We, the undersigned, call upon the United States government to posthumously award the Medal of Honor (promised by Admiral Chester Nimitz) to my great-grandfather Francisco Jesus Cruz, a native Chamoru freedom fighter whose heroic actions during the Battle of Guam (largest island of Marianas) were vital to the island’s liberation in World War II. Also, these actions helped ensure a higher measure of safety of the Marianas region, leading to the launching from Tinian island, the two war ending atomic bombs dropped on Japan.

 

Why This Matters:

 

The Medal of Honor is the highest military distinction for acts of extraordinary valor in combat. Yet, history has often overlooked the bravery of Indigenous warriors who fought for freedom alongside U.S. forces. Francisco was among these forgotten heroes, his courage and sacrifices were instrumental in the success of the liberation of Guam and overall U.S. war effort, yet he was never granted the recognition he was promised and rightfully deserved.

 

His Heroic Actions:

 

During the brutal 31-month occupation of Guam and the ensuing battle for its liberation, Francisco whose actions during World War 2 before joining the local Chamoru freedom fighter group known as the Guam Combat Patrol (GCP) helped save thousands of Chamoru and U.S. lives during the recapture of Guam (the most populated U.S. territory occupied by the Japanese). He while wearing a freshly captured Japanese uniform from the lone gear sentry, single-handedly blew up (with dynamite he hid since the beginning of the occupation) the Japanese underground cave headquarters and 10 surrounding machine gun bunkers, eliminating an estimated 800 Japanese fighters. This was after the third failed attempt from the U.S. Marines to retake Asan Beach and the Japanese went on to prematurely celebrate with Saki in the caves leaving a lone gear sentry. He went on and earned a bronze star (signed by U.S. Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal) for his combat actions during his time serving in the GCP (original member) for the rest of the liberation. After the war, he continued to serve Guam as a police officer and retired as a Sergeant. His unwavering commitment to freedom, despite immense personal risk, exemplifies the very spirit of the Medal of Honor. His actions saved lives, contributed to the success of American military efforts, and helped pave the way for Guam’s liberation.

 

A Long Overdue Recognition:

 

Though Francisco fought with the same valor as many Medal of Honor recipients, he was never formally acknowledged for his heroism. Now, decades later, we have the opportunity and responsibility to correct this historical oversight.

 

We urge Congress, the Department of Defense, and the President of the United States to formally recognize my great-grandfather by awarding him the Medal of Honor. This honor will not only preserve his legacy but also acknowledges the sacrifices of the Chamoru people, all Pacific Islanders, and makes progress in the recognition of all unsung heroes for this nation. Whose resistance and resilience during World War II were critical to the fight for freedom for our nation.

 

Sign This Petition to Honor a True Hero:

 

Join us seeking recognition for Francisco Jesus Cruz. Sign this petition to ensure his name is forever etched in history among America’s bravest warriors. Let us fulfill the promise of recognition that was long overdue.

 

Please go to the link below and click inspiration to read about his and the Guam combat patrols heroics and see the statue honoring him and the GCP (he’s the one pointing) at the Governors Complex at Adelup, Government of Guam’s Medal of Honor legislation in honor of him, his Bronze Star citation, and the Japanese rifle on display at the Guam Museum he donated to the Guam National Guard he captured while on patrol.

 

https://www.chamoruamerican.org

 

Thank you or Si yu’os ma’åse to you all for supporting this petition.