Medal of Honor; Jose Baliton Nisperos, PS

[Carlos]

Today, from a fellow local American Veteran, I received this email about the above MOH Recipient. I never heard of this trooper but I like to share it with you. Maybe you know of him. The email claims that today he is recognized as the first Asian and Filipino to receive the United States Congressional Medal of Honor. Wikipedia has a page on him.

Here is the text of the email:

Please read and render (in your own way) a salute to an American/Filipino HERO!


August 26, 2011
Yesterday I received a request on China Post 1-Philippines “Facebook” from Mrs. Maridhel Turzar who lives in San Fernando, LaUnion.  She is the great grand- daughter of the first Asian and Filipino to be awarded the Medal of Honor by order of the President of the United States.  His bravery saved his fellow US Army soldiers, including his Commanding Officer on Sept. 24, 1911, during a fierce battle against the Moro outlaws in Basilan.  Her plea to seek recognition for her “Great Lolo’s” heroism moved me.  She informed me he was buried in a simple public grave yard in San Fernando and neither the Philippine nor US Govt. agencies had ever paid attention to get him properly honored and his gravesite cared for.  After a few hours of research, I found a few sparse articles and US Army Records site that verified this young man’s extraordinary valor in combat. I assured Mrs. Turzar that I would make sure he will be properly honored.
 
I contacted brother Legionnaires and VFW Commander and Senior Vice Commander Frank Hilliard and Tom Darkus at Post 9892 in Bauang La Union, and, to my great pleasure, they enthusiastically informed me they had hunted for his gravesite and were frustrated in their pursuit of the location of his grave in San Fernando.  Commander Hilliard got in touch with Mrs. Turzar almost immediately to begin the process of properly honoring this great Philippine and American Hero. 

In addition at our regular China Post 1 meeting upcoming Sept 11, 2011 at Bali Hai Resort in Bauang, La Union, we will coordinate an honors ceremony celebrating the 100th Anniversary of
Private Nisperos’ action of Sept 24, 1911.  The following information is provided:
 

 PRIVATE JOSE BALITON-NISPEROS
(December 30 1887- September 01 1922)
United States Congressional Medal of Honor
General Order No. 64 United States War Department
Dated November 25, 1912
For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Jose B. Nisperos, United States Army, for most distinguished gallantry on 24 September 1911, while serving with 34th Company, Philippine Scouts, in action at Lapurap, Basilan Island, Philippine Islands. Having been badly wounded (his left arm was broken and lacerated and he had received several spear wounds in the body so that he could not stand), Private Nisperos continued to fire his rifle with one hand until the enemy was repulsed, thereby aiding materially in preventing the annihilation of his party and the mutilation of their bodies.
 
There were only a handful of Filipino soldiers in the past who were bestowed with the highest military distinction given by the United States government– the Medal of Honor. One of these distinguished Filipino wartime heroes was Private Jose B. Nisperos. Today, he is recognized as the first Asian and Filipino to receive the United States Congressional Medal of Honor.

Jose B. Nisperos grew up in the province of San Fernando, La Union and was later recruited to the 34th Company United States Army Philippine Scouts Division. During this time, the Philippines was a territorial property and colony of the United States and was engaged (alongside the American colonizers) in a battle to suppress the Moro Resistance (1899-1913) in the Southern Philippines.
In 1911, Private Nisperos along with the Philippine Scout’s 34th Company was sent to the Basilan Island to subdue the ‘rebel forces’ there resisting the US takeover of Basilan and the whole Mindanao.  On September 24, 1911, Nisperos together with his mother unit, the 34th Company, was ambushed in Lapurap, Basilan Island by a large group of rebels armed with bolos and spears. Nisperos’ unit gained a handful of casualties during the ambush but because of Private Nisperos’ action at the time of the siege (He fought the raging rebel forces until they retreated back to the hills using only one hand – his left hand was badly wounded and he received several spear wounds on his body), the 34th Company Philippine Scout was spared from total annihilation. For his gallant action, bravery, and valor in the battlefield, Private Jose B. Nisperos was awarded on November 25, 1912, the United States Congressional Medal of Honor. He was medically discharged due to the severity of his wounds and given a pension of $55.00 /month.  He died in 1922  after a long illness at the age of 34.

[legionnaire]

Thanks for this info Carlos! Have also notified the national Officers of the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society and the local chapter in Manila.

Mrs. Maridhel Turzar will definitely be invited and be on the guest list for the 2011 Philippine scouts Heritage Society national reunion somewhere this coming April.

I have sent a reply to her FB to hope fully do some corresopndence. Would you happen to have her email address? Than you for bringing this to our attention.

Private Jose B. Nisperos
Congressional Medal of Honor

[Carlos]

Hello Legionnaire
Sorry, no, I don’t have any contact information. But as you can see from the original thread the VFW Post 9892 in Bauang, La Union seems to get involved. And according to the thread they have contacted the family, a grandchild. Here is the URL of Post 9892 , they have an email link:
vfw9892.com/
Apparently they are planning something soon, because at the end of Sep. this year is the 100th anniversary of this MOV action. I’m thinking to go but I’m also planning to visit Corregidor again at that time. Things change though. I will contact them also.
Karl aka Carlos

[VeeVee]

Thanks for the info Karl.

[snowpy]

dear sirs,

just like to share with you something that is connected with Pvt. Nisperos.

i have been a medal collector for couple of years now. since i live in the philippines, my medals specialty of course are philippine medals particularly phil. military medals. last year in an auction of the philippine numismatic and antiquarian society a medal was up for grabs. i'm sure you know where this story will lead to....up for grabs was the u.s. congressional medal of honor awarded to pvt. nisperos in 1911 !!!

(for the information of those living in the u.s., because of the stolen valor act it is a crime to sell the u.s. moh in the territorial united states. it is not a crime if is sold outside the u.s. the auction was held in the philippines)

it was my intention to own the medal so that it stays in the philippines. i intended to donate it in the armed forces of the philippines museum at camp aguinaldo.

the bidding started at 200 USD. about 20 people raised their hands when the bidding started at that amount. when the bid rose to 550 only a few hands were left. at the bid of 700USD only 2 hands were left raised- mine and a known dummy of a rich fil-am guy or so i was told. the bid rose to about 900USD when i rose my hand to bid to 1000 USD, which by the way was my barrier (whenever i go to an auction i pre-determine the highest bid i could afford and any bid higher than my pre-determined bid, i simply walk away). as you can guess, the dummy bid 1100 USD. my heart sank as i knew i cannot outmatch his bid.

i was told later that whatever my bid was, the dummy will challenge me dollar per dollar. that was the instruction of the fil-am guy who had this dummy to bid for him. the estimated price for an authentic moh is in the vicinity of 7 to 10,000 USD ( or even more) in the u.s. blackmarket if i'm not mistaken.

i went home dejected because something of historical value will leave the philippine shores. i truly believe that a medal won by a filipino- the first moh won by a pinoy at that- should stay with here in the Philippines for its people to admire and emulate. how i wish i was filthy rich so i can throw away 7-!0K USD at a drop of a hat to own that medal !

if ever another u.s. moh will be up for grabs ( which i doubt. the 2nd moh awarded to a pinoy was in 1915 to USNavyman, fireman telesforo trinidad; sgt calugas' and lt. davila's moh are in the u.s.) here in the philippines i vow not to let it slip away again.



p.s. i would like to attach the brochure where nisperos' moh was auctioned but i could not find the icon for attachment.sorry[im

[26th]

Snowpy:

First thank you for you effort to understand the historical value of that Medal. The love you had to keep that MOH in country is most Patriotic of you.

Did you by any chance get the name of the winner of that MOH? You should make every effort to contact that person to see if it is staying in the Philippine's and to let him know other wish it so.

When thing like that come up, we need to let each other know so maybe we all help buy something like that.

Even though you are a collector you were limited in funds. That medal was of such importance all should have saved it from an unknown.

So again, find who bought it. Offer twice or tell him were to donate it to with his name included.

Rudy/26thCav

[VeeVee]

Hi Snowpy, thanks for that story. Sorry to hear you lost on the bidding.

I think if you register as a user in the forum instead of guest, you'll be able to upload the the image of the brochure.

[nisperos]

i am MARIDHEL V. TURZAR and one of the living descendants of LOLO JOSE BALITON-NISPEROS..for 89 years now, we have been looking for the medal..all we can see is the PICTURE OF THE MEDAL AT HOME..whoever that guy please convince us to GIVE IT BACK TO US..that is A VERY IMPORTANT LEGACY TO THE FILIPINOS, TO US HIS LIVING DESCENDANTS AND TO U.S.A..please help us find the MEDAL..I CAN BE CONTACTED AT 09291943711..

MARIDHEL V. TURZAR
15 P. BURGOS ST., TANQUI,
SAN FERNANDO CITY, 2500 LA UNION
PHILIPPINES

[nisperos]

SNOWPY, PLEASE HELP US..

PLEASE CONVINCE THAT GUY TO GIVE THE MEDAL BACK TO US..OUR LOLO JOSE HAS THE SOLE RIGHT AND PRIVILEGE TO THAT MEDAL..IT IS HIS'...IT WAS TAKEN BY A RELATIVE IN 1923 PROMISING LOLO'S FAMILY TO HELP THEM CLAIM SOME BENEFITS...BUT DID NOT MATERIALIZE UNTIL NOW FOR 89 YEARS..PLEASE HELP US FIND THE MEDAL...PLEASE..PLEASE..PLEASE

[VeeVee]

Hi Nisperos, Snowpy may not even have the contact information of the winning bidder to even try to convince him. Also, there was just a dummy bidder, not even the actual guy who won the auction.

Maybe if we post this appeal in the US Militaria Forum, someone there may know who this guy is and somehow the message may reach him. In any case, I wonder if a replacement medal could be requested.

[nisperos]

hello sir veevee, i was told that other medals can be replaced but the officer who told said, ha is not sure if an MOH can be replaced sir..

[VeeVee]

I think Chris Schaeffer said he's not sure but he'll find out. I don't see why it can't be replaced though.

[indiosbravos]

Mr. Snowpy I would like to ask you a question? How can I send PM to you?

Thanks

Lawrence

[legionnaire]

Here lies the remains together with his family, the 1st Filipino and Asian to received the highest award from the United States Congress.

The Congressional Medal of Honor
for VALOR!



Corporal Jose B. Nisperos ( retired as a private)



Born- 30th December 1887

Enlisted - 30th December 1907 ( Corporal)
Reenlisted - 14th April 1911 (private)

Died - 1st September 1922 (aged 34 related to his injuries)
no records show he was given Full Military Hero's burial.


5th Febuary 1913
presented by Brigadier Franklin Bell
Commanding General
Philippine Division
Luneta, Manila, Philippine Islands



photo courtesy of Great grand daughter

Maridhel Turzar

[nisperos]

sir legionnaire, thanks for posting..who will not be saddened by what happened to lolo?..but as of now i am sure he's happy together with his wife (POTENCIANA) and 3 daughters (GUIA ESPERANZA, LEONILA FLORA AND CONCEPCION) since justice is on the process..GLORY TO GOD!..leonila is his 2nd daughter not his wife..lolo's wife is potenciana..all were interred in the same gravesite til now..we visit the grave every november on the 1st and 2nd..wee clean the area at least 2 weeks before the november all saint's day and all soul's day..sir frank and sir sonny of vfw 9892 bauang,la union have seen the gravesite last sept. 1, 2011 on the 89th death anniversary of great and handsome lolo jose..

[legionnaire]

Hi Maridhel,

Thank you for the corrections!

Philip

[nisperos]

.... after 89 years, great lolo jose baliton-nisperos, the 1st filipino and asian moh recipient will be recognized by the province of la union here in the philippines on march 2, 2012 at 3pm with the highest award called the "saranay award", the province could give to its deserving constituents..and lolo being the moh recipient, first in the phil and in asia will be given on the day, eventually after 89 years of waiting, expecting and persevering in faith and prayers..thank you LORD for the honored legend you have given us..
and on march 19 or 29, the ceremonial burial of lolo will be initiated by the city of san fernando when lolo's present gravesite will be transferred to a more significant place in the cemetery recognizing him as one...GLORY TO GOD WHO MADE ALL THINGS POSSIBLE IN HIS MOST PRECIOUS TIME...thank you so much SIR JOHN D. KELLER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION CHINAPOST..i will never forget that day of AUGUST 24, 2011 on the facebook... thank you so much SIR FRANK HILLIARD, SIR TOM DARKUS AND SIR SONNY DOZIER OF THE VWF 9892 BAUANG, LA UNION..these people contacted me, have given their best efforts, talents and treasures for these things to materialize.. to the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society members, SIR JOE, SIR PHILIP AND SIR JOJO who are now busy preparing for the 28th reunion of PSHS in clark on april 7-10...see you all there in clark po...to the officials of the province of la union led by gov. manuel ortega and board member sir pepe ortega..to the city of san fernando led by sir pablo ortega and the council with sir jojo de guzman who is in-charge of lolo's reburial ceremony...to our community, The Good Shepherd Catholic Charismatic Community, Diocese of San Fernando who have been with us in fervent prayers..to all relatives and friends who have been with us through thick and thin..salamat po sa inyong lahat and THAT IN ALL THINGS GOD BE GLORIFIED AT ALL TIMES IN ALL PLACES...

[nisperos]

am still appealing to that fil-am medal collector tho, WHO BOUGHT LOLO'S MEDAL IN AN AUCTION LAST SUMMER OF 2010 THAT YOU MAY HAVE A CHRISTIAN HEART TO GIVE BACK THAT MEDAL OF LOLO TO US AS WE NEED HIS MEDAL FOR THE REBURIAL CEREMONY ON MARCH 19 SIR..PLEASE SEND BACK THAT MEDAL TO US..THAT MEDAL SYMBOLIZES OUR GREAT LOLO'S DEDICATION TO HIS DUTY AS A DEFENDER OF PEACE AND FREEDOM..PLEASE CONTACT ME 09291943711..i can be reached at that mobile number..PLEASE..PLEASE..PLEASE HAVE PITY ON US SIR..GOD WILL GIVE BACK TO YOU IN MANY WAYS YOUR GENEROSITY OF GIVING BACK THAT MEDAL TO US..my FULL NAME AND ADDRESS IS : MARIA DELILAH G.V.TURZAR, #15 P. BURGOS ST., TANQUI, SAN FERNANDO CITY, 2500 LA UNION, PHILIPPINES...thank you very much...
maridhel

[frank]

Did snowpy ever reply?
Can we track his ISP and send him a message to get back to us about the auction information?
Thanks

It may be possible to make a request for a duplicate medal to be issued if the PSHS would like to sponsor the request. And perhaps we can get support the the MOHS.
pinoyhistory.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=museums&thread=1929&page=1

Frank

www.army.mil/asianpacificsoldiers/moh.html
"First Recipient
Private Jose B. Nisperos became the first Asian/Pacific American to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on September 24, 1911, while engaged in combat at Lapurap, Basilan, Philippine Islands. He served in the 34th Company, Philippine Scouts. In 1913, he having been badly wounded (his left arm was broken and lacerated and he had received several spear wounds in the body so that he could not stand), Private Nisperos continued to fire his rifle with one hand until the enemy was repulsed, thereby aiding materially in preventing the annihilation of his party."

[frank]

www.timawa.net/forum/index.php?topic=30565.0

pinoyhistory.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=museums&thread=1929&page=1

To MARIDHEL,

Hope to meet you at the PSHS reunion this April.
Perhaps we can work together to obtain a replacement medal that can be displayed in La Union. My in-laws are from Luna.

What magazine is this article from?

"it was published IN 1957 BY PRIMITIVO MILAN, THRU FREE PRESS MAGAZINE." maridhel


Reburial Program for April.2, 2012


pisailor.multiply.com/photos/album/106/Reburial_and_Memorial_Honors_of_and_for_Corporal_Jose_Baliton-Nisperos_#33#photo=54