Danilo Atienza
Danilo S. Atienza | |
|---|---|
| File:Maj Danilo Atienza.jpg | |
| Born | April 24, 1951 |
| Died | December 1, 1989 (aged 38) |
| Allegiance | File:Flag of the Philippines (navy blue).svg Philippines |
| Branch | File:Seal of the Philippine Air Force.svg Philippine Air Force |
| Service years | 1974–1989 |
| Rank | File:PHIL ARMY MAJ WOODLAND.svg Major |
| Commands | 6th Tactical Squadron |
| Conflicts | 1989 Philippine coup attempt |
| Awards | File:Philippine Medal of Valor ribbon.jpg Medal of Valor |
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Danilo S. Atienza (April 24, 1951 – December 1, 1989) was a Filipino pilot in the Philippine Air Force.
Atienza started out as a Philippine Air Force cadet at Basilio Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1974. After assignments with the 5th Fighter Wing at Cesar Basa Air Base, Pampanga, Atienza became Squadron Commander of the 6th Tactical Squadron.
On December 1, 1989, Air Force officers joined a coup attempt led by the Reform the Armed Forces Movement. Atienza 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 S-76 helicopter, seven T-28's and a fuel depot, depriving the rebel soldiers of air power.[1] This action turned the tide of battle to the government's favor.
However, Atienza was killed that day after his plane went down in unclear circumstances.[2] President Corazon C. Aquino awarded him the Medal of Valor. On May 5, 1992, by an act of Congress, the airfield at Sangley Point Naval and Air Training Station was renamed Danilo Atienza Air Base.[3]
References
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External links
[edit | edit source]
- Military history of the Philippines
- Philippine Air Force personnel
- 1951 births
- 1989 deaths
- Aviators killed by being shot down
- Recipients of the Philippine Medal of Valor
- Armed Forces of the Philippines Medal of Valor
- Filipino military aviators
- Filipino people stubs
- Military history stubs
- Aviators killed in aviation accidents or incidents in the Philippines
- Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in 1989