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13 Marines in typhoon 'Ulysses' response cited for heroism

Philippines | National

13 Marines in typhoon 'Ulysses' response cited for heroism

By Martin Sadongdong

Thirteen Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) personnel were hailed for risking their lives to save 188 persons who were stranded when typhoon "Ulysses" struck Luzon last month.

(Photo from PH Marine Corps / MANILA BULLETIN)

Major General Ariel Caculitan, PMC Commandant, recognized the heroism of the Marine Corps 4th Water Search and Rescue Team represented by Staff Sergeant Donald Ganalon in a simple ceremony at the Marine Barracks in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Tuesday.

As cries for help flooded social media, Ganalon wasted no time in assembling his team as they led the non-stop search and rescue efforts of the Philippine Marines in Marikina City and Rizal province during the onslaught of typhoon Ulysses.

Ganalon's team saved 188 persons from Marikina and Rizal, both areas which were badly hit by the storm, until the rains and flood subsided.

For his heroism, Ganalon was individually awarded with the Bronze Cross Medal by General Gilbert Gapay, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The AFP awards the Bronze Cross Medal, a single grade military decoration, to any personnel who exemplified "heroism involving the risk of life."

Caculitan thanked Ganalon and his team's sacrifice as he encouraged the rest of the troops to emulate the Ulysses heroes' courage and commitment to serve the public in times of need.

Aside from being part of the Marine Corps 4th Water Search and Rescue Team, Ganalon is also an experienced 155mm Howitzer gunner from the Marine Corps Field Artillery Battalion.

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