This is an academic explainer based on the Wikipedia article on the Philippine Defense Medal. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

Commemorating Valor

An Academic Examination of Service and Sacrifice During a Critical Period

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Medal Overview

Nature of the Award

The Philippine Defense Medal is a distinguished service medal conferred by the Republic of the Philippines. It is currently an active award, recognizing significant contributions during a pivotal historical period.

Establishment and Issuance

The award's inception began with the authorization of the Philippine Defense Ribbon on December 20, 1944. Subsequently, a full-sized medal was officially established and added on July 22, 1945, formalizing its recognition.

Historical Significance

This medal specifically commemorates the initial and critical resistance against the Japanese invasion of the Philippine Islands. The qualifying period for this award spans from December 8, 1941, to June 15, 1942.

Eligibility Criteria

Defining Participation

The Philippine Defense Medal is awarded to members of the Philippine military or allied armed forces who participated in the defense of the Philippine Islands between December 8, 1941, and June 15, 1942. Eligibility is determined by direct involvement in engagements or specific periods of service:

  • Direct Engagement: Participation in any engagement against the enemy within Philippine territory, its territorial waters, or the airspace above. This includes individuals who:
    • Were part of the defense garrison of the Bataan Peninsula or the fortified islands at the entrance to Manila Bay.
    • Were members of a unit subjected to direct enemy fire or aerial attack.
    • Served aboard a vessel that sustained enemy fire or air attack.
    • Were crew members or passengers in an aircraft subjected to enemy aerial or ground fire.
  • Assigned or Stationed: Individuals assigned or stationed within Philippine territory or waters for a minimum of 30 days during the specified period.
  • Service Star Qualification: Personnel meeting the conditions outlined in both paragraphs (A) and (B) are authorized to wear a bronze service star on the medal's ribbon, signifying broader or more extensive participation.

This award specifically recognizes the valor and sacrifice of United States and Philippine Commonwealth troops during the defense of the Philippines, including those who endured the Bataan Death March.

Notable Recipients

Honored Individuals

The Philippine Defense Medal has been awarded to numerous distinguished individuals who demonstrated exceptional bravery and commitment during the defense of the Philippines. Among them are:

  • Ramon A. Alcaraz
  • Antonรญn Volnรฝ
  • Donald Blackburn
  • John D. Bulkeley
  • Jose Calugas
  • James W. Coe
  • Edwin A. Doss
  • Richard W. Fellows
  • Guy Fort
  • Philip T. Fry
  • Amado F. Gador
  • Noel Gayler
  • Harold Keith Johnson
  • Edward P. King
  • Emilio S. Liwanag
  • Douglas MacArthur
  • William G. Martin
  • George F. Moore (general)
  • Emmett O'Donnell Jr.
  • Moises Pama
  • George M. Parker (general)
  • Royal Reynolds, Jr.
  • Manuel F. Segura
  • Susano Madril
  • Edward Thiele
  • Kemp Tolley
  • Jesus M. Vargas
  • Walter A. Ditto
  • Jonathan M. Wainwright (general)
  • Frank Dechant Wagner
  • Charles A. Willoughby
  • Jose Montalvan

Related Accolades

Philippine Decorations

In addition to the Philippine Defense Medal, the Republic of the Philippines has established other significant awards recognizing service during related campaigns. These include:

  • The Philippine Liberation Medal, awarded for participation in the liberation of the Philippine Islands.
  • The Philippine Independence Medal, commemorating the attainment of Philippine independence.

Allied Recognition

Members of the United States Armed Forces who were eligible for the Philippine Defense Medal also qualified for other prestigious awards. Notably, they were eligible to receive the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. This could be further enhanced with a bronze "battle star" (represented as a 3/16 service star) for specific participation in the defense of the Philippines.

Historical Context & Establishment

Genesis of the Award

The impetus for the Philippine Defense Medal arose from the need to formally recognize the valor and sacrifice of military personnel during the initial phase of World War II in the Pacific theater. The defense of the Philippine Islands against the Japanese invasion was a critical and arduous campaign.

The award's formalization occurred in two stages:

  • December 20, 1944: The Philippine Defense Ribbon was initially created, providing a preliminary form of recognition.
  • July 22, 1945: The establishment of the full-sized Philippine Defense Medal was authorized, offering a more substantial and enduring symbol of commendation.

This medal serves as a lasting testament to the resilience shown during a period of intense conflict, acknowledging the efforts of both Filipino and allied forces.

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References

References

  1.  AR 600-8-22, 25 June 2015: 9-7, Philippine Defense Ribbon, Page 123
A full list of references for this article are available at the Philippine Defense Medal Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily Wikipedia, and may not represent the most current or complete information available. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, historical and military details can be complex and subject to interpretation.

This is not official military documentation or advice. The information provided is not a substitute for official military records, historical research, or consultation with military historians or archival experts. Users should consult official sources for definitive information regarding military awards and decorations.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Users are encouraged to cross-reference information with authoritative sources.