In the protocol ceremony held at the Argentine Aeronautical Attaché Office in Lima, the Peruvians received, from the Argentine Air Force, the Order of Malvinas Heroes, in the grade of “Malvinas Medal for Contribution to the War Effort.”
The Argentine Air Force decorated personnel of the Peruvian Air Force with the Order of Heroes of Malvinas
A group of retired military personnel from the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) was awarded the Order of Malvinas Heroes by the Argentine Air Force (FAA). The ceremony took place on November 23 at the Argentine Aeronautical Attaché Office in Lima and recognized the contribution of Peruvian aviators during the Malvinas War in 1982. The distinction, which is called “Malvinas Medal for Contribution to the War Effort” , highlights the commitment of the FAP in the South Atlantic conflict.
The decoration awarded included several ranks of the FAP, highlighting Lieutenant Generals Pedro Seabra Pinedo, Augusto Mengoni Vicente, César Gallo Lale, Gonzalo Tueros Mannareli, Milenko Vojvodic Vargas, Pedro Ávila y Tello, José Arenas Erole and Aurelio Crovetto Yáñez.
Major generals Carlos Portillo Vásquez, Ramiro Lanao Márquez and Rubén Mimbela Velarde were also decorated; Colonels Mario Núñez del Arco, Marco Carranza Correa, Dositeo Aliaga Zegarra, Alberto Ramírez Guillen; and Major Felipe Silva Escobar.
The decoration awarded included several ranks of the Peruvian Air Force
The recognition also emphasizes the figure of former Peruvian president Fernando Belaunde Terry, who played a relevant role in collaborating with Argentina during the conflict.
“The Argentine Air Force appreciates the unconditional support, professionalism and camaraderie of the Peruvian Air Force ,” indicates the message from the FAA on its social networks.
Peruvian planes in the war
Peru's collaboration materialized with the sending of 10 Mirage M-5P supersonic fighter-bombers to Argentina, in an operation led by the 612th Air Squadron of the FAP. This gesture was recorded in the history of bilateral relations between both countries, deepening ties through exchanges and joint exercises since then.
The operation was carried out on June 6 and 7, 1982. “The Peruvians got off their planes and we hugged each other,” said retired Argentine military officer Luis Puga in some interviews, who had secretly traveled to the province of Jujuy to receive the aircraft.
The protocol event was attended by officials such as the Argentine ambassador to Peru, Enrique Vaca Narvaja, and military authorities from both countries, evidencing the continuity of the relationship between Peru and Argentina throughout the years after the war.
The Malvinas war
This war took place between April 2 and June 14, 1982, it was an armed conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom, caused by the dispute over sovereignty over the Malvinas, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.The confrontation began with Argentina's amphibious operation, which landed in the Malvinas seeking to regain control of the territory, arguing historical and geographical rights.