GUEST COLUMNIST
On Sept. 3, 2024, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong hosted the awarding ceremony of the US congressional gold medal, honoring the bravery and sacrifices of Filipino World War II veterans. The event was attended by US Representative Assistant Director Kevin J. McAllister, US Department of Veterans Affairs Representative, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu. Forty-three veterans were awarded, including two living recipients and six women who served gallantly during the war, particularly in the battles of Bataan. My late father was a recipient of the USC gold medal, which I received on his behalf. He was a USAFFE veteran and survivor of the death march. The ceremony, held annually, celebrates major historical wartime events and honors the contributions of Filipino veterans, especially those who fought in Central and Northern Luzon, as well as during significant moments like the Leyte and Lingayen landings.
The US Congressional Gold Medal was established on Jan. 4, 2016, by the 114th Congress of the United States, and was officially approved on Dec. 14, 2016. This prestigious medal recognizes the courage and dedication of Filipino veterans who served under the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) during World War II, including those who fought in battles across the Philippines under General Douglas MacArthur. During the war, the Philippines was still a US Commonwealth, and Filipino soldiers were part of the US military efforts against the Japanese occupation.
The Filipino veterans who are eligible for the award are outlined in Section 2, paragraph 6 of Public Law 114-265. This includes the Philippine Scouts, who made up half of the 22,532 soldiers in the Philippine Department at the start of the war, the Philippine Commonwealth Army, the new Philippine Scouts who volunteered when US forces returned to the Philippines, other Filipinos who served in the US Army, and members of guerrilla units who fought behind enemy lines.
However, the recognition of Filipino veterans was not always assured. On Feb. 18, 1946, the US Congress passed Public Law 70-301, known as the Rescission Act of 1946, which was signed by President Harry Truman. This act stated that the service of Filipinos during the war "shall not be deemed to be or to have been service in the military or national forces of the United States," effectively denying them full veterans' benefits. This decision was a deep betrayal to a loyal ally, especially since more than 66 other countries with troops similarly inducted into the US Armed Forces during World War II were granted full veteran status.
In recent years, efforts by Major General Antonio Taguba and the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) have sought to address these injustices, leading to the partial recognition of Filipino veterans’ contributions. These historical perspectives highlight the limited defense assistance extended by the US to the Philippines. Despite assurances of protection under the Mutual Defense Treaty, the US response to Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea has often been seen as lacking concrete action, raising concerns that the Philippines might once again be deprioritized in the event of future conflicts.
US-Philippines relations remain broad, encompassing military alliances, assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), economic growth initiatives, and the development of democratic institutions. However, it is crucial for the Philippines to strengthen its self-reliance by building its indigenous defense capabilities and fostering a culture of resilience and patriotism. Developing a mindset of bravery akin to the veterans of World War II is vital for the nation’s future security.
Among the honorees at the recent ceremony were six women, whose roles in the war effort often went unrecognized for many years. These women were integral to the resistance movement against the Japanese, serving as nurses, messengers, informants, intelligence operatives, laborers, and cooks. While not often on the front lines, their support roles were crucial to the success of the guerrilla forces, allowing male fighters to focus on combat operations. The Congressional Gold Medal acknowledges their significant contributions, underscoring that victory in war is not solely achieved by those who fight on the battlefield but also by those who perform essential support duties.
The delayed recognition of Filipino World War II veterans, particularly women, is a poignant reminder of the complexities of the US-Philippines alliance. Despite past grievances, the alliance has endured, and the shared history of sacrifice and valor continues to strengthen the bond between the two nations. The merits of this partnership often outweigh the disappointments, serving as an important lesson for all Filipinos to continue striving for honor and dignity on the global stage.
The awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal is not just a recognition of past heroism but also a call to future generations to embody the same courage and patriotism shown by Filipino veterans. By remembering their sacrifices, the Philippines can better prepare itself to stand firm in the defense of its own interests, fostering a spirit of unity and resilience for the challenges ahead.
(Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos served with distinction as a military professional, 42nd Commanding Gen. Philippine Army, 1st Force Commander, UN Multi-National Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, former member, UP Board of Regents and Professorial Lecturer II (part-time), UP-Diliman.)