SOURCE: www.akaka.senate.gov
Washington, D.C . . . President Barack Obama will sign the Congressional Gold Medal for Japanese American Veterans Act into law tomorrow in the Oval Office of the White House, announced Senator Daniel K. Akaka, a strong supporter of the legislation.
The Congressional Gold Medal will honor the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service for their heroic service and sacrifice during World War II.
“This well-deserved Congressional Gold Medal honors the Nisei veterans and demonstrates the greatness of our country,” said Senator Akaka. “While some Japanese Americans were being wrongly interned due only to their ethnicity, these brave men stepped forward to defend our nation. Their bravery helped to not only win the war, it paved the way towards a more tolerant and just nation. it will be a truly historic moment when President Barack Obama signs this honor for the Nisei veterans into law.”
Senator DAniel K. Inouye, a decorated Nisei veteran of World War II, will attend the Presidential signing ceremony tomorrow, October 5, at 11:30am Eastern Time (5:30am am Hawaii Time) in the Oval Office of the White House.
The Senate unanimously passed the Congressional Gold Medal for Japanese Americans Act, S. 1055, on August 2. The House of Representatives then passed the Senate bill by voice vote on September 23.
The 442nd, made up of Japanese ancestry who volunteered to fight, is the most decorated Army unit of its size and length of service in the history of the United States. The Military Intelligence Service provided the U.S. with valuable language and cultural knowledge, translating intercepted intelligence, and helping the U.S. achieve victory in the Pacific.
Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Presidential Citizens Medal, it is the highest civilian honor awarded in the U.S.