 The Medal of Honor has recognized the outstanding service and contributions of distinguished members of the U.S. military. Thirty-three Asian American Pacific Islander service members have received the Medal of Honor. Telesforo De La Cruz Trinidad, born in the Philippines, was the first Asian American Pacific Islander sailor to earn the Sustained Award. Fireman's second-class Trinidad showed extraordinary heroism when a boiler exploded onboard USS San Diego in January 1915. Trinidad was driven out by the explosion, but immediately returned to rescue a fellow sailor who had been injured, bringing him to safety. Trinidad assisted in the rescue of another man despite a second explosion which burned Trinidad's face. Asian American and Pacific Islander sailors like Trinidad contribute to the strength of our force and the defense of our nation. Walking together, embracing differences, building legacies.