Filipinos and the Military
The History of Filipinos in the Military
Designed by Herb Delute, Sal Flor, and Felix Tuyay
“Once stewards. Now Congressional Gold Medalists.” Filipinos enlisted in the U.S. Navy as stewards and cooks to help their families. Filipinos overcame discrimination, sacrificed, and fought during WWII. Upon retirement, veterans worked in civil service jobs, established businesses, and became leaders in our South Bay Community.



of Felix Tuyay
Filipinos in the US Navy
The Philippines was a territory of the United States after the Spanish American War. Filipinos were classified as United States nationals, but not United States citizens.
Filipinos arrived in San Diego at the beginning of the 20th century via the U.S. Navy. Although it was under the guise of colonial relationship, serving in the navy provided a way for Filipinos to see the world and earn a living. Filipino sailors were aboard the USS Pennsylvania when this photograph was taken on September 8, 1927.

In WWII Filipinos and Americans Fight Side by Side
In the United States Filipinos enlisted in the US Army to form the First Filipino Infantry Regiment, Second Filipino Infantry Battalion, and 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.
Filipinos in San Diego

Judy Patacsil

Felix Tuyay

Felix Tuyay


During WW II more than 260,000 Filipino soldiers served side-by-side with American soldiers while in the Philippine Commonwealth Army, Philippine Scouts, and Recognized Guerrillas.
CGM Recipient Julian Flor was a member of the recognized guerilla group in the Philippines before joining the U.S. Navy.
Pres. Harry Truman’s letter thanked Flor for his service and combat while in the U.S. Navy as a prisoner of war. Earlier Flor was recognized for saving 4 downed US pilots in the Philippines.
Filipino Veterans Face and Over Come Racism
1946 marked the end of war and the passage of the Rescission Acts by Congress. This revoked veterans benefits and payments to the Filipino soldiers (Philippine Commonwealth Army, Philippine Scouts, and Recognized Guerrillas) and denied them of their U.S. citizenship.
The battle is not over, and the next mission is to repeal the Rescission Act.

Courtesy of FANHS – San Diego
Living WWII veterans or family member of a living WWII veteran at CGM ceremony on Oct. 14, 2018.
Left to right front: Crisanto Garrido, Philippine Army, US Navy; Cornelio Devega, Recognized Guerilla, Philippine Scout; Eduardo Cabling, Recognized Guerilla; Wilfredo Cabarlo, Philippine Scout; Dionisio Academia Jr. US Navy (Son present)
Left to right back: David Sardilla, Philippine Scout; Leonardo Melendrez San Sebastian, Recognized Guerilla; Melencio Nielo, Philippine Scout; William Madamba, Philippine Army; Epifanio Leano, US Navy.

Filipinos in San Diego
Courtesy of FANHS – San Diego
Filipino Veterans Now Recognized
On Oct. 14, 2018, under the Filipino Veteran Recognition Education Project (FilVetREP). 10 living Filipino WWII Veterans received the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) and 60 family members received the CGM on behalf of their Filipino WWII Veterans. The CGM is an award bestowed by Congress and is the highest civilian award in the United States.
The battle is not over, and the next mission is to repeal the Rescission Act.

US Navy

US Navy

US Navy

Guerilla, US Navy

US Navy

US Navy

Courtesy of FANHS – San Diego

US Navy

Philippine Army, US Navy

US Navy

Philippine Army, US Navy


- 1941 Japanese attack of the Philippines;
- 1945 Liberation of the Philippines and defeat of Japanese Imperial Forces; and
- 1946 End of war and passage of the Rescission Acts by Congress. This revoked veterans benefits and payments to the Filipino soldiers and denied them of their U.S. citizenship evoke the period of desperation, humiliation, and daunting experience of the Filipino Veterans of WW II.
Under One Flag | FilVetREP
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Check out our presentation slide show to get an in-depth look at the history of Filipinos in the military.
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