Everett Alvarez Jr. could receive a Congressional Gold Medal
Everett Alvarez Jr. could receive a Congressional Gold Medal
Updated: 4:44 PM PST Dec 15, 2022
US representative Jimmy Panetta introduced legislation to honor Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr., the second-longest hero Prisoner of War in US history, with Congress’ highest honor, the Congressional Gold Medal Act award. On Aug. 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. Where he spent eight years and six months in captivity. Following his release and hospitalization, Commander Alvarez resumed his Naval service, graduating from the Navel Post School.”In the face of severe mistreatment during his captivity in the Vietnam War, including torture and starvation, Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr. not only served and sacrificed, he also set an example for fellow POWs and inspired them to return home with honor,” said Panetta. On June 30, 1980, The Salinas native Alvarez, retired from the Navy, where he served for 20 years. He then 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.”I am humbled beyond belief by the introduction of this legislation to award me the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Alvarez.
SALINAS, Calif. —
US representative Jimmy Panetta introduced legislation to honor Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr., the second-longest hero Prisoner of War in US history, with Congress’ highest honor, the Congressional Gold Medal Act award.
On Aug. 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. Where he spent eight years and six months in captivity. Following his release and hospitalization, Commander Alvarez resumed his Naval service, graduating from the Navel Post School.
“In the face of severe mistreatment during his captivity in the Vietnam War, including torture and starvation, Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr. not only served and sacrificed, he also set an example for fellow POWs and inspired them to return home with honor,” said Panetta.
On June 30, 1980, The Salinas native Alvarez, retired from the Navy, where he served for 20 years. He then 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.
“I am humbled beyond belief by the introduction of this legislation to award me the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Alvarez.