BAGUIO CITY(PIA) — The valiant Philippine Army officer whom the Philippine Navy’s most powerful warship was named in his honor was posthumously awarded with the US Congressional Gold Medal for his distinguished achievements and contributions.

Captain Conrado Dumlao Yap was among the 51 war veterans conferred with the U.S. Congressional Medal by United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson during the 78th “Victory Day” commemoration in Baguio City on September 3, 2023.

Isabelita Yap-Aganon, the second of his three daughters, received the medal on behalf of her late father. Aganon encouraged young people to be inspired and carry the torch of the Filipino war veterans.

“82 years onward since World War II, my father’s spirit still lives on, guarding our freedom and sovereignty while patrolling the Philippine waters through the BRP Conrado Yap. To the young people witnessing this special day, it is on your shoulders now to continue the legacy of our dear veterans in courageously guarding our freedom and sovereignty and to commit to make our nation better,” she said.

Conrado Yap hailed from Candelaria, Zambales. He graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1943 and served during WWII.

When the Korean War broke out in June 1950, Yap was one of the military officers of the Expeditionary Task Force to Korea (PEFTOK) under the United Nations Command. He was killed on April 23, 1951 while courageously leading his men as the commanding officer of the Tank Company, Tenth Battalion Combat Team in a furious counterattack against the enemy during the Battle of Yultong in North Korea.

In recognition of his gallantry and selfless sacrifice, Capt. Yap received the highest military decorations - the Medal for Valor of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Distinguished Service Cross of the U.S. government and the First Class Taegeuk Cordon of the Order of Military Merit of South Korea.

In his honor, the Philippine Navy named one of its ships, the BRP (Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas) Conrado Yap, after him.

Also named after him is the Yap Hall at the PMA in recognition of his “gallantry, valor and sacrifice for the cause of democracy in Yultong, Korea,” as well as the Camp Conrado Yap in Iba, Zambales.

There’s also a Conrado D. Yap Hall at the Mechanized Infantry Division Headquarters in Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. In his native Candelaria, a street and a library and museum were named after Capt. Yap. His death anniversary, April 23, is a non-working holiday in his hometown.

Capt. Yap’s latest recognition, the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal is the U.S. Congress’s highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals, institutions, or groups.

In her keynote message, the Ambassador expressed the U.S. profound gratitude to the Filipino war veterans and their families, for the heroism that sparked the strong bond between the U.S. and the Philippines.

“Today, we come together in a spirit of gratitude and admiration to recognize the roles that these very brave individuals have played in shaping history.” (JDP/CCD/PIA CAR)