Amata commends Silivelio Iosefo and fellow troops' suggestion that SFC Konelio Pele receive the Congressional Medal of Honor
February 09, 2006

Aumua Amata supports the idea to have the late SFC Konelio Mulitauaopele cosidered for the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Said Amata, "My recollection is that this great idea actually was conceived by Silivelio Iosefo and some of our troops and I commend them for their foresight. I mention them, even without their permission for me to reveal this, because credit should be given where credit is due."

Amata indicated that last July she was contacted by troops stationed at LSA Anaconda in Balad, Iraq, who told her they have information to lead them to believe Pele should have the Congressional Medal of Honor since this Special Forces soldier had been awarded the Medal of Honor by the Government of South Vietnam. Moreover, Konelio Pele's exemplary record had actually inspired some of them to don the military uniform and they often saw his photo in the local newspaper while growing up.

"As these soldiers pointed out to me, and rightly so, if Pele were awarded a
U.S. medal for the same conduct that gave rise to the Viet Nam medal of
honor, then perhaps the U.S. medal of honor can be awarded to him now
if the conduct warrants it."

The soldiers told Amata that Pele is still remembered for the heroic contributions he made to keep America as well as Tutuila, Manu'a and the whole of Samoa, free and safe.

Amata said that since then, she has chatted with officials in the Bush Administration and she will ask House Majority Leadership Members for their support.

"I commend our troops. It is heartwarming to know that these young men who are heroes in their own right, are pushing to have another stellar soldier with an impeccable record receive this highest honor. There's something nice about that and their kind gesture further accentuates their own high calibre."

Aumua recalled, "When Konelio Pele retired from the military, he returned home to American Samoa and would spend each morning drinking coffee with my father Tali Peter Coleman at Utulei Beach Park before everyone went off to work. There were always about ten of them gathered around the table. Dad and I would walk from Utulei to Pago then return to Utulei Park to join Konelio, Pete Tutau Fanene, "Bruddah" Lio Petelo, Tuilefano, Puka Pasi, Tuika Tuika, Meafatu, and the then chief mechanic for Morris Scanlan's service station, at our coffeetable. That's how I came to know Konelio Pele. This famous hero was a quiet, humble man with a terrific sense of humor who seldom talked about his time in Vietnam although we all know his spectacular record speaks for itself."

Amata concluded by saying, "It is an honor to have the Army Reserves Center named after the late Konelio Mulitauaopele. Let's hope he gets considered for the coveted Congressional Medal of Honor. As Silivelio Iosefo and his colleagues have suggested, a thorough review of his military record should be undertaken to see if he qualifies for this highest honor."