Rep. Panetta’s Legislation to Honor Vietnam War POW Everett Alvarez, Jr. With the Congressional Gold Medal Passes House of Representatives
Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) praised the unanimous passage of the Everett Alvarez, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act in the House of Representatives. The legislation was co-led by Rep. Pat Fallon (TX-04) and boasted 300 bipartisan cosponsors, a strong coalition Rep. Panetta built throughout the 118th Congress. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) lead a companion bill in the Senate.
The Congressional Gold Medal is bestowed by the United States Congress to honor individuals or groups for major achievements that have an impact on American history and culture. Congress has issued gold medals to honor recipients from the military since the American Revolution. The legislation must be passed by the House and the Senate and signed into law by the President for the Gold Medal to be awarded.
“As the second longest-serving prisoner of war in the history of our nation, Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr. stands out as a symbol of American resiliency and selfless service. Values that were instilled in him during his upbringing in Monterey County,” said Rep. Panetta. “His sacrifice and strength throughout his captivity is unfathomable, amazing, and deserving of the highest honor that Congress can bestow, a Congressional Gold Medal. I am proud to lead this effort in Congress to recognize this true American hero, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to bestow the honor that Commander Alvarez is due.”
On August 5, 1964, while flying Operation Pierce Arrow, Commander Alvarez's A-4 Skyhawk was shot down, and he became the first aviator captured in Vietnam. He spent eight years and six months in captivity or 3,113 days. Despite facing torture, isolation, and starvation, Commander Alvarez encouraged and inspired fellow POWs to "Return with Honor," by not cooperating with the enemy, and remaining loyal to the United States. Following his release and hospitalization, Commander Alvarez resumed his Naval service, graduating from the Naval Postgraduate School.
On June 30, 1980, Commander Alvarez retired from the Navy, completing a 20-year Naval career. Commander Alvarez went on to serve as Deputy Director of the Peace Corps, Deputy Administrator of the Veterans Administration, and on the Board of Regents of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Commander Alvarez has earned the Silver Star Medal, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Star Medals, two Purple Hearts, and the Prisoner of War Medal.
View Rep. Panetta's remarks
on the Everett Alvarez, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act, HERE
###