The nomination to award the late Sgt. Maj. Juan Ogo Blaz the Medal of Honor has reached its final step, nearly 58 years after his actions during the Vietnam War.
Del. James Moylan announced the status during a press conference Wednesday, saying the nomination now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature. If approved, Blaz would become the first CHamoru service member from Guam to receive the nation’s highest military decoration for valor.
Moylan was joined by Blaz’s daughters Darlene and Dionisia “Marylou” Blaz, Vice Speaker Tony Ada, Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane, and Guam veterans.
On Jan. 18, 1969, Blaz was serving as a staff sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division in Vietnam when his platoon leader was wounded. Blaz assumed command, helped evacuate injured soldiers, and led an assault against enemy positions.
Despite being wounded twice under enemy fire, he refused evacuation, and exposed himself to enemy fire to mark enemy positions for airstrikes. He accepted medical treatment only after those positions were neutralized.
In 1994, Blaz received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions. The current effort seeks to upgrade that award to the Medal of Honor.
Moylan said he worked alongside retired Col. Danny Santos during his first year in Congress to advance Blaz’s case. During the 118th Congress, Moylan pursued legislation through the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act to support reconsideration of the nomination. He also raised the case with military leadership and helped gather bipartisan support from members of Congress urging the president to approve the award.
Santos has helped gather testimony and documentation to support the effort. He has also worked to seek Medal of Honor upgrades for two other Guam Army veterans, Martin Manglona and Joseph Manuel Perez, whose Distinguished Service Crosses he said should be reconsidered.
During the press conference, Santos said the recognition would honor Blaz’s sacrifice.
“It’s this honor that is finally bestowed upon him. Truly, an honor of recognition for his sacrifice, for himself, for his platoon. Most importantly, to show the people of Guam that we continuously fight for what we truly deserve,” Santos said.
Blaz died on Sept. 3, 2024, at age 78.
Moylan said his office will continue following up on the nomination. No date has been announced for a potential ceremony. The family is expected to receive notifications as plans develop.
If approved, Blaz’s Medal of Honor would mark a historic recognition as the first CHamoru recipient of the Medal of Honor.
