Trump signs bill awarding Congressional medals to Chinese American WWII veterans

A Chinese American unit marched during a WWII-era Veterans Day Parade.

ASAM NEWS

DUE TO THE overwhelming support of veterans and members of Congress, Donald Trump has officially signed the Chinese American World War II Veteran Congressional Gold Medal Act. The Act will make it possible for over 20,000 World War II Chinese American Veterans to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. 

The medal is considered one of the highest civilian honors. Senators Mazie Hirono, D-HI, and Tammy Duckworth, D-IL, along with Representatives Ed Royce,R-CA) and Ted Lieu, D-CA, introduced the bill which both the Senate and the House unanimously passed.

According to NBC News, the House passed the bill three days after the 75th anniversary of the Magnuson Act, which repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act. Despite facing discrimination and economic hardship, Chinese Americans prospered and built a life for themselves, believing in the American Dream. Over 20,000 Chinese American men and women enlisted into the military during the war to serve their country.

“The United States remains forever indebted to the bravery and sacrifice that the Chinese American veterans of World War II displayed,” said Royce in a statement.

“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,” he said.

“The president’s signature on this bill reaffirms this administration’s recognition of the contributions minorities make in protecting our nation,” the Department of Education said in a statement. The Gold Medal dedicated to Chinese American WWII veterans will be displayed in The Smithsonian Institute. They are also hoping to display the medal at other locations as well.

The bill collectively awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Chinese-American Veterans of World War II, which includes individuals of Chinese ancestry who served honorably in active duty at any time during the period Dec. 7, 1941, and ending Dec. 31, 1946 under the command of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“This month, as the nation reflects on the 75th Anniversary of the Magnuson Act, which ended 61 years of discrimination towards Chinese Americans, it is poignant and bittersweet, said Davace Chin, National President of Chinese American Citizens Alliance. "Tens of thousands of Chinese American men and women enlisted at a difficult juncture in American history, when the Chinese Exclusion Act was still in effect. We are grateful and appreciative for Congress’s recognition of service and sacrifice made by Chinese American veterans."

Views From the Edge contributed to this report.

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