Pelagio A. Cruz | |
---|---|
Born | June 16, 1912 Baliuag, Bulacan, Philippine Islands |
Died | October 21, 1986 Quezon City, Philippines |
(aged 74)
Allegiance | Armed Forces of the Philippines |
Years of service | 1932–1962 |
Rank | Lieutenant General |
Commands held |
Philippine Army Air Corps Philippine Commonwealth Army Philippine Air Force Philippine Constabulary Armed Forces of the Philippines |
Battles/wars |
Battle of Bataan Liberation of the Philippines |
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 |
Other work | Director of National Intelligence Coordinating Agency |
Lieutenant General Pelagio A. Cruz (June 16, 1912 – October 21, 1986) 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.
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.