Danilo Atienza
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Danilo S. Atienza was a Filipino pilot and hero of the Philippine Air Force.
Danilo Atienza started out as a Philippine Air Force cadet at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1974. After numerous assignments with the 5th Fighter Wing at Cesar Basa Air Base, Pampanga, Atienza became Squadron Commander of the 6th Tactical Squadron. A long and illustrious career lay ahead of him.
However, on December 1, 1989, brother Air Force officers had joined an anti-government revolt, which threatened to destabilize the nation. Faced with a difficult choice, Atienza placed the security of the Philippines above loyalty to comrades and turned his F-5 fighter against the rebels who established a stronghold at Sangley Field. In bombing and strafing runs, amid heavy rebel ground fire, he and two other combat pilots destroyed one Sikorsky helicopter, seven T-28's and a fuel depot, depriving the rebel soldiers of air power. The gallant feat turned the tide of battle to the government's favor.
However, Major Atienza lost his life that day. In return, a grateful nation led by President Corazon C. Aquino and the Armed Forces found him deserving of a Filipino warrior's highest prize: the Medal of Valor. On May 5, 1992, by an act of Congress, the airfield at Sangley Point Naval and Air Training Station on which Major Danilo S. Atienza shed his blood was named after him: Danilo Atienza Air Base, Cavite.
