Tuesday I had the opportunity to meet retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Jesus Baltazar, an American hero who was awarded the Purple Heart Medal during a ceremony at Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall. More than 70 years after being wounded in action as a U.S. Army Sergeant in the Philippines in World War II, he was recognized by Gen. Ray Odierno, 38th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army for his courageous service to our Nation. After he was wounded, Jesus continued to fight the Japanese forces and was eventually captured when U.S. forces surrendered on the Bataan Peninsula. Three days into the notorious Bataan Death March, Maj. Baltazar escaped into the jungle and joined the Philippine resistance movement, with whom he fought until US forces returned to Luzon several years later. He represents a generation of veterans who built a legacy that defined the Army Values of today. I was honored to witness Jesus and his family finally receive his award and recognition of service and sacrifice that was long overdue.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 11:58:15 +0000
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