Saipan veterans receive commemorative medallion
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Published: November 17, 2006
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times
From June 15 to July 9, 1944, one of the fiercest battles of World War II was fought on what normally was an island paradise.
By the time it was over 3,152 U.S. Marines lay dead and more than 3,670 Army fighters were also killed and or lay wounded.
Those who live in the Mariana Islands will never forget those who served on land, sea and in the air during the Battle of Saipan, and in 2004, a special medallion was struck by the Saipan VFW Post 3457 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the action.
On Veterans Day, members of Santa Paula’s Mercer-Prieto VFW Post 2043 were awarded medallions; in all two dozen post members qualified for the honor.
“This is very important to us,” noted VFW Post Commander Jack B. Schneider of the medallions - a formal thank you from Saipan - during Saturday’s Veterans Day Observance. “I’m proud to say that 24 members of our post,” are receiving medallions for their service in the Battle of Saipan.
The medallion features honor guards, names and years of the battles of Saipan and Tinian and the later battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa as well as the air campaign.
“Also inscribed on the medal is ‘A Grateful Island Remembers,’ a deep rooted feeling preserved by our undying appreciation,” for the sacrifices made by those being honored according to Jerold F. Facey of Post 3457, co-chairman of the 60th Commemoration Committee.
Post Adjutant/Quartermaster Richard Ruiz presented the medallions, the first awarded to Post Chaplain John Bailey.
Felix Calzada, William Florio, Carlos Gomez, Robert Grainger, Howard Helms, Ralph Leon, Alfred Osuna (accepted by his brother, Henry Osuna), Ray B. Ramos (who traveled from San Jose to accept his medallion), John H. Rodriguez and Tim Santana also were awarded their medallions at the ceremony.
Ruiz said that Santa Paula residents Joe Bravo and William Boyett were unable to attend “But we’ll make sure they receive their medallions,” as will John Allison, Frank Arellano, James V. Flores, Ernest V. Garcia, Natividad Garcia, Carlos Gomez, Mac Grizzard, Jay S. Hight, Jack Lofstrom, Henry Osuna, Jesus C. Salas, Peter Sanchez and Russell Schultz, who also served in the military actions commemorated by the medallion.
Saipan Post Commander Facey is seeking photos or other memorabilia of Saipan and Tinian to be placed in the new WWII Exhibit Hall and Visitor’s Center: he would also like that VFW Post 2043 to send a patch or pin for the Saipan Post’s headquarters.
“We don’t have a pin or patch but maybe we’ll send them a Post jacket, we’ll send them something from our Post for sure,” said Ruiz.
