BY KATIE AIZON
Journal Staff
James C. Moylan, Guam’s delegate to Congress, announced the late Sgt. Maj. Juan Ogo Blaz will soon receive a Medal of Honor during a press conference on Oct. 14.
Blaz would be the first recipient from Guam to receive highest military honors.
“The Medal of Honor for Sgt. Maj. Blaz would be more than a long-overdue recognition of one extraordinary warrior’s heroism,” he said, “It would be a profound validation of the tremendous patriotism, courage, and sacrifice of every single Guam service member, past and present.”
Blaz served as a Staff Sgt. with the 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. On Jan. 18, 1969, Blaz assisted his fellow soldiers when caught in an exchange of gunfire, helping them get to safety despite being severely wounded himself. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross after the war in honor of his valorous actions in 2016.
Darlene Blaz, daughter of Blaz, said the Medal of Honor contributes to Guam’s history and honors not only her father but others who have served the island.
“To know that a son of Guam, a proud CHamoru, will finally be recognized with the highest honor will say a lot about Guam. It proves that our stories matter, our sacrifices are esteemed, and our heroes are never forgotten,” she said.
“We take comfort in knowing his extraordinary courage and sacrifice will forever be woven into the story of our nation; To the world this metal honors his courage and sacrifice but to our family it honors a noble heart and silent strength that he has shown us every single day.”
After several years presenting Blaz’s case and following a recent discussion by Moylan alongside 16 congressional colleagues urging Trump to grant final approval, Blaz’s Medal of Honor is now at the White House awaiting signature from the President. Official signing and award ceremony details will follow. mbj
Journal Staff
James C. Moylan, Guam’s delegate to Congress, announced the late Sgt. Maj. Juan Ogo Blaz will soon receive a Medal of Honor during a press conference on Oct. 14.
Blaz would be the first recipient from Guam to receive highest military honors.
“The Medal of Honor for Sgt. Maj. Blaz would be more than a long-overdue recognition of one extraordinary warrior’s heroism,” he said, “It would be a profound validation of the tremendous patriotism, courage, and sacrifice of every single Guam service member, past and present.”
Blaz served as a Staff Sgt. with the 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. On Jan. 18, 1969, Blaz assisted his fellow soldiers when caught in an exchange of gunfire, helping them get to safety despite being severely wounded himself. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross after the war in honor of his valorous actions in 2016.
Darlene Blaz, daughter of Blaz, said the Medal of Honor contributes to Guam’s history and honors not only her father but others who have served the island.
“To know that a son of Guam, a proud CHamoru, will finally be recognized with the highest honor will say a lot about Guam. It proves that our stories matter, our sacrifices are esteemed, and our heroes are never forgotten,” she said.
“We take comfort in knowing his extraordinary courage and sacrifice will forever be woven into the story of our nation; To the world this metal honors his courage and sacrifice but to our family it honors a noble heart and silent strength that he has shown us every single day.”
After several years presenting Blaz’s case and following a recent discussion by Moylan alongside 16 congressional colleagues urging Trump to grant final approval, Blaz’s Medal of Honor is now at the White House awaiting signature from the President. Official signing and award ceremony details will follow. mbj
