José B. Nísperos

José Balitón Nísperos was a Corporal in the United States Army's Philippine Scouts. He is distinguished as the first Asian and first Filipino to be awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States military's highest decoration for valor. Nísperos served during the Moro Rebellion, a conflict during the early decades of American administration in the Philippines.

On September 24, 1911, while stationed at Lapurap on the island of Basilan, Philippines, Nísperos's unit came under attack. Serving with the 34th Company of the Philippine Scouts, he fiercely defended his unit's position against hostile natives armed with spears. Despite being severely wounded during the engagement, he refused to abandon his post and continued to fight.

In recognition of his extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, Corporal Nísperos was presented with the Medal of Honor by Brigadier General Bell in February 1913. His action stands as a landmark moment in the history of Asian-American and Filipino military service in the United States Armed Forces.