Danilo Atienza

Danilo S. Atienza (April 24, 1951–December 1, 1989) was a Filipino pilot in the Philippine Air Force.

Danilo S. Atienza
Born(1951-04-24)April 24, 1951
DiedDecember 1, 1989(1989-12-01) (aged 38)
Sangley Air Field, Philippines
Allegiance Philippines
Service/branch Philippine Air Force
Years of service1974–1989
Rank Major
Commands held6th Tactical Squadron
Battles/wars1989 Philippine coup attempt
Awards Medal of Valor

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 had joined an anti-government revolt. 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 lost his life that day. 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.[2]

References
  1. Petilla, Danny (December 1, 2021). "The 1989 coup attempt: Unsung heroism, unmasked ploys". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  2. Congress of the Philippines (May 5, 1992). "Republic Act No. 7479 – An Act Naming the Airfield at the Sangley Point Naval and Air Training Station to Major Danilo Atienza Airfield, Sangley Point". The Corpus Juris. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
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