Guam Del. James Moylan has made an appeal to the secretary of the Army asking for his support in recognizing three service members’ acts of heroism during the Vietnam War as he recommended that they be honored with the Medal of Honor, which to date, no one from Guam has ever been awarded, Moylan's office said in a press release.
A letter dated March 26 is addressed to Daniel Driscoll, who was recently appointed secretary of the Army. Moylan sent the letter understanding that Driscoll “will be key in guiding many important decisions,” and appealed to him for support to review the Distinguished Service Crosses awarded to Spc. 4 Joseph Meno Perez, Sgt. Maj. Juan Ogo Blaz and Command Sgt. Maj. Martin Manglona.
“Spc. 4 Joseph Meno Perez's unyielding valor in Vietnam in 1967, where he shielded his comrades from a grenade blast, resulting in life-altering injuries, epitomizes the selflessness and bravery inherent in Guam's heroes. Similarly, Sgt. Maj. Juan Ogo Blaz and Command Sgt. Maj. Martin Manglona's acts of exceptional heroism in the face of enemy fire underscore the unwavering commitment of these individuals to their fellow soldiers and the mission,” Moylan’s office said in the release.
Under the National Defense Authorization Act, approval from the secretary of the Army is needed to strengthen and move the effort forward to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
"On their own merits, each of these men have displayed the requisite valor to earn a Medal of Honor. Properly recognizing Guam’s heroes acknowledges the immense contributions of Guam to American society and affirms the island’s place within the fabric of our nation. Such recognition is long overdue, but with the review and approval of these upgrades, it can now be achieved," Moylan said in the letter.
This is the second letter that Moylan has sent, his office said. One week prior he sent a request to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.