Washington, DC — This week the House unanimously passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Representative Ed Royce (R-CA) the Chinese American World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, recognizing the dedicated service of Chinese American veterans of World War II and collectively awards them the Congressional Gold Medal. The bill now heads to the President’s desk.
“The United States remains forever indebted to the bravery and sacrifice that the Chinese American veterans of World War II displayed. From the Flying Tigers, to their service in the Pacific and across Europe—these heroes answered the call of duty when our nation needed them the most and are worthy of recognition. To these brave veterans of World War II, thank you for your sacrifice. We are a grateful nation, and we honor your service by working to build a better world.”
Background:
By the start of World War II, more than 100,000 Chinese Americans had made a life for themselves in the U.S. Chinese Americans faced major challenges, including discrimination, due to laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, which limited the size of their population and their ability to build thriving communities. Nevertheless, almost 20,000 of these brave men and women served in the armed forces in every theater of battle and every branch of service, earning citations for their heroism and honorable service.
To recognize the dedicated service of Chinese American veterans of World War II, Rep. Royce introduced with Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) the Chinese American World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act in May of 2017. This legislation would collectively award our brave Chinese American World War II veterans the Congressional Gold Medal—the highest honor that Congress can bestow.
Companion legislation (S.1050) was introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and unanimously passed in the Senate on September 14, 2018.
