GAMU, Isabela – Eight soldiers who bravely fought the New People’s Army in areas covered by the Philippine Army 5th Infantry Division were awarded with the Gold Cross medal.
The awarding coincided with the celebration of the 42nd founding anniversary of the establishment of the 5th Infantry Division “Star Division” here recently.
Awarded with medals were 1st Lt. Fredie Catayas, Corporal Roldan Galingan, 1st Lt. Hairam Morato, and Staff Sgt. Albert Abordo of the 17th Infantry Battalion (IB); 1st Lt. Kenneth Joseph Yabo and Staff Sgt. Arnel Sional of the 52nd Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC); and 1st Lt. Raniel Magalso and Private First Class Loren Gannaban of the 95th IB.
The Gold Cross medal is the fourth highest military combat award given to Army personnel with the highest being the Medal of Valor.
Meanwhile, the 95th IB was awarded as the best infantry battalion while the Alpha Company of the 17th IB was awarded the best infantry company.
Tributes were also given to "Startroopers" who gave their lives, including 2nd Lt. Nasser Dimalanes and Corporal Jaime Fontanilla Jr. of the 98th IB, Private Kobee Wackisan of the 52nd DRC, and Sgt. Tumali Tumbali of the 86th IB.