Micronesian Army Specialist Awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart
For Meritorious Conduct During the Iraq War

Washington, D.C. In a bedside ceremony held Wednesday, July 16th, at the
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Major General Charles Swannack, Jr.
bestowed two medals on Specialist Hilario Bermanis of the Army's elite 82nd
Airborne Division. Major General Swannack was also accompanied by Colonel
Bray and Command Sergeant Major Thorpe of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Ambassador to the US, Jesse B.
Marehalau and State Department Deputy Director for East Asia and the
Pacific, Colin Helmer were present for the awards. Specialist Bermanis
received both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his conduct in action and
wounds received in an attack in southern Baghdad. Specialist Bermanis is
from Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and has been with the
82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, NC for three years.

On June 10th, 2003, as Mr. Bermanis and a fellow soldier guarded a weapons
turn-in point, they were attacked with rocket launched grenades. Bermanis'
partner was killed instantly and Bermanis lost both legs and his left hand.
Bermanis was rapidly evacuated to Germany and then transferred to Walter
Reed. He has undergone numerous operations required to save his life. Since
July 14th, Specialist Bermanis has been able to communicate with his family
and seems to be improving although he is still being carefully monitored.
Specialist Bermanis is off the respirator and dialysis machine; he is alert
and communicative with staff and visitors.

At the time of Mr. Bermanis' evacuation, the Army arranged for the parents,
Hilario Bermanis, Sr. and Clarise, to travel from the FSM to be by their son
's bedside, along with Hilario's younger brother Ray. Hilario's older
brother, "Junior," also stationed in Iraq at the time of the attack, was
given emergency medical leave to be with the family.

On Sunday, July 13th, a senior delegation of FSM officials visited
Specialist Bermanis. The delegation included the Secretaries of Economic
Affairs, Finance, and the Attorney General, along with FSM Embassy and
Foreign Affairs staff. They conveyed the FSM's gratitude and pride for
Specialist Bermanis' bravery and service in combat. The high level
delegation is in Washington for Congressional hearings on the Compact of
Free Association between the US and FSM, before the Senate Energy Committee
(July 15th) and House Resources Committee (July 10th). Bermanis has also
received visits from the Acting Army's Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of
Staff among others.

In oral testimony before the Senate Energy Committee on Tuesday, Department
of Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs, David Cohen,
referred to his own visit on Monday the 14th with the Army Specialist, and
remarked on the valuable and significant contribution made by Hilario
Bermanis and other FSM citizens, indicative of the FSM's commitment to the
security of the US and Pacific region, partially expressed through service
by FSM citizens in the US armed forces personified by Specialist Bermanis
and other FSM service members still in Iraq.

Speaking of Hilario, his Platoon Sergeant, Arthur E. Swartz III, said that
he is "damn proud of him." The Bronze Star commendation reads: "For
meritorious service from 14 February 2003 to 10 June 2003, while assigned to
Company C, 3rd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment during Operation
Iraqi Freedom. Specialist Bermanis' professionalism and dedication to duty
are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Paratroopers in the 82nd
Airborne Division. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, the Blue
Falcons, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the United States Army."

The Bronze Star was awarded 10 July 2003, presented on Wednesday, 16 July
2003. The Purple Heart was awarded 16 June 2003 and also presented
Wednesday. Specialist Bermanis has also received three military coins from
the Acting Army Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff and the Major
General of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Mr. Hilario Bermanis, Sr, and family friend, Army Second Lieutenant Elise O'
Hern were standing bedside for the ceremony while medical personnel looked
on. Ambassador Jesse B. Marehalau and First Secretary Tanya Harris
represented the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia. Specialist
Bermanis is facing additional medical treatment for his injuries and a very
long recovery. After the ceremony, Ambassador Marehalau commented "bravery,
honor and valor know no geographic or ethnic bounds, and Specialist Bermanis
did his duty on behalf of our country and the US, and for that we are humbly
grateful and mindful of our indebtedness to his sacrifice."
***
NOTE:
. There are approximately 1000 FSM citizens in the US armed services (total
FSM population is roughly 107,000). During Desert Storm/Gulf War in 1991
(just as the FSM was joining the international community through UN
membership), the FSM had among the highest per capita enlistment of any
other allied nation that participated. These FSM armed services enlistments
are made possible through the unique Compact relationship, and which is
currently being extended for the next twenty years through HJ Res. 63 being
considered by the Congress at this time. Adoption of the new Compact
agreement must be completed by 30 September 2003.