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Local marine scout hero Dela Cruz passes away
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Posted on Mar 28 2000
Retired Marine Corporal Cristino Dela Cruz, who was recently awarded the Purple Heart medal for his military service during World War II, has died. He was 73 years old.
He passed away last Sunday at his home in Capitol Hills, according to family members.
He is scheduled to be buried on Monday, April 3, but a nightly rosary is being said in his residence.
Mr. Dela Cruz was bed-ridden for a year before his death, which came nine days after he received one of the highest awards given to members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Last March 17, the Saipan resident was awarded the Purple Heart and Gold Star medal during a presentation held at his Capitol Hills residence and attended by CNMI leaders and U.S. officials.
Brig. Gen. R.E. Parker, commanding general of the Marine Corps base in Hawaii who represented Marine Corps Commandant General James L. Jones., pinned the medals to the war veteran.
Mr. Dela Cruz earlier was given official recognition by the Department of Defense for his military service, along with 55 other Chamorro and Carolinian men, and discharged with the rank of corporal.
They served as native scouts or guides to help American Marines flush out Japanese holdouts on Saipan and the Northern Islands after the U.S. invasion of the Marianas in 1944.
Mr. Dela Cruz earned the two distinctions when it was found out he was wounded twice while on duty — a recognition that came more than 50 years since the incident.
The Purple Heart, which dated back in 1780s and established by then General George Washington, is awarded in the name of the U.S. president to any member of the armed forces who has been wounded or killed while on duty.
The Gold Star, on the other hand, is added to such distinction if the service member was wounded twice.
It is not known whether a state funeral will be held by the CNMI government in Mr. Dela Cruz’ honor.
