Moylan Announces Historic Final Step to Award Medal of Honor to Guam Hero Sergeant Major Juan Ogo Blaz

Image October 13, 2026 Press Release (Hagåtña, Guam) — Congressman James Moylan announced during a press conference Wednesday morning that the years-long effort to award the Medal of Honor to the late U.S. Army Sergeant Major Juan Ogo Blaz has reached its final stage, with the nomination now awaiting the approval of signature from President Donald Trump. Joined by Blaz's daughter Darlene Blaz and his wife Dionisia Blaz, local leaders, and Guam veterans, Moylan shared the historic development following a favorable determination by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth supporting the upgrade of Blaz's Distinguished Service Cross to the Medal of Honor. The announcement marks the closest Guam has ever come to securing the nation's highest military honor for one of its own. Following the President’s signature, Blaz will become the first ever CHamoru servicemember from Guam to receive the Medal of Honor. “As a U.S. Army veteran myself, this moment is deeply personal and emotional. Sergeant Major Blaz represents the very best of who we are as a people. His extraordinary courage and sacrifice reflect generations of sons and daughters of Guam who have answered our nation's call to serve,” said Congressman Moylan. “For an island whose people have given so much in defense of our country, this recognition would be more than an honor for one extraordinary warrior. It would be a profound acknowledgment of the patriotism, courage, and sacrifice of generations of Guam service members. We have come closer than ever before, and we will soon finally see Sergeant Major Blaz receive the recognition he so rightfully deserves.” During the press conference, Moylan recounted the extraordinary acts of valor that earned Blaz the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army's second-highest military decoration for valor. On January 18, 1969, during the Vietnam War, Blaz, then a Staff Sergeant serving with the 82nd Airborne Division, assumed command after his platoon leader was wounded. Under intense enemy fire, he helped evacuate injured soldiers and led an assault against enemy positions. Despite suffering a wound to his shoulder, Blaz continued fighting. When his platoon was pinned down by heavy machine-gun fire, he charged across a ravine to silence an enemy weapon, sustaining a second wound in the process. Refusing medical evacuation, he continued risking his life to mark enemy positions with smoke grenades, enabling supporting helicopter gunships to strike their targets. Only after the enemy positions had been neutralized did he accept medical treatment. Moylan emphasized that the historic milestone represents years of sustained advocacy and cooperation among Blaz's family, Guam veterans, congressional colleagues, and senior defense officials. During his first term in Congress, Moylan worked alongside Colonel Danny Santos to advance the effort. In 2024, he successfully offered an amendment to the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act authorizing the President to award Blaz the Medal of Honor. He also entered letters from Guam veterans and community leaders supporting Blaz's recognition into the Congressional Record. Moylan continued advocating directly with senior defense leadership, personally raising Blaz's case with Secretary Hegseth during his visit to Guam and maintaining subsequent dialogue with the Department of War. He also joined former Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo at the Pentagon, where they discussed the case directly with Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll. Most recently, Moylan led a bipartisan congressional letter joined by 16 Members of Congress formally urging President Trump to grant final approval for Blaz's Medal of Honor. Sergeant Major Blaz passed away on September 3, 2024, at the age of 78. Just months earlier, Moylan had personally informed Blaz that the House had advanced legislation authorizing the Medal of Honor for his service. Following his passing, Moylan honored Blaz on the House floor and pledged to continue pursuing the recognition on his behalf. Darlene Blaz, daughter of Sergeant Major Blaz reflected on the historic moment. “My heart feels quite heavy, and yet, it has never felt more light. Heavy, because it saddens me to know that my father is no longer with us to experience the reality of this long awaited moment—his moment, and knowing that it is one step away is incredibly exciting,” said Blaz. “We are truly grateful for the people who made this possible. Congressman Moylan, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Danny Santos, you have played a big role over the years campaigning towards this effort. It’s hard to believe this moment is becoming a reality. Fifty seven years is a lifetime. Although I am saddened that my father is not here,  I know he is in spirit.” Wednesday's press conference also brought together members of Guam's veteran community and local leaders, including Army Veteran Vice Speaker Tony Ada and Senator Sabrina Salas Matanane, Chairperson of the Committee on Health and Veterans Affairs, in recognition of the significance of this milestone for Guam. With the nomination now awaiting the President's final signature, Moylan expressed optimism that the long-awaited recognition will soon become a reality, honoring not only Blaz's extraordinary heroism but also the enduring legacy of military service and sacrifice among the people of Guam. ### Read the full press release with attached letters here . Issues : Veterans