Congressman Castro Holds Posthumous Medal Presentation Ceremony for U.S. Army Private First Class Marcos H. Perez
SAN ANTONIO — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) held a posthumous medal presentation ceremony for U.S. Army Private First Class Marcos H. Perez, a San Antonio soldier who was killed in action during the Korean War.
Congressman Castro listens as Robert Perez reads a letter that his father, U.S. Army Private First Class Marcos H. Perez, wrote to his wife before he was killed.
To download high-quality photos from today’s ceremony, click here or here.
“One of my greatest honors as a member of Congress is the opportunity to recognize the sacrifice and bravery of our nation’s veterans and fallen servicemembers,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro. “During today’s ceremony, it was my privilege to present Private Perez’s family with the medals he earned during his years of service. Perez’s belief in his country and his faith in our flag will never be forgotten.”
“My father exemplified what it meant to be an American Soldier. His sacrifice was in defense of his family and country. He is an American Hero,” said Robert Perez, son of Marcos Perez.
During the ceremony, Congressman Castro awarded the Perez family with the following medals:
- Purple Heart: The oldest military award still issued by the United States military, the purple heart is a decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military.
- National Defense Service Medal: Established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953, the National Defense Service Medal is awarded to service members who served honorably during a designated time that a "national emergency" was declared because of war or conflict.
- Korean Service Medal: Established in November of 1950, the Korean Service Medal honors United States Armed Forces personnel who served in Korea between June 27, 1950, and July 27, 1954, during and shortly after the Korean War. In 2004, the Korea Defense Service Medal was established to recognize post-war service in Korea.
- United Nations Medal: An international decoration awarded by the United Nations (UN) to the various world countries members for participation in joint international military and police operations such as peacekeeping, humanitarian efforts, and disaster relief. The medal is ranked in militaries and police forces as a service medal.