NEW BILL IS SET TO HONOR VETS WHO FOUGHT IN DEFENSIVE WWII BATTLES


By bblouin
Richard Stewart, a WWII battles veteran, formerly a communications lineman for the 459th Signal Construction Battalion, Air Force, is welcomed by Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division Deauville-Normandie airport, Deauville, France, June 3, 2024.

The sneak attack on Pearl Harbor by Imperial Japan threw our nation into the world’s deadliest conflict. But, America already had defensive measures in place beforehand. These conflicts were dirty, hopeless, and are often forgotten these days. Now, lawmakers are working to provide Veterans with medals to officially recognize these heroic efforts during early defensive WWII battles throughout the Pacific.

Honoring the New Mexico National Guard for Early WWII Battles

There were many WWII battles throughout the Pacific that occurred well before some of the more well-known conflicts. You may think of American forces and Imperial Japan, among other nations, fighting from island to island, facing notorious battles over water, or aerial bombings later in the war. However, the United States had several groups of troops in place before the attack on Pearl Harbor to protect its interests. The New Mexico National Guard had a unit among those troops. Their presence can be found in the Philippines and Alaska. There were unique World War II battles. This includes Alaska, which would see the only Japanese occupation of American soil during the conflict. New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández have introduced the Defenders of Bataan, Corregidor, and Attu Congressional Gold Medal Act to provide more Veterans with the award. Originally, the effort to provide medals for qualifying troops began in 2021. Renewed interest is bringing the cause back into the political arena. Beyond lawmakers, the movement is being supported by many notable organizations. This includes the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial Society, Attu Forever, the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Foundation of New Mexico, and the New Mexico National Guard.

The New Mexico National Guard

Being involved in World War 2 Pacific battles became a reality for various garrisons, including the New Mexico National Guard, once the conflict-affected America. To receive Congressional Gold Medals, Veterans would have to have taken place in one of these, likely ill-fated, defensive WWII battles. This includes: Bataan, Corregidor, Guam, Java, Midway Island, Mindanao, and Wake Island. Furthermore, several Alaskan Natives, many who were a part of Saskinax̂ people, had most of its population moved to Japan as POWs during the Battle of Attu, would also receive medals. In the legislation being proposed, Guardsmen who were a part of the 200th and 515th Artillery regiments, who served defending Clark Field north of Manila, would be awarded. This conflict is most famously known for the horrific Bataan Death March. This is where prisoners endured beheadings and many other forms of torture and execution.

Defensive WWII Battles in the Pacific

Groups like the New Mexico National Guard who fought in defensive WWII battles in the Pacific between December 8, 1941 and June 9, 1942, didn’t have ideal conditions, to say the least. It’s not to say that warzones are a place of comfort for anyone. However, during these times, there was a severe lack of resources, outdated weaponry, and reinforcements simply weren’t available. The peacetime garrison faced a much more powerful Imperial Japanese force. Even civilians were forced to take up arms, becoming Veterans retroactively due to their service. Congressional Gold Medals will exclude those who were a part of the Pacific Fleet or the Hawaiian Department; however, troops and civilians who became POWs of Japan would be eligible.

The Battle of Attu

You likely aren’t thinking about frigid, muddy, snowy battles in the Pacific Theatre. But, that’s exactly what happened when Imperial Japan invaded Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. It was anything but pretty due to the lack of resources. Due to the natural terrain of the island, people would sink in the mud and the use of heavy artillery and vehicles just wasn’t possible. America would retake the island eventually. However, many fighters were sent to Japan as POWs of Alaska at the end of the Battle of Attu. Those who did survive being a POW would eventually make it back to Alaska. However, they were forced to live on the nearby island of Atka instead of their homes.

The Battle of Bataan and Corregidor

Within the legislation to provide the Congressional Gold Medals, Veterans who fought to defend Bataan and Corregidor are also being honored. Though vastly different than the snowy, muddy terrain of Alaska, this was far from a picnic. Troops dealt with harsh tropical heat in the Philippines dealing with unimaginable treatment from enemy forces. Early WWII battles defending key strategic holds don’t always get as much recognition as they should. But, these efforts are a great place to start. They are honoring those who did more than their part in keeping our nation free. Suggested reads:


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