Charles Baldonado stood beside President Barack Obama in the East Room of the White House for a special ceremony to honor “The Valor 24,” two dozen war veterans who were wrongfully denied the nation’s highest military honor because of prejudice.
Charles’ brother, Corporal Joe Baldonado, of Gilroy and veteran of the Korean War, was one subjected to such racism for his Mexican heritage, despite sacrificing his own life to save others as a machine gunner in the U.S. Army.
In order to right the wrong of years past, Charles accepted the Medal of Honor awarded to his brother posthumously, more than 60 years after he lost his life in the Korean War.
Only three of the 24 recipients during the March 18 ceremony were still alive to get their medals, while family members of the other 21 were asked to be on hand. Ten of the solidiers never returned home after leaving for war and Baldonado was the lone recipient who is still considered missing.
“From World War II to Korea and Vietnam, individual stories woven into a heroic whole remind us that although we may be different in many ways we are alike in the most important of ways: We are American solidiers,” said Major General Donald Rutherford, the U.S. Army’s Chief of Chaplains to open the one hour, 20-minute tribute.
The ceremony was a culmination of a concerted effort by officials behind a Congressional mandate to review war records and adequately recognize minority war heroes for their brave acts during battle.
“The presentation of our nation’s highest military declaration is always a special ocassion. But, today, it is truly historic,” remarked President Obama, proud to finally give the two dozen American heroes their due by upgrading their Distinguished Service Cross (the second highest military honor) to Medal of Honor. “Today, we have a chance to set the record straight.”
A record indeed, as the ceremony marked the most Medal of Honor recipients at one time since World War II.
“Every one is a story of bravery that deserves to be told,” President Obama said.
Corporal Joe Baldonado’s story is one of them.
Baldonado, who joined the U.S. Army as a light weapons infantryman (parachutist) during the Korean War a few years after his migrant family settled in Gilroy, was only 20 years old when he died in the line of duty.
Baldonado distinguished himself Nov. 25, 1950 while serving as a machine-gunner in the vicinity of Kangdong, Korea, according to military reports. Baldonado’s platoon was occupying Hill 171 when the enemy attacked, attempting to take their position. Baldonado held an exposed position, cutting down wave after wave of enemy troops even as they targeted attacks on his position. During the final assault by the enemy, a grenade landed near Baldonado’s gun, killing him instantly.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Baldonado received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award upgraded to the Medal of Honor), Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal.
