HON. HEATHER WILSON
OF NEW MEXICO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Ms. WILSON of New Mexico: Madam Speaker, on June 17, 2007, our nation lost a wonderful man and veteran: Agapito "Gap" Encinias Silva, from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Gap was a man of extraordinary character. A World War II veteran, Gap was a member of the distinguished 200th Coastal Artillery, a unit from the New Mexico Army National Guard. Gap found himself stationed at Fort Stotsenberg on Clark Field in the Philippines when World War II broke out.
Along with his fellow soldiers, Gap became one of the "Battling Bastards of Bataan" who held out on the peninsula until they had nothing more to fight with. He survived the infamous Bataan Death March and was interned by the Japanese as a POW for 3 1/2 years. For his service, Gap Silva earned the Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts, along with numerous other decorations. Gap's courage during those difficult years still stands as a testament to the strength and the resilience of the human spirit.
When he came back home, Gap continued to be active within the veteran community, choosing to be involved with organizations such as the Bataan Veterans organization, the American Ex-POWS, the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor. Gap selflessly gave of himself to other veterans to help them with their needs, and to make a difference in their lives. Gap was indeed a leader for his fellow New Mexican veterans. He will be greatly missed.
I first met Gap through his son, whom I worked with in State government. I got to know him even better while working on veterans issues as a Member of Congress. There are a handful of people who really stand out and make an impression on you during the course of one's work. Gap was one of those. He brought dignity and grace to his community service.
Gap is survived by his wife, Socorro, and their seven children, Fred, Patricia, Michael, Agapito Jr., Maurice, Jerome and Erlinda Silva. Gap is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Reina Silva, Thomas Silva, Theresa Utash, Phillip Silva, Emma Gonzales, Danielle Gonzales, James Gonzales, Amanda Silva, Melanie Silva, Rachel Silva, and Emily Silva. Gap also had several great grandchildren, to help carry on his family legacy: Nyssa, Gianna, Jayden, Jude and Sophia. In addition, Gap is survived by his sister Jennie Noriega and by many nieces and nephews.
Madam Speaker, please join with me in paying tribute to Agapito "Gap" Encinias Silva; an unforgettable American hero.
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