It has taken more than half a century, but 15 Filipino veterans from World War II have been awarded the US Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest US civilian awards, for their services during the conflict.
The oldest recipient is Marianito R Quidet, aged 101, and the youngest is Isabel C Manuel (91), who is also the only woman honored. Two of the awards were granted posthumously, Kagay-An reported.
Announced at a Veterans Day event in the Philippines organized by PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority, the awards are being made under the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act. Passed by the US Congress in November 2016, the bill was signed into law by then president Barack Obama one month later.
The first batch of 13 honors was announced in September.
The Congressional Gold Medal, bestowed by the US Congress, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is awarded by the US president, are the highest civilian awards issued in the United States.
Read: Filipino World War II veterans given highest civilian honor