Marcos' wartime service is honored on a wall in the Marcos
Museum and Mausoleum in Batac, Ilocus Norde Province. He was an
officer in the Philippine Army, and saw action during the final defense of
Bataan, survived the Bataan Death March and water-cure torture by the Kempai
Tai. He established a courier system among the guerrilla forces, and emerged
from the war much decorated.
"Thinking of Bataan, I recall how war could clarify the
great question for the average soldier, questions of life and death and
the purpose of existence. In the face of death there was a greater illumination
about these things. The soldier in Bataan knew that he had created
to die any moment because his dignity as a man and as a Filipino exacted
this obligation. The soldier fights as a moral being. In the face of
death, self-respect grips him. No one shoots for medals or for honors
in the moment of action; he shoots at the enemy and he shoots to destroy
and all the time he warrants his own life to what he believes in. The
soldier has already accepted the unthinkable."s
Distinguished
Service Cross
Extraordinary heroism in action on or about 18 January 1942.
Medal For Valor
Extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond
the call of duty in a suicidal action against overwhelming Japanese
forces at the junction of the Salian River and Abo-Abo River, Bataan
on or about 22 January 1942, while serving as combat intelligence officer
of the 21st (Lightning) Division, Philippine Army USAFFE
Gold Cross (With Second Bronze Anahaw Leaf)
Gallantry in action against Japanese forces at the Pilar - Bagac defense
line in Bataan on 5 April 1942 while serving as combat intelligence
officer of the 21st Division, Philippine Army, USAFFE.
Silver Star
Gallantry in Action against Japanese February 1942 in Bataan, Philippines
as assistant G-2 21st Division, Philippine Army
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Conspicuous courage and gallantry in action against Japanese forces at
Camp O'Donnel and the Japanese Kempei Tai, Fort Santiago, Manila 1942
for
refusing to divulge vital intelligence information inspite subjection
to the
most inhumanable
of torture.
Distinguished Conduct Medal (With Bronze Anahaw
Leaf)
Conspicuous courage and gallantry in the face of Japanese forces at Panufoupan,
Kiangan, Mountain province 17 March 1945 while attached to the Infantry USAFFA
NL as 5-5.
Distinguished Conduct Medal (With Second Bronze Anahaw
Leaf)
Outstanding achievement as a guerilla and XXX leader in supporting General Limali,
organizing XXXX of president Quezon XXX August, 1944.
