recognized, and that this injustice is finally 
     corrected.
       Please sign below. Together, we can make a difference and 
     honor the legacy of these brave sons of the Marianas.
     Anthony Taijeron.
     Corina Ballesta.
     Glenn Manglona.
     Hon. Mike Rogers,
     Chairman, House Armed Services Committee,
     Transmitted via Delegate James C. Moylan.
       Hafa Adai Chairman Rogers: We write in hopes that as an 
     important member of the U.S. House of Representatives, with 
     full voting privileges, you will support the effort from Guam 
     Del. Jim Moylan to award the Congressional Medal of Honor to 
     three of America's bravest soldiers, at long last. The valor 
     displayed by CSM Martin Manglona (U.S. Army Ret.), SGM Juan 
     Ogo Blaz (U.S. Army Ret.), and SPC4 Joseph Meno Perez (U.S. 
     Army Ret.) saved the lives of their fellow soldiers and 
     should be honored with the highest distinction available to 
     America's men and women in the armed forces.
       Utilizing the National Defense Authorization Act to 
     accomplish these awards is justified when considering all 
     three of these men displayed their acts of heroism during the 
     Vietnam War, a conflict that started to involve ground troops 
     from the United States nearly 60 years ago. This legislative 
     avenue is also prudent when considering the undeniable valor 
     shown by these men--documented as recipients of the 
     Distinguished Service Cross.
       SGM Blaz charged into enemy fire over and over again to 
     save men from another platoon, all while knowing American 
     forces were outmanned and outgunned at an enemy base camp.
       CSM Manglona fought day and night in a jungle conflict, 
     rescuing and resupplying troops despite being injured 
     himself.
       SPC4 Perez, who passed away in 2006, seized a grenade and 
     used his own body to shield his fellow soldiers from the 
     blast, miraculously surviving the explosion.
       We also believe it is important to share that these three 
     men were part of the first generation of CHamoru people who 
     were granted American citizenship through the enactment of 
     the Organic Act of 1950. They repaid this historic act of 
     Congress with fearlessness, fidelity, and faith--traits that 
     have become the hallmark of the generations of Pacific Island 
     veterans who followed them. We sincerely pray that, given all 
     of this perspective from fellow lawmakers and civil servants, 
     you agree these three soldiers deserve to be the first 
     generation of Mariana Islanders who are recognized with the 
     highest honor the United States bestows to its defenders of 
     democracy.
           Si Yu'os ma'ase (With thanks),
     Tina Rose Muna, Ma'ase Barnes (D),
       Vice Speaker, 37th Guam Legislature, Chairwoman, Committee 
     on Federal, Foreign & Regional Affairs.
     Frank F. Blas Jr. (R),
       Minority Leader, 37th Guam Legislature, Vice Chair, 
     Committee on Federal, Foreign & Regional Affairs.
     Joe S. San, Agustin (D),
     Roy A.B. Quinata (D),
     William A. Parkinson (D),
     Dwayne San Nicolas (D),
     Jesse A. Lujan (R),
     Christopher M. Duenas (R),
     Thomas J. Fisher (R),
       Senators, 37th Guam Legislature.

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