| Francisco "Francis" Salveron Blandensburg, Maryland Personal Aide to Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Community Leader |
From the moment General Douglas MacArthur and his party
waded ashore in Red Beach, Leyte on the afternoon of October
20, 1944, Commander Francisco "Francis" Salveron's was
destined to highlight positive image for the Filipino people. His
mission in life, unknown to him, is epitomized by two of the many
Filipino traits: loyalty and dependability. For when General
Douglas MacArthur singlehandedly handpicked him among the
millions of men willing to serve the "Man," Francis Salveron was
offered the rarest opportunity of being included in the making of
history in the annals of mankind.
A courageous 32 year old man, ready, willing and able to give
his life to his country, the Philippines. Francis was a purser for
ten years on board S.S. Mactan, Philippine's luxury liner sailing
between the Philippines and Australia. When the war against
Japan broke out, he enlisted in the U.S. Army while in Australia.
Serving on a U.S. transport ship, it was sunk by the Japanese
and for twelve hours he drifted in the sea. He was one of those
fortunate to be rescued and brought back to Australia. Shortly
after that, he was summoned to join General MacArthur in New
Guinea.
waded ashore in Red Beach, Leyte on the afternoon of October
20, 1944, Commander Francisco "Francis" Salveron's was
destined to highlight positive image for the Filipino people. His
mission in life, unknown to him, is epitomized by two of the many
Filipino traits: loyalty and dependability. For when General
Douglas MacArthur singlehandedly handpicked him among the
millions of men willing to serve the "Man," Francis Salveron was
offered the rarest opportunity of being included in the making of
history in the annals of mankind.
A courageous 32 year old man, ready, willing and able to give
his life to his country, the Philippines. Francis was a purser for
ten years on board S.S. Mactan, Philippine's luxury liner sailing
between the Philippines and Australia. When the war against
Japan broke out, he enlisted in the U.S. Army while in Australia.
Serving on a U.S. transport ship, it was sunk by the Japanese
and for twelve hours he drifted in the sea. He was one of those
fortunate to be rescued and brought back to Australia. Shortly
after that, he was summoned to join General MacArthur in New
Guinea.
"I don't know why I was chosen, but it was one the greatest honors I ever had," recalled Francis Salveron.
For years, Francis awoke before the general, straightened up his uniform, catered to his personal needs,
and followed him from conflict to conflict. "I was beside him all the time and have to be in hearing distance
from the general all the times," recalled Francis. He said that his dealings with the general went beyond the
typical commander-aide relationship. "He confided top and secret information with me and often knew what
moves were going to be before the officers on his staff did," explained Francis.
Francis was born in Iloilo City, Philippines in June 4, 1910. At 87 years old, he is not as alert and
agile as he used to be three years ago. "He has been sickly this last year and hardly leave the house
unless it is important," explained his wife, the former Anastacia Domingo-Salveron of Casttillejos, Zambales.
Settling in the Washington Metropolitan area since after the war in 1945, Francis has been very active with
the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Generals MacArthur and Lim Post 5471. The group, incidentally, will be
honoring him with a testimonial dinner on Friday, October 17, at the Potomac room of Bolling Air Force Base
Officers Club in Washington, D.C.
Francis has been requested to speak before organizations and groups to relate his experiences with Gen.
MacArthur. "He is like a father to me. While I was taking care of his personal needs, he did not neglect my
own needs as well and was very considerate at all times," recalled Francis.
FILIPINO IMAGE is pleased to included Francis Salveron in this 1997 event as a Special senior Citizen
Honoree for highlighting positive image for the Filipinos. #
For years, Francis awoke before the general, straightened up his uniform, catered to his personal needs,
and followed him from conflict to conflict. "I was beside him all the time and have to be in hearing distance
from the general all the times," recalled Francis. He said that his dealings with the general went beyond the
typical commander-aide relationship. "He confided top and secret information with me and often knew what
moves were going to be before the officers on his staff did," explained Francis.
Francis was born in Iloilo City, Philippines in June 4, 1910. At 87 years old, he is not as alert and
agile as he used to be three years ago. "He has been sickly this last year and hardly leave the house
unless it is important," explained his wife, the former Anastacia Domingo-Salveron of Casttillejos, Zambales.
Settling in the Washington Metropolitan area since after the war in 1945, Francis has been very active with
the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Generals MacArthur and Lim Post 5471. The group, incidentally, will be
honoring him with a testimonial dinner on Friday, October 17, at the Potomac room of Bolling Air Force Base
Officers Club in Washington, D.C.
Francis has been requested to speak before organizations and groups to relate his experiences with Gen.
MacArthur. "He is like a father to me. While I was taking care of his personal needs, he did not neglect my
own needs as well and was very considerate at all times," recalled Francis.
FILIPINO IMAGE is pleased to included Francis Salveron in this 1997 event as a Special senior Citizen
Honoree for highlighting positive image for the Filipinos. #
Washington D.C. Since 1987
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