Guy Gabaldon, American Hero of the 20th Century

Dear Friends of Guy Gabaldon,

We’ve come to a crossroads. As you know, over the past several decades, people of all walks of life, from U.S. senators and congressional leaders to top veteran’s organizations, and influential civilians have attempted to convince our government to follow through on the July 1944 recommendation of U.S. Marine Captain John Schwabe and award Mr. Guy Gabaldon the Medal of Honor. There has always been a great outpouring of support for Guy and the Medal campaign, but, after 62 years, he’s still waiting to be recognized. However, recently a series of events have led us to believe that we could possibly be in the home stretch and I wanted to make you aware of these events. At this time, your letter of support to President Bush, with a copy to the Secretary of the Navy could push the whole campaign, finally, into action.

To jog your memory, during the bloody Saipan campaign of June and July 1944, Pfc Gabaldon, a scout and observer with the regimental intelligence section of the 2^nd Marines, 2^nd Marine Division, is officially credited with single-handedly capturing over 1500 Japanese soldiers and civilians.

A native of East Los Angeles, Guy had learned some Japanese phrases from his Japanese-American friends from the neighborhood and his understanding and respect for the Japanese culture was a critical factor in his success in convincing the exhausted defenders of Saipan to leave their caves, lay down their arms, and surrender.
The amount of prisoners Guy took over a two month period (800 were captured in one day) was verified on national television in 1957, on "This is Your Life," by Marines Corps intelligence officers Colonel Walter Layer, Colonel John Schwabe, Major James High and several enlisted men from military intelligence. In the entire history of the U.S. military, no soldier has ever single-handedly taken so many prisoners. It is further noteworthy that Japanese soldiers seldom surrendered during World War II and were ordered by their superiors on Saipan to kill seven U.S. Marine and Army troops for every man they lost, or commit suicide. Guy’s success on Saipan in bagging prisoners, thus, saved thousands on both sides. It is particularly noteworthy that Schwabe, now a retired Colonel, recommended Guy for the Medal of Honor back in 1944. Unfortunately, Schwabe and his adjutant were transferred off the island and the decoration was lost in the cracks. It is time to redress those events.

Here’s what’s going on:

LA TOASTS GUY Guy was recently honored by the Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villagairosa and the entire Los Angeles City Council. (July 7,2006) What we thought was going to be a quick photo op, turned into a 30 minute testimonial with the Mayor and two councilmen Ed Reyes and Jose Huizar speaking eloquently on the meaning of Guy’s achievements for the Hispanic community. In regards to helping secure the Medal of Honor, the Mayor and the City Council are now preparing a resolution to be sent to the White House.

GUY MAKES THE COVER The World War II Veteran’s Committee in Washington D.C., a prominent organization that showcases the veterans of World War II and their history, has featured Guy on the cover of their quarterly magazine which appears this month and goes out to thousands of veterans and World War II enthusiasts.

GUY HONORED BY LA RAZA The National Council of La Raza, a prestigious national organization and a leading Latino civil rights advocate, honored Guy at their annual conference on July 7-10^th.

GUYS DOCUMENTARY FILM DEBUTS At the conference, a new feature-length documentary film entitled "East L.A. Marine: the Untold True Story of Guy Gabaldon" by Hollywood producer Steve Rubin, received its world premiere at the inaugural NLCR Film Festival and was the hit of the film series. It is now being seen by Film Festival coordinators throughout the country and home video distribution companies. A second screening will be held in West Los Angeles in September, possibly in association with the local V.A.

GUY’S PORTRAIT UNVEILED A newly commissioned portrait of Guy, painted by renown Latino military artist, Henry Godines, was unveiled and lithographs were distributed to organizations to help promote public awareness of Guy’s accomplishments. The oil painting was placed in the Hispanic Medal of Honor booth, a 45 foot display mounted by Rick Leal, President of the Hispanic Medal of Honor Society of San Francisco.

GUY MAY APPEAR AT MARINE MUSEUM OPENING In November of this year, a new U.S. Marine Museum will be opened in Quantico, Virginia, about forty miles south of Washington D.C. We are looking into the possibility of presenting both Guy and the film as programming at the event. Securing the Medal of Honor and having it presented there would be an incredible opportunity, especially since this would be during Hispanic Heritage Month. The media coverage alone would bring Guy’s story to the attention of millions of Hispanics throughout the U.S. who would see that their historic contribution and presence in the ranks would be honored.

2006 would be the perfect year for President Bush, Congress and the Pentagon to recognize Guy Gabaldon’s bravery as deserving of the Medal of Honor. We know for a fact that the Secretary of the Navy is currently reviewing the records of U.S. military personnel who served in World War II, were Navy Cross winners, and perhaps were deserving of the Medal of Honor. Our great hope is that President Bush will present this honor to Guy at the dedication of the U.S. Marine Museum on November 10^th.

Such an event would signal to Hispanic/Latinos:

A willingness of the U.S. government to redress historical injustices to Hispanic/Latinos, resulting in a kinder view and increased patriotism for the United States government.

Acknowledgement by the U.S. government that the contributions of Hispanic/Latinos to the U.S. military are valued, resulting in increased support for the military, particularly during this intense period of overseas action. This type of acknowledgement can also bolster enlistments and the possibility of funding government proposed programs to give further support to the troops.

That the U.S. government is willing to express public respect to Hispanic/Latinos. With no threat to their own culture, Hispanic/Latinos will assimilate more quickly.

That U.S. born and/or naturalized Hispanic/Latinos will be included and recognized as Americans and treated as such. This will result in openness amongst all American to view social issues that affects Hispanic/Latinos as the whole’s nation’s concern, not just the Hispanic/Latino community. A nation is only as strong as its weakest link. The divisiveness of these issues must end and it can begin with a mutual respect, as demonstrated in the campaign for Guy Gabaldon.

Thank you for your support of Mr. Gabaldon over the years. Please direct your support to President Bush or Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter. We can get this done by working together and working quickly.

Sincerely, Mimi Lozano
Editor, www.SomosPrimos.com
President, Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research
P.O. Box 490
Midway City, CA 92655-0490
714-894-8161 fax: 714-898-7063

Honolulu Star-Bulletin Hawaii News
June 6, 2004.
http://starbulletin.com/2004/06/06/news/story10.html

Guy Gabaldon,
‘Pied Piper’returning
to Saipan

The Chicano recipient of the
Navy Cross will revisit the site
of a historic WWII battle

By Gregg K. Kakesako
gkakesako@starbulletin.com

Some say "The Pied Piper of Saipan" never got the proper credit for single-handedly capturing 1,500 Japanese prisoners in World War II. But Guy Gabaldon shows no bitterness.

"Life has just been a beautiful experience," says a man who has piloted his own plane throughout the South Pacific, skippered longline fishing vessel and worked, as he put it, as "a spy in Mexico."

He corralled more than 800 prisoners on July 8, 1944. Gabaldon was only an 18-year-old Marine Corps private first class who had learned the language while growing up with a Japanese family in East Los Angeles.

"The first night I was on Saipan, I went out on my own," said Gabaldon, who now lives in Old Town, Fla. "I always worked on my own, and brought back two prisoners using my backstreet Japanese.

"My officers scolded me and threatened me with a court-martial for leaving my other duties, but I went out the next night and came back with 50 prisoners. After that I was given a free rein." His pitch simply was that the Japanese would be treated humanely.

This week Gabaldon will return to Saipan, a 46 square mile island the size of San Francisco, to participate in 60th anniversary of the World War II battles for Saipan and Tinian. He will discuss his battlefield experience on June 14. Also attending the formal commemoration ceremony on June 15 will be retired Gen. Paul Tibbets, who on Aug. 6, 1945, took off from Tinian in the cockpit of the B-52 bomber Enola Gay, which dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The Arizona Memorial Museum Association is a major sponsor of the commemoration.

Many World War II veterans, like Jerry Barnett, who lives part-time in Waikiki, also plan to attend the commemoration ceremonies. Barnett, 77, made his first parachute jump after attending basic training on Sept. 2, 1945, the day the surrender documents were signed by the Japanese on the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

"It's the sense of history," said Barnett, who also spends time working as a volunteer at the USS Arizona Memorial and the National Cemetery of the Pacific. "I like to see where these battles occurred, not to glorify them, but to pay my respects.

"I didn't take part in those battles," said Barnett who served with the Army's occupational forces in Germany in 1946, "but I respect those who did."

The Mariana Islands -- specifically Saipan, Tinian and Guam -- were considered key strategic Japanese strongholds in World War II, since they were located only 1,250 miles from Tokyo.

The Mariana assault, under the code name Operation Forager, was carried out by the 5th Amphibious Corps. The 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions landed on Saipan on June 15. The U.S. Army's 27th Infantry Battalion later joined those units. The battle of Saipan turned out to be one of the bloodiest confrontations of the Pacific War. It cost the lives of more than 3,000 American Marines and Army soldiers, 30,000 Japanese soldiers and 900 civilians before the island was secured on July 9, 1944. On Aug. 1, after nine days of fighting, Tinian Island, just five miles to the south of Saipan, was under U.S. control.

Gabaldon was recommended for the Medal of Honor by his commanding officer, Capt. John Schwabe, now a retired colonel. However, the Marine Corps initially downgraded the award to a Silver Star and then upgraded it to the Navy Cross -- one medal lower than the Medal of Honor -- just as a movie on his exploits, "Hell to Eternity," was released in 1960.

"I hate to use the race card," Gabaldon said in a phone interview, "but it is so obvious. I don't think the Marine Corps ever awarded the Medal of Honor to any Chicano in World War II.

"It was only with a twinge of conscious that they upgraded my Silver Star to a Navy Cross, and to me that indicated they knew they had made a mistake."

He said the campaign to award him the country's highest medal for valor continues with an ongoing congressional investigation on why he was denied the medal, since he captured more than 10 times the number of prisoners taken by Sgt. Alvin York, who won the Medal of Honor in World War I.

Besides the Hispanic communities in the western United States, Gabaldon, who spoke at the National Archives during the dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Memorial Day weekend, said he has the support of several congressional members.

"The fight continues," said the World War II hero who loves to fly and sail. "I don't want it. It's not false modesty. I enjoy what I was doing. It was a game to me. I didn't enjoy killing."

Gabaldon returned to Saipan after the war and lived there for more than 40 years with his wife, the former Ohara Suzuki, whom he met while working in Mexico.

"I loved the sea," said Gabaldon, who also had the government contract at one time to haul milk on his 95-foot boat from Tinian to Saipan. "God has given me everything."

In 1990, he wrote a book -- "Saipan: Suicide Island" -- about his wartime exploits. He said there is another movie in the works, with talk of Antonio Banderas in the lead role.

Referring to the 1960 movie, Gabaldon said, "I had a lot of fun shooting it. But Jeffrey Hunter (who portrayed Gabaldon) doesn't resemble me. He's tall with blue eyes. Me, I am a short Chicano."
Gabaldon said Hollywood "toned the story down. It gave me a sidekick -- actor David Janssen -- but that wasn't true, I always worked alone."

Gabaldon said it's hard to single out any one point in his life, which included being adopted by a Japanese family when he was 12.

"I came from such a large Latino family that no one objected when I moved in with a Japanese family. They were my extended family. It was there I learned Japanese, since I had to go language school with their children everyday."

But when the war broke out his Japanese family was relocated to a detention camp in Arizona and he went to Alaska and worked in a fish cannery and as a laborer until he decided to enlist in the Marine Corps at the age of 17.

I've had the joy of previewing East L.A. Marine: the Untold True Story of Guy Gabaldon, an 72 minute documentary produced by Fast Carrier Pictures. It is beautifully done. Knowing Guy as a friend and one of his greatest admirers, I think the work captures Guy, surely one of the most exceptional individual I've ever been privileged to know.

We meet many heroes in life, some thrust into the role by circumstance, reacting to a situation, overcoming tragedy bravely, but Guy created a miracle.

He walked into the darkness by choice, alone, night after night, alone . . with the pure intent of saving lives. . American lives and Japanese lives. And he did. . . .

Mimi Lozano

For information on obtaining a copy of the documentary, please
contact producer Steve Rubin, 213-300-1896
steve@fastcarrier.com www.fastcarrier.com

YOU CAN HELP US TELL GUY GABALDON'S STORY

1. Contact your Senators and Congressional representatives by email, mail, telephone.
2. When the documentary is available, arrange for a public viewing.
3. Obtain a free copy of the lithograph and post publicly NOW.

Obtain a free lithograph of Pied Piper of Saipan

Mimi Lozano, editor of Somos Primos is, in honor of Guy Gabaldon and the U.S. military, distributing lithographs of the Pied Piper of Saipan to non-profit groups for their organization's fund raising and to military bases, hospitals, and educational agencies for public display. Postage to be paid by the receiver.

Please send a $4.05 priority mail, U.S. postal stamp and the completed form below. You will receive a full-size lithograph copy of the Henry Godines 24 x 30 inch oil on a high-quality 80-lb paper sheet, 27 x 34 1/2.

Mimi has been the volunteer editor of Somos Primos since 1990. In January 2000, Somos Primos went online with free access. Somos Primos is the publication of the Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research, a non-profit, all volunteer, non-dues group dedicated to Hispanic Heritage and Diversity Issues. SHHAR was founded 20^th year ago with the goal of promoting Hispanic family history and a public awareness of the continuing presence and contributions of Hispanic/Latinos to the United States. You are invited to visit www.SomosPrimos.com and www.SHHAR.com

Henry Godines is an artist in southern California whose works are known for their detail and historical accuracy. Working with oils, Godines has captured events of combat and maritime and aviation history. Links to ground battles, Maritime battles, Air battles, Aviation history prints. Godines, a Texan has a great interest in Southwest military history. His paintings include heroes such as Juan N. Seguin (Texas hero) and Davy's Last Stand (at the Alamo). "I am honored to tell Guy's story. He is one of my hero." Godines is a proud member of the American Society of Aviation Artists (A.S.A.A.). To view his work, go to: Avant-Garde Publish: http://home.earthlink.net/~hgodines/

ADOPT A PAINTING . . . . . SUPPORT A CAUSE

EAST L.A. MARINE,
GUY GABALDON
HERO OF THE 20^TH CENTURY

We accept a print of the Pied Piper of Saipan, Guy Gabaldon, with the purpose of promoting the heroic feats of Guy Gabaldon during World War II. Although Guy was recommended to receive the Medal of Honor, he has not received it. The painting is a visual account. Posting it all over the nation will be a reminder. Guy single-handedly effected the surrender of over 1500 Japanese soldiers and civilians in Saipan, a remarkable feat never before and never since, duplicated. He deserves the Medal of Honor.

Organization or Agency:__________________________________________________________

ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Telephone:_______________________________ Website:______________________________

NAME OF CONTACT: __________________________________________________

Address, if not the same as above

________________________________________________________________________

Telephone:______________________________ Email:___________________________

HOW THE PRINT WILL BE USED: Please specify . . for example . . .

Displayed in building, fund raising, Hispanic Heritage Month, present to an elected official, visual for a community presentation. Use the back of the paper, as needed.

___________________________________________________ ______________________________
Signature of Contact person Date
Copy of business card appreciated

Mail $4.05 stamp and form to:
Mimi Lozano/Somos Primos
Guy Gabaldon project
P.O. Box 490
Midway City, CA 92655-0490

RESOLUTION

Medal of Honor for Guy Louis Gabaldon

WHEREAS, Private First Class Marine Guy Louis Gabaldon was recognized and awarded by the United States of America for his extra heroism while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Second Marines, in action against enemy Japanese forces and the capture of 1,500 of the enemy and Japanese civilians on Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Islands, South Pacific Area from June 15th to August 1st,1944,

WHEREAS, in a letter of endorsement dated May 13, 1960 on Commandant of the Marine Corps letter DLA-gib of April 22, from Colonel John L. Schwabe 08506 USMCR, Retired via Brigadier General Walter I. Stuart 03923 USMC, Retired Subject: Award; case of Guy L. Gabaldon, former Private First Class 517054 IUSMC, information concerning request for recommendation for the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Colonel Schwabe testified to Gabaldon's extraordinary feats of heroism that readily illustrates the logic and reason for recommending him for the Congressional Medal of Honor Award.

WHEREAS, Col. Schwabe testified that he recalled that he did discuss Gabaldon's performance and expressed his belief that PFC Guy Louis Gabaldon deserved the Congressional Medal of Honor with General Walter J. Stuart who was the Regimental Commander at the time, he further testified that he believed that his recommendation was made orally during a general discussion of candidates for awards in a regimental staff meeting after the campaign had terminated.

WHEREAS, Private First Class Guy Louis Gabaldon was recognized for capturing both civilian and military personnel throughout the entire campaign, PFC Gabaldon entered enemy positions in caves, pillboxes, buildings and jungle brush and, in the face of direct fire, obtained vital information and captured over one thousand enemy civilians and military personnel. PFC Gabaldon worked alone in front lines of campaign.

WHEREAS, PFC Guy Louis Gabaldon was awarded a Purple Heart in a letter from the U.S. Naval Hospital Santa Magarita Ranch, Oceanside, California in the name of the President of the United States and by direction of the Secretary of the Navy for wounds received as a result of enemy action in the Asiatic-Pacific Area, on 25, January 1945.

WHEREAS, PFC Guy Louis Gabaldon was awarded the Silver Star Medal by the President of the United States for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Japanese interpreter with Headquarters and Service Company during action against enemy Japanese forces in Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Islands, from June 15th to August 1st, 1944. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Gabaldon and the United States Naval Service.

WHEREAS, PFC Guy Louis Gabaldon was awarded the NAVY CROSS by the President of the United States for his valiant and distinguished exploits, which was an important contribution to the successful prosecution of the campaign, and efforts, a definite humane treatment of civilian prisoners was assured. His continually inspiring devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this organization, The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) join in full endorsement and support along with the Los Angeles Chapter of the 11th Airborne Division Association of Southern California, "Rakkasans" Chapter One and "Rakkasans" Steel Beret Chapter in their campaign and efforts to support and encourage the President of the United States of America and the United States Congress to award Marine Corporal Guy Louis Gabaldon the Congressional Medal of Honor

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the Texas League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), urge the U.S. Department of Defense, Congressmen and Congresswomen via President George W. Bush to award Marine Corporal Guy Louis Gabaldon the Congressional Medal of Honor

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, Executive Board Members and general members of LULAC contact his/her federally elected officials to urge the support of the awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Marine Corporal Guy Louis Gabaldon

Submitted by Council 4568, District: 21.

Approved this 29th day of June, 2002.

Hector M. Flores
LULAC National President

The fight must not end. In fact, we should renew and reinforce our intent and
dedication to assure that Guy and his family receive this overdue recognition
of the CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR.
AS A VETERAN AND AMERICAN,
I PLEDGE MY SUPPORT AND HONOR AND
WHATEVER TIME I HAVE LEFT TO LIVE.
He was truly an American and Chicano hero. I know he was my hero.

Willie Perez
gillermoperez@sbcglobal.net

American GI Forum of the United States
National Veterans Family Organization

February 13, 1991

Honorable George Bush
President
United States of America
White House
Washington, DC

Dear Mr. President:

We respectively submit the name of GUY GABALDON for your consideration
to rectify what we consider a wrong which unjustly denied him the CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR. Because of the time factor, we believe that you as President are the only one who can rectify this injustice.

          At eighteen years of age, Guy served as a Marine
          Private in the Second Marine Division
          in the Saipan-Tinan Operation in the South Pacific
          in World War II.

          He personally captured over one thousand five hundred
         (1,500) Japanese soldiers
          and killed another thirty three (33) in doing so.

          His immediate Comander Col. John Schwabe, USMC, Ret.
                states.

"Guy Gabaldon's actions were done with extreme risk to his
life beyond the call of duty."

         The information gained from the enemy was un-
          questionably instrumental in saving many lives and
          substantially shortened the period of combat.

         His immediate Commander Col. Schwabe recommended
         him for the Congressional Medal of Honor but instead
         he was award the Silver Star.  It wasn't until after
         he appeared in the Ralph Edwards Show "This is
         your Life" and later a movie was made of his
         military activity "From Hell to Eternity", that the
         Navy awarded him the Navy Cross.

          Guy Gabaldon's exploits were no secret to his
          Commanders or fellow Marines and can still be
          verified.

He alone went into the Japanese caves, pill boxes,
and into the thick of the jungle.

Guy Gabaldon believes he was denied the Congressional Medal of Honor because
of his ethnicity - Hispanic.

He distinguished himself in the highest tradition of our Armed Services and sets the
foundation for his receipt of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Mr. President, as you are well aware, Mexican Americans/Hispanics have served
in the Armed Services in every major war since and including the American Revolution.
their spirit proudly lives in our hearts across the land that we love so much.

We believe, GUY GABALDON, is a super hero of World War II,
and deserves the CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR.

We Pray for a favorable response.

                                                 Respectfully yours,

                                                Louis P. Tellez, Chairman
                                                American GI Forum of New Mexico
                                                  and
                                                Past National Chairman

LPT/iot

Attachments: Letters

cc:   Dr. Hector P. Garcia, Founder
       Texas Juan Mireles, National Chairman
       Antonio Gil Morales, National Executive Director
             American GI Forum of the USA

COMMENTS ON GUY AND THE PAINTING

August 1, 2006

Dear Mimi

Thank you again for getting the lithograph to us so quickly. Enjoyed our telephone conversation the other day.

As you requested, described below is a history of my long and cherished friendship with Guy and his wife Ohana.

I met Guy in 1960 when he came to Dayton, Ohio promoting his movie "From Hell To Eternity". At the time I was in the Marine Corps Reserve and the local recruiting sergeant invited me to meet with Guy as I was one of the few Women Marines he knew from the Dayton area.

Over the span of 46 years, Guy and I have been in communication sharing our Marine Corps experiences through memory lane.

A few years ago Guy came to Fresno to promote his book "Saipan: Suicide Island" to help finance the Saipan War Memorial and other charitable endeavors. Guy was also invited as a guest on our local Radio Station and the interest from our local listeners was overwhelming. Guy was also the Guest of Honor at our Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Lemoore Naval Air Station and his candid remarks regarding politics and the Military, especially coming from such a statured veteran, was very well received.

Through all the years that I have known Guy, he has been committed to promoting the awareness of the Battles in Saipan and the sacrifices endured by our troops during WWII. His commitment continues to this day and we should all honor his dedicated service and his strong devotion to our military and Country. The Veterans that served during WWII as we all know has been dwindling to a very few in number. Its all the more reason that we now take every opportunity to honor these men and their accomplishments.

Regarding the lithograph, I thought the Pied Piper title was very appropriate and the scene graphically depicts what Guy really accomplished there as no other soldier in military history has ever achieved.
Would appreciate any updates on this project as it goes forward toward completion.

Sincerely,

Shirley Stoker Miyahira
USMC 1956-1965

Dear Dr. Valdez,

Our nation's highest military award, given for bravery in combat, is the Congressional Medal of Honor. At least two eyewitnesses, supported by incontestable evidence, must attest to the gallantry and risk of life that goes "beyond the call of duty" before a recommendation to receive this honor can be made. Guy met all those pre-requisites and more...

The Hispanic Medal of Honor Society proudly wishes to take this opportunity to personally thank, Mimi Lozano,Steve Rubin and countless others through out the country, that have brought forth many years of working hard on the front lines hoping that President Bush would present the Medal of Honor to our Guy.

Maybe they are not listening to us the way they should. Let me respectfully remind them that since our country's founding, Hispanic Americans, from missionaries and Admirals to Nobel laureates and Astronauts have not only been seeking the American Dream for themselves and their families, but have helped to preserve and expand it for others, as well.

Hispanic Americans have fought and contributed mightily in every war that our nation has been engaged in The truth is of the like of Guy Gabaldon, we have had more than our share of heroes, men and women who have been awarded every decoration for valor that our nation can bestow, and this is part of history that we must not allow to be forgotten..

Guy Gabaldon made such contributions not only to our national defense, but also to our heritage and the spirit of democracy. Besides his contributions, Guy was first a husband and a father.

It was an honor for us to be with and escort Guy Gabaldon and his wife Ohana during the NCLR Conference held at Los Angeles Convention Center , this past July.

We all mourn the passing of our beloved friend who served our country so well, with true patriotism and love.

We, a grateful nation, say GRACIAS, MUCHAS GRACIAS. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS GUY GABALDON AND 'GOD BLESS AMERICA '"

Sinceramente,

Rick Leal, President
Hispanic Medal of Honor
2128 Market Street
San Francisco ,CA. 94ll4
Tel. No. (415) 487-7888

AMERICAN GI FORUM OF NEW MEXICO
National Veterans Family Organization
Albuquerque Chapter

Louis P. Tellez Dr. Hector P. Garcia
AlbuquerqueChairman Founder Founde
Past National Chairman

The Honorable George W. Bush, President

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC20500

Dear President Bush, September 11, 2006

Guy Gabaldon believed he was not awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award because of his race-Mexican American/Hispanic.

The evidence indicates that Guy Gabaldon risked his life above and beyond the call of duty and distinguished himself by extraordinary valor.

The reasons given by the White House and the Secretary of the Navy for not making this award have been changed by legislation, thus I am requesting consideration of rewarding the Medal of Honor posthumously, to Guy Gabaldon, who died last week.

There has never been in the history of the United States one soldier, sailor, or marine who single-handedly captured over 1,000 enemy soldiers without firing a shot, saving the lives of hundreds of Americans and over 1,000 of the enemy. In the annals of American military history this has NEVER been done. This Marine, a teenager at the time, Guy Gabaldon, was one of the most remarkable and fearless military heroes of his generation.

Sincerely,
Louis P. Tellez, Commander
The American GI Forum Albuquerque

RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET

Lots more information is available on the internet on Guy and his continuing activities.
Below are just a few of the 144,000 Google hits on Guy Gabaldon
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=Guy+Gabaldon&btnG=Google+Search

War Time Journal Interview with Guy Gabaldon by James Burbeck
http://wtj.com/articles/gabaldon/
As of early October, 1998, the investigations being conducted by Congress and the Navy are still pending and new events may come about which change Guy's most recent status. Individuals who think they may be able to further this investigation are encouraged to contact the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 4696-5, 4615 Cesar Chavez, Los Angeles, CA 90063. Questions regarding this article may be sent to The War Times Journal at webmaster@wtj.com.

Guy Gabaldon - WWII Marine Invite Guy to speak to your Group. Purchase Guy's Autobiography: · Read an excerpt from Guy's Book · Letter from George W. Bush. This is Your Life - 1957 ... www.guygabaldon.com

1PFC Guy Gabaldon, WWII, The Pacific Has the distinction of capturing, singlehandely captured 1500 enemy soldiers, more than anyone else in the history of the United States Military. www.neta.com/~1stbooks/unit4.htm

LULAC Resolution
http://www.lulac.org/advocacy/resolutions/2002/39.html

Guy Gabaldon - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Guy Gabaldon speaking at Pentagon ceremony honoring Hispanic World War II veterans, ... The Navy Cross is presented to Guy L. Gabaldon, Private First Class, ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Gabaldon

Mimi Lozano, Editor of Somos Primos
Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research
P.O. Box 490
Midway City, CA 92655-0490

Phone: 714-894-8161
Fax: 714-898-7063
mimilozano@aol.com
www.SomosPrimos.com
www.SHHAR.org