Purple Heart awarded to Dela Cruz

He was barely out of teens when the U.S. military seized Saipan from the hands of the Japanese forces. As his family hid from the horrors of World War II, 19-year-old Cristino Dela Cruz made a decision that forever changed the course of his life.

Tapped by U.S. marines to help them defend the island from its invaders, he became a native scout/guide and risked his life — twice.

While overlooked for his heroic efforts during the war for the past half century, Mr. Dela Cruz finally received recognition from the motherland by bestowing him one of the highest awards ever presented to armed forces members.

On Friday, the 73-year-old Saipan resident was awarded the Purple Heart and Gold Star medal during a presentation held in his residence in Capitol Hills and attended by CNMI leaders and U.S. officials.

Although bed-ridden, Mr. Dela Cruz was visibly elated by the award which was pinned on his chest by Brig. Gen. R.E. Parker, commanding general of the Marine Corps base in Hawaii who represented Marine Corps Commandant General James L. Jones.

His family, standing by his side, expressed happiness for the recognition that, although long overdue, has given pride to the old man.

Long overdue

Vickie Dela Cruz, one of his 10 children, said his father had been waiting for such an honor — eventually coming first as an official recognition of his military service at a ceremony held on Saipan last January in which he, along with 55 other Chamorro and Carolinian men, were discharged with the rank of corporal.

“That wasn’t enough for him,” she said, adding the family had kept asking the patriarch what he had been waiting for as most of his children in the mainland had already come home to visit him.

Vickie, who remembers her childhood with his father teaching her songs like “God Bless America” and telling her his war experience, said the Purple Heart was probably the answer to her father’s prayers.

“No matter how late it is, I’m very proud that his mind is still sound and he was able to receive and witness the people who came here. I believe he’s very happy,” she said. “If he can only live longer and enjoy it.”

The Purple Heart, which dated back in 1780s and established by then General George Washington, is awarded in the name of the U.S. president to any member of the armed forces who has been wounded or killed while on duty. The Gold Star, on the other hand, is added to such distinction if the service member was wounded twice.

Mr. Dela Cruz, based on war records, sustained two injuries during his military service. While on combat patrol as a scout, he was slashed by a bayonet in an encounter between Japanese soldiers and U.S. Marines in San Vicente.

He “fearlessly stood his ground ordering the Japanese to surrender, even though he himself was unarmed and was slashed by a bayonet,” according to the records. “On another occasion, he was wounded by shrapnel from a Japanese hand grenade.”

Vickie said his father would show them the scars, while telling them the stories behind those. “I have always known him as a very motivated person and as someone who would do something good. I guess he was born to be a hero,” she said.

War experience

Mr. Dela Cruz’s first contact with the Marines was on June 19, 1944 shortly after the U.S. invasion of Saipan. On that day, he was hiding in a cave with his parents, four sisters, and older brother Gabriel as American forces advanced against the Japanese.

Two of his sisters were killed and his only brother was mortally wounded while caught in a crossfire during the ensuing battle. He lost five of his six siblings in that war.

In an interment camp set up by U.S., it was learned then that teenager Crisanto spoke fluent Japanese and had been placed into service by the enemy forces prior to the 1944 attack.

He knew the locations of critical supplies of ammunition, fuel and food. He was then immediately drafted as a scout and led the Marines to the hidden supplies. He also gave tips regarding gun emplacements and the location of caves where the Japanese were hiding.

His valuable service, although lasted for only a year, led to the downfall of the Japanese military strength on the island — a recognition acknowledged only years later.

In 1983, the Marine Corps Commandant issued a commendation certificate to Mr. Dela Cruz for “his outstanding contributions in support” of the Marianas campaign during the war.

Then on Jan. 31, 2000, he, along with the native scouts, was sworn in and discharged from the Marine Corps. Each veteran received the rank of corporal and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign and World War II Victory medals.

More honors

Mr. Dela Cruz was also honored by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, describing him as a role model to families and friends who have sons and daughters serving the U.S. armed forces.

“It is said that heroes are extraordinary people who do extraordinary things in extraordinary times. What better comparison can be made to our dear Corporal Cristino Dela Cruz who risked his life while on active combat patrols in defense of freedom and to foster the mission of U.S. forces in the Pacific,” the governor said during the ceremony.

According to Representative to Washington Juan N. Babauta, the Purple Heart award is part of a continuing effort to obtain recognition for the proud and faithful service of the native scouts in World War II.

Senate Floor Leader Pete S. Reyes, meanwhile, presented him a resolution passed by the upper house, recognizing his heroism. His friends and other CNMI leaders also congratulated Mr. Dela Cruz.