Navy Federal Credit Union

Jose Amoyo and Lino Conejero were awarded Distinguished Service Crosses by General Douglas MacArthur, their awards being reported in AGO Files. There is no indication that a subsequently General Orders was published. Their transport “Legaspi” was sunk on their fourth attempt to breach the Japanese cordon to deliver supplies.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain

    Regiment:

    U.S. Army Transportation Service (Attached)

    Division:

    U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE)

    Action Date:

    January 21 – February 3, 1942

    HQ US Army Forces in the Far East, Letter Orders (1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain Jose Amoyo, a Philippine Islands civilian, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as members of the Philippine Merchant Marine attached to the U.S. Army Transportation Service, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), in action in the Philippine Islands during the period from 21 January to 3 February 1942. Captain Lino Conejero and Captain Jose Amoyo were co-captains of the inter-island steamer “Legaspi”, operating as a blockade runner in Manila Bay to provide provisions for American and Filipino forces trapped on Bataan and Corregidor Island. Three times he penetrated the Japanese gauntlet to deliver supplies from Leyte, Panay and Cebu, making it possible for the American troops to hold out against the Japanese during the siege of Bataan far longer than could have otherwise been expected. Only his skill and seamanship enabled him to elude Japanese patrols while bringing his ship to Bataan. He performed a service of utmost importance far beyond the call of duty.