“Dauntless” Chronicles Bravery of Unsung Heroes from the First and Second Filipino Regiments in World War II
Ms. Marie Silva Vallejo, delivering a presentation on her book, “Dauntless” at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – On 5 May 2026, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco hosted a special presentation of Dauntless, a book by Filipino author Marie Silva Vallejo. The work is the culmination of Ms. Vallejo’s decade-long research and tells the untold story of the courage and sacrifice of soldiers from the First and Second Filipino Regiments. These Filipino soldiers carried out covert reconnaissance missions in support of the Allied Forces and played a vital role in the liberation of the Philippines during World War II.
Drawing from rare and often elusive materials, Ms. Vallejo was determined to uncover the stories of thousands of Filipino soldiers, including her own father Lt. Col. Saturnino Ramos Silva, who chose to enlist in the U.S. Army to fight alongside Allied forces during the war, ensuring that their sacrifices would be remembered.
Ms. Linda Canlas, President of the Filipino American National Historical Society – East Bay Chapter served as the moderator during the event further enriching the discussion with insightful historical context and reflections on the contributions of Filipino American veterans during World War II.
The Philippine Consulate commends Ms. Marie Vallejo and Ms. Linda Canlas for their continued efforts to share the heroic and inspiring stories, as well as the challenges and triumphs, of Filipino soldiers with the younger generation, helping preserve and promote the legacy of Filipino veterans for future generations.END
Author Marie Vallejo responds to the question of attendees while FAHNS-East Bay President Linda Canlas moderated the Book Discussion and Open Forum
(San Francisco PCG photo)
Left to right photos: Mr. James Sobredo, a documentary photographer and photojournalist, Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon (center), and Atty. Lourdes Tancinco of Tancinco Law Offices, actively engaging during the open forum session (San Francisco PCG photos)