Heroes of the Philippine Army - Awardees of the Medal of Valor

MAJ GENERAL PAULINO SANTOS

For exceptional conduct and conspicuous courage displayed at Bayang Cotta Lanao Del Sur on 26 July 1917. Then a Philippine Constabulary Second Lieutenant, Paulino Santos led government troops in neutralizing bands of moro outlaws numbering about 500. Using scaling ladders, Lieutenant Santos and his men stormed the well-constructed and fortified cotta and killed 30 outlaws. Lieutenant Santos sustained a near-fatal gunshot wound at the back of his head.

MAJOR GENERAL MARIANO N CASTANIEDA SR.

For conspicuous gallantry even at the risk of his life to protect President Manuel A Roxas on the eve of the party Plebiscite on 13 March 1947 at Plaza Miranda Quiapo Manila. Extraordinary courage and presence of mind of then chief of constabulary General Castaneda saved the lives of President Roxas. The first family and other high ranking officials. During that fateful eve in March 1947. General Castaneda took charge when a grenade landed under the seats on the platforl. While ordering people to lie down he kicked the grenade off to the steps of the platform where it exploded.

Staff Sergeant Miguel Postolero As the member of the Special Infiltration Team of the 15th Batallion Combat team, then Corporal Postolero risked his life during the attack on the hideout of Hukbalahap Chief Neri Ty in Capiz. The operation resulted in the killing of 22 huks including Ty and the capture of 8 colors contributing to the gains against the Huk movement.

CAPTAIN JESUS A . VILLAMOR

For conspicuous courage and extraordinary heroism during the period from 27 December 1942 to November 1943 by volunteering to lead the first allied intelligence bureau division to the Philippines. Containing his work as an intelligence officer even after his own unit was overwhelmed and destroyed. Captain Villamor was able to able to slip past the Japanese navy in 1942 and subsequently establish a chain of direct communication from the Philippines. With General McArthur in Australia. Captain Villamor performed various tasks including coordinating guerilla movement activities, developing an organization for subversive propaganda and resistance efforts against the Japanese and acting as a Clearing House for USAFFE information vital to the strategy for the liberation of the Philippines.

EGMEDIO CRUZ

For exceptional heroism while performing a secret mission from Washington D.C. U.S.A., to Australia and to the Philippines from May 1943 to 20 February 1944. Major Cruz was tasked with evaluating the behavior and attitude of Filipino leaders towards the Japanese conquerors, prompted by president Quezon�s need to determine their loyalty to the allied cause. Major Cruz secured a blueprint of the Japanese defenses along the San Bernardino Strait and provided the information needed to successfully conclude his mission.

TECHNICAL SERGEANT FRANCISSO CAMACHO

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in an encounter with the notorious Hukbalahap leader Eddie Villanpando, commander Guevarra and one bodyguard sometime in Dec 1995.� Tasked with the mission of liquidating huk leader Eddie Villapndo, Technical Sergeant Camacho along with Corporal Weene Martillana were able to penetrate the huk organization, gaining their confidence. Finding the right opportunity soon after, Villapando was successfully neutralized but Technical Sergeant Camacho was killed on the spot from retaliatory shots fired by the huks.

LIEUTENANT BARTOLOME VICENTE O. BACARRO

For conspicuous courage, gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty during a ten-hour encounter with about 150 fully armed communist terrorists who attacked the town of Maconacon, Isabela on 26 February 1991 while serving as commanding officer, 6th CAFGU Active Auxiliary Company, 21st IB, 5th ID, Philippine Army. Wounded and lacking air or artillery support against an overwhelming number of armed insurgents. Disregarding the wound on his left thigh, he entered a compound where member of a CAFGU were pinned down by the enemy, commandeered a dump truck and ranned the fence that provided an entry point for his men. His gallantry resulted in the neutralization of the terrorists and the recovery of various firearm and ammunitions.

MAJ FERDINAND E. MARCOS

For extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity in a suicidal action against overwhelming enemy forces at the junction of Salian and Abo-Abo rivers, Bataan on or about 22 January 1942.� Bent on defending the junctions of Salian Abo-Abo rivers , Then 3rd Lieutenant Marcos led a hasty organized company-sized blocking force from remnants of 4 units. The defensive action against 2,000 highly-trained and well-equipped men prevented the possible decimination of the withdrawing USAFFE Troops and delayed the inevitable Fall of Bataan.