When he was released after three years of harsh captivity in the jungles of World War II, doctors told Agapito “Gap” Silva that he and his fellow prisoners would never have children. Gap used to chuckle at that prognosis, as do his five sons, two daughters, and twelve grandchildren.
Gap was a great American hero who survived the Bataan Death March in World War II. He died on June 17, 2007.
Service to Veterans
Rep. Heather Wilson's office offers services to New Mexico veterans like Gap Silva and those who follow in his footsteps by defending our Freedom.
You can find more information on Heather's new website about services available for veterans and other constituent services here.
Honoring Defenders of Freedom
One of the services available from Rep. Wilson's internet office is information and help with medals that veterans may have never received. If you believe you or a family member are eligible to receive one of these medals and you would like more information or an application, please contact our Veterans Constituent Liaison with Congresswoman Heather Wilson's office at 346-6781, or write to:
Congresswoman Heather Wilson
Attention: Veterans Constituent Liaison
20 First Plaza, Suite 603
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
 Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal
Who is eligible for the Medal?
To receive the Korean War Service Medal, veterans must have done the following:
• Served between the outbreak of hostilities, June 25, 1950, and the date the armistice was signed, July 27, 1953.
• Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 consecutive days.
• Performed their duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto, or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations, or in support of combat operations.
This award may be given posthumously.
 Normandy Commemorative Medal: Medal of the Jubilee of Liberty
Who is eligible for the Medal?
To receive the Normany Commemorative Medal, veterans must have done the following:
• Served in the United States Armed Forces and participated in the Battle of Normandy on any dates during June 6, 1944 through August 31, 1944; or
• Served in the Army Air Corps.
Documentation needed during the application process is a copy of the veteran’s discharge paperwork that indicates service in Normandy.
This award may be given posthumously.
 Prisoner of War Medal
Who is eligible for the Medal?
Military Personal, who are eligible, must have been taken prisoner and held captive;
• While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
• While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
• While serving with friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing force which the United States is not a belligerent party.
Civilians who have been credited with military service which included a period of captivity are also eligible.
This award may be given posthumously. |