José B. Nísperos

He kept firing one-handed despite his shattered arm and pain

José Balitón Nísperos was born on Luzon in the Philippines in 1887. He joined the Philippine Scouts, a component of the United States Army recruited largely from Filipinos, in 1907. After completing his first enlistment, he re-enlisted in 1911.

On 24 September 1911 he accompanied a small expedition at Lapurap on Basilan Island. Acting as an interpreter, he went ahead with Ensign Charles Hovey, a sailor and a local guide. Their party was attacked. The guide was killed and Hovey mortally wounded. Nísperos suffered spear wounds and a gunshot that shattered his left arm.

Unable to stand, he continued firing his rifle with his usable hand. His resistance helped prevent the destruction of the detachment. When medical assistance reached them, he asked that his commander be treated first.

He lost his left arm and received a disability discharge in 1912. Difficulties obtaining sworn evidence delayed his Medal of Honor after the naval members of the party had already been decorated. Major General J. Franklin Bell presented it in February 1913, making him the first Filipino recipient. Nísperos subsequently worked as a deputy sheriff. He died of illness in San Fernando in 1922.