An emotional Gov Gutierrez accepts the National Guard Bureau Eagle Award.

Media Release Office of the Governor Territory of Guam August 19, 1997

From left: Colonel Robert James Natl Guard Bureau, Gov Gutierrez, Lt. General Edward D. Baca, Natl Guard Bureau

Governor Gutierrez Receives National Guard's Highest Civilian Honor

(Agana, Guam) -- In a surprise presentation today, the visiting head of the National Guard Bureau presented Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez with the National Guard Bureau Eagle Award for his personal heroism during the rescue efforts following the tragic crash of the Korean Air jetliner two weeks ago. The award is the highest award authorized by the National Guard of a civilian.

Making the presentation was Lieutenant General Edward D. Baca, the senior uniformed National Guard officer responsible for over half a million Army and Air National Guard personnel across the U.S.. Appointed by the President of the United States, General Baca serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Army and the Air Force on all National Guard issues. Earlier today, he met with Lt. Governor Madeleine Bordallo, and other Guard officials to discuss the National Guard Bureau's commitment to ensure that the Guam Air and Army National Guard Units have adequate facilities, equipment, and personnel to support both the Federal and Territorial missions.

During a scheduled reception at Government House at noon today, General Baca made the presentation to Gutierrez:

" On August 6, 1997, Korean Air Flight 801 crashed while on final approach to the Internal Airport in Agana, Guam. Shortly after the crash, the Governor was one of the first on the scene and is credited with personally rescuing several of the survivors. By virtue of his personal heroism and in his capacity as Commander In Chief of the Guam National Guard, we present this award for his extraordinary valor and leadership by example. The Chamorro spirit he exhibited is an inspirational to all National Guard men and women everywhere. Governor Gutierrez reflects great credit upon himself, the United States, the Territory of Guam, and the National Guard."

An emotional Gutierrez accepted the bronze eagle statue. "I don't feel right accepting this for me... being at the scene, I saw the real heroes, the National Guard members, the Fire and Police, and the other rescue workers who do this type of work on a daily basis. They are truly the heroes -- and it is on their behalf that I accept this award," said Governor Gutierrez.

For more information, contact Ginger Cruz at 475-9309.