Pelagio A. Cruz

Pelagio A. Cruz (June 16, 1912 – October 21, 1986) was the first Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff from the Philippine Air Force.

Pelagio A. Cruz
BornJune 16, 1912
Baliuag, Bulacan, Philippine Islands
DiedOctober 21, 1986(1986-10-21) (aged 74)
Quezon City, Philippines
AllegianceArmed Forces of the Philippines
Years of service1932–1962
RankLieutenant General
Commands heldPhilippine Army Air Corps
Philippine Commonwealth Army
Philippine Air Force
Philippine Constabulary
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Battles/warsBattle of Bataan
Liberation of the Philippines
AwardsSilver Star
Gold Cross medal
Distinguished Unit Badge w/Two Oakleaf Clusters
Philippine Defense Ribbon with Two Bronze Victory Ribbon
Philippine Liberation Ribbon
Distinguished Service Star
Other workDirector of National Intelligence Coordinating Agency

Early Years

Pelagio Cruz was born in Baliuag, Bulacan. entered the Philippine Military Academy in 1932, and was commissioned as Third Lieutenant upon graduation in 1935. He earned his wings in September 1936 at the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) Flying School in Camp Murphy.

Military Career

At the outbreak of World War II Cruz was assigned as an Executive Officer of the PAAC Provisional Regiment in Bataan and joined the Bulacan Guerilla Unit after the surrender of the Philippines to the Imperial Japanese Army. After World War II he went on to take refresher course in Goodfellow Field in Texas, United States, and was later assigned as the Executive Officer of PAAC from March to May 1946. He became the Commanding Officer of Lipa Air Base from August 1946 to 8 June 1947, and further the Acting Chief of the Philippine Air Force from 9 June 1947 to 27 October 1947 at the temporary rank of Colonel. He assumed the post as the Commanding Officer of the PAF from 28 October 1947 to 16 March 1951 and was promoted with a temporary rank of Brigadier General on 20 May 1949.

Cruz then entered the Command General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, United States in September 1951. Upon his return to the Philippines he was assigned as Commandant of Command and General Staff School at Fort McKinley, Taguig.

He again took command of the PAF as Commanding General, from 3 November 1953 to 31 July 1956, and his promotion to Brigadier General was confirmed on 10 March 1954.

From 2 June 1958 to 31 December 1958, he became the Chief of the Philippine Constabulary and was promoted to Major General on 1 January 1959. He was commissioned as the Vice Chief of Staff for the AFP from 1 January 1959 to 30 December 1961, and eventually the Chief of Staff, AFP from December 1961 to 30 August 1962. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General on 1 January 1962.

He retired from the active military service on 1 September 1962.

Awards
  • Silver Star
  • Gold Cross medal
  • Distinguished Unit Badge w/Two Oakleaf Clusters
  • Philippine Defense Ribbon with Two Bronze Victory Ribbon
  • Philippine Liberation Ribbon
  • Distinguished Service Star
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See also
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