Cruz Felipe Bustillos of Silver City receives 14 medals for his service in Vietnam from Congressman Steve Pearce.C

Cruz Felipe Bustillos of Silver City was one of three veterans receiving medals from Congressman Steve Pearce today in Albuquerque

Washington, D.C.(November 5, 2018) Congressman Steve Pearce proudly presented three New Mexico veterans with medals today, honoring their service and valor in Korea and Vietnam.

“As Veteran’s Day quickly approaches, it provides an excellent reminder for just how important our military members are to our nation’s freedom and success. We should not only think of their great service and sacrifice just once a year, but throughout the year. Their dedication to our nation, sacrificing their freedoms for our own, should never go overlooked. That is why I am glad to honor three New Mexico veterans today for their service to our country in the Korean and Vietnam wars. As a veteran myself, it is a privilege to work on behalf of these three families.”

Pearce pins a medal on José Urban Reinaldo Otero of Valencia“A Valencia, New Mexico native, Jose Urban Reinaldo Otero is receiving seven military awards –one being the Purple Heart. Mr. Otero served in Korea after attending Airborne school at Fort Benning and was wounded in combat on November 26, 1950.”

“Participating in twenty-five aerial missions and over 125 hostile territory support missions, Mr. Larry G. Armstrong served in Vietnam from February 1968 to February 1969. Mr. Armstrong is receiving eight military awards, including the Bronze Star Medal.”

Larry G. Armstrong receives medals from Pearce

“I also thank Mr. Cruz Felipe Bustillos (of Silver City), who is receiving fourteen military awards such as the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. After serving in Vietnam, our nation and our state are grateful for Mr. Bustillos’ service to our country.”

“Every American who serves or has served in the military deserves to know the deep thanks that the American people have for their service and sacrifice. New Mexico is proud to represent these three veterans and all of the veterans from our great state who have sacrificed so greatly so that we may live life freely. I am also thoroughly grateful for the families of servicemembers who stand behind their loved ones as they brave hardships and dangers for liberty’s cause. I stand proudly behind their families and behind each and every member of our military, past or present, always.”

Background:
Jose Urban Reinaldo is receiving:
Purple Heart
Presidential Unit Citation
Army of Occupation Medal & Japan Clasp
Korean Service Medal & Silver Start Attachment 9singel & Arrowhead
Combat infantryman Badge 1st Award
United Nations Service Medal
Parachutist Badge – Basic

Larry G. Armstrong is receiving:
Bronze Star Medal
Air Medal & Numeral 1
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment (Quadruple)
Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/Device
Sharpshooter Badge & Machine Gun Bar & Rifle Bar
Marksman Badge & Auto Rifle Bar

Cruz Felipe Bustillos is receiving:
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 1 gold star
Navy Unity Commendation with 1 bronze star
Meritorious Unit Commendation with 4 bronze stars
Navy “E” Ribbon
Navy Good Conduct Medal with 3 Bronze Stars
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Vietnam Service Medal & Silver Star & Bronze Star Attachment
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
Navy Pistol (marksman)
Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Color with Palm)
Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Sections First Class Color with Palm)
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Pearce speaks to those honored and their families and friends