Supporting the Medal of Honor for Guam Veterans

Floor Speech

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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.

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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