Congressional gold medal sought for the "Angels of Bataan and Corrigedor"

Filipino nurses tended to the wounded in the  WWII Battles of Bataan and Corrigidor.

Cecilia Gaerlan isn't just telling a story; she’s fighting for a legacy that almost stayed buried in the jungles of Bataan. 

As we mark another Bataan and Corrigidor Day (April 8 and May 6 respectively) honoring the memory of the men who fought against overwhelming odds at the start of WWII, there is a movement to bestow Congressional Gold Medals for the women who were also in the middle of those battles to slow the Imperial Army of Japan.

For the founder of the Bataan Legacy Historical Society, the push for a Congressional Gold Medal isn’t just about a piece of metal — it’s about ensuring that the Filipino nurses and nurses' aides who bled and starved alongside American GIs are finally written into the history books as the heroes they were.

        RELATED: Why we still honor the memory of the Bataan-Corregidor soldiers

When the original drafts of the "World War II Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act" started circulating in D.C., Gaerlan noticed a glaring, familiar omission: the Asian American and Filipino women who served under the most brutal conditions of the Pacific Theater were missing. She didn't stay quiet.

American nurses were liberated from the Santo Tomas Internment Camp.

Thanks to her relentless lobbying, the current legislation now explicitly honors these women—the "Angels of Bataan and Corregidor"—who provided care in makeshift jungle hospitals and the dark, humid tunnels of Corregidor while being hunted by Japanese forces.

According to reporting by The 19th News, Cecilia Gaerlan of the Bataan Legacy Historical Society successfully lobbied to ensure Filipino and other Asian nurses are explicitly honored in the "World War II Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act."

Bipartisan legislation is currently advancing in the 119th Congress, with S. 2195 introduced by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and H.R. 4901 by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), seeking to honor these women for their service in the Philippines.

Out of food, medicine and ammunition, 4,000 Americans and 64,000 Filipino soldiers surrendered
to the Japanese forces in the Battles of Bataan and Corrigedor. It remains as the largest surrender
of US military forces in history. Many died in the infamous Bataan Death March.

As they waited for reinforcements and medical supplies that never came, Filipino nurses, alongside US military nurses, treated thousands of soldiers during the 1942 retreat, battling malaria and dysentery with almost no supplies.

In Corrigidor's Malinta Tunnel, while American and Filipino soldiers and sailors fought a brave, but ultimately, a losing battle, the nurses created a  makeshift hospital to treat the American and Filipino wounded. 

The Filipino and other Asian women, -- some nurses and some volunteer civilians without medical training -- worked alongside American military nurses as Japanese artillery  pounded the island. fortress. They provided a  makeshift hospital was set up to treat the American and Filipino wounded. a lifeline to the wounded even as the ceiling crumbled around them.

Filipino nurses joined US nurses to tend to the US
casualties of the battle of Bataan and Corrigidor.

In the jungles of the Bataan Peninsula, Filiipino women stepped up as volunteer nurses' aides to care the wounded American and Filipino fighters.

After the fall of the Philippines, scores of these nurses and aides were herded into the Santo Tomas Internment Camp. For three years, they survived on starvation rations while continuing to run a functional hospital for their fellow captives.

Unlike the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) or the civilian women who worked in the US factories and shipyards, "Rosie the Riveters," WWII nurses have not yet collectively received this high civilian honor despite their critical role in keeping casualty rates below 4%.

For Gaerlan and the Filipino American community, this is about more than a medal. It’s about correcting a historical narrative that has long treated their contributions as a footnote. 

There's only a handful of these heroic women -- the Americans and Filipinos -- still alive, most of them over 100 years old. As Gaerlan often reminds lawmakers, these women were the first American women in combat—and they deserve to be remembered as the pioneers they were before the last of them are gone.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

U.S. Senate passes bill for Chinese American WWII vets

World War II Database

Chinese-American servicemen of the 14th Air Service Group of US Air Force on parade for the Memorial Day holiday, Dayton, Ohio, May 1943.

THE UNITED STATES is another step closer to properly honoring Chinese American veterans who served during World War II.

The U.S. Senate unanimously approved legislation Sept. 14 introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth, D-IL, and Mazie Hirono, D-HI, to recognize the tremendous contributions made by more than 13,000 Chinese American World War II Veterans.

The Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act will authorize Congress to award the highest civilian honor – a Congressional Gold Medal – to these dedicated Veterans, including the approximately 50 Chinese American WWII Veterans who call Illinois home.

“Despite facing outright discrimination, more than 13,000 brave Chinese Americans volunteered to risk their lives to protect their fellow Americans during World War II,” said Duckworth. “I’m proud my colleagues from both sides of the aisle have chosen to recognize this brave group of Veterans’ unwavering commitment and honor them with a Congressional Gold Medal.”

“During World War II, Chinese Americans served our country honorably while experiencing discrimination here at home,” said Hirono. “I thank my Senate colleagues for passing this legislation, which gets us one step closer to ensuring that these veterans receive this long-overdue recognition for their brave service.”

Senators Duckworth and Hirono introduced the bipartisan legislation in May of last year with former Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS). Companion legislation (HR.2358) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Ed Royce, R-CA, Ted Lieu, D-CA, and Grace Meng, D-NY.

The House bill needs 290 sponsors but as of this week, it is still 103 sponsors short for passage.

"From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Chinese Americans served with courage and distinction during WWII and it is time for Congress to recognize them by awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal," said Lieu. "As an Air Force veteran, I am thankful for those who came before who answered our nation’s call to serve. I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill to recognize the valiant contributions of our Chinese American Veterans.”

This PSA was produced by the Heritage Series.

At the start of World War II, Chinese immigration to the U.S. was still being restricted because of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Despite of this racist law, many Chinese Americans still either volunteered or were drafted into the U.S. military. About 40 percent of them were foreign-born.

Many of the Chinese Americans served in Asia as support troops to the Flying Tigers. They took part as translators and trainers and were on the flights over the dangerous Himalayas and Burmese jungles to fly supplies to the Chinese and other Asians fighting the Japanese invaders.

Since the American Revolution, Congress has issued gold medals to express its gratitude on behalf of the entire nation for distinguished achievements. The medal has been awarded to Veterans who served admirably in military conflicts as well as to civilians whose contributions have had a lasting impact on American history and culture.

Last year, Filipino veterans of WWII were honored for their long battle for recognition and equity with the passage of legislation granting them the Congressional Gold Medal.

The famed Japanese American units that fought valiantly during WWII, were previously honored with medals.

Duckworth said that, under the current administration, the stories of the Chinese American World War II veterans are particularly important.

“Their story is yet another reminder that our military and our country are stronger because of our diversity.”
_________________________________________________________________________________

Congressional Gold Medal sought for Chinese American WWII veterans

Chinese/American veterans took part in a recent Memorial Day Parade in New York City.

ASAM NEWS

CHINESE/AMERICAN SOLDIERS have served the United States since the Civil War. Wearing both Union and Confederate uniforms, 58 Chinese Americans soldiers joined the battle and marched together with other American soldiers.

During the Second World War, there were fewer than 120,000 Chinese American residents living in the United States. Still, 20,000 Chinese American veterans served the United States in the War.  Nobody knows how many of those veterans remain alive today, with estimates ranging up to just one thousand.

A campaign by descendants and supporters of Chinese/American veterans aims to honor these veterans with a Congressional Gold Medal, reports CGTN.

Corky Lee, a Chinese/American photographer whose father served in the war, met lawmakers on the Capitol Hill several times on one cold morning.

“The World War Two veterans have always been considered America’s ‘greatest generation,’ but it’s basically White,” he said to CGTN.

The Chinese Exclusion Act was the first significant exclusionary law restricting immigration to the United States. As noted by its name, the Act largely targeted Chinese Americans in attempts to placate those concerned about maintaining a White “racial purity” in the 19th century. The passage of the Act led to beginning of eight decades of racist policies targeting the Chinese, followed by the Japanese and then the Filipino/Americans.

“The one thing I never got to ask my father – because I guess I was never mature enough to ask him was – ‘Why is it that you couldn’t become a citizen, you couldn’t vote, you couldn’t testify in court. Why would you fight for a country, and possibly die, you know, fighting for a country that didn’t see you as a possible citizen or even a human being?” Lee said.

Last year Boston City Council President Michelle Wu, the first Taiwanese American and the first Asian American woman to serve on the council, filed a resolution to recognize Chinese American WWII veterans. The Council passed the resolution on Sept. 11 at its weekly meeting.

Democrat Tammy Duckworth of Illinois is a retired US Army lieutenant colonel who co-sponsored a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal collectively to Chinese/Americans as part of the Chinese/American WWII Veterans Recognition Project.

“More than 13,000 brave Chinese/Americans volunteered to risk their lives to protect their fellow Americans from our enemies during World War II,” she said. “Their unwavering commitment to their country even after being initially turned away should be recognized, and it’s important we honor this brave group of veterans with a Congressional Gold Medal.”

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor in the United States. Many Filipino and Japanese American veterans have been awarded with the honor. But none of the Chinese/Americans have been.

William Chen is the first Chinese/American to become a two-star Major General in the U.S. Army. His father supported operations of the Flying Tigers American Volunteer Group.

“They became known and recognized by the American people and that helped open up opportunities for all Chinese/Americans and Asian/Americans after World War Two,” Chen said.

The campaigners hope that their efforts will help raise awareness of Asian/Americans’ contributions to the United States and help change public perception against Asians.

COURTESY OF PAUL GOOY BOO LEE FAMILY

The Chinese American unit of the U.S. Congressional Army Air Corps.

_____________________________________________________________________________

AARP to pay for 1000 medals for Filipino veterans

SCREEN CAPTURE

Filipino WWII veterans await the start of the ceremonies awarding the Congressional Gold Medal.

AARP saluted the Filipino and Filipino American veterans of World War II by funding the minting of 1,000 bronze replicas of the Congressional Gold Medal to be given to veterans and their family members in recognition of their service and sacrifice. 

Commissioned by Congress, the medals are the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.

The veterans were honored in a national celebration on Capitol Hill on Oct. 25, where House Speaker Paul Ryan presented them the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of the nation for the distinguished service of 260,000 Filipino and Filipino/American soldiers and guerrillas during World War II in the Philippines.

RELATED: Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Filipino veterans

“AARP is proud to support the efforts to recognize and celebrate Filipino and Filipino American World War II veterans,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “We are so pleased to join with the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project and this nation in the shared goal of ensuring that future generations of Americans understand these vets’ incredible sacrifices.”

The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) spearheaded the effort to pass the Congressional Gold Medal legislation and worked with the U.S. Mint to manage the minting and production of the medals.

“It has been 72 years since the end of World War II, and these vets’ service and sacrifice have not been forgotten,” said FilVetREP Chairman (Ret.) Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba. “These Congressional Gold Medals recognize and celebrate the extraordinary sacrifices and contributions of Filipino WWII soldiers. AARP’s support has been extremely valuable in this effort.”

Filipino World War II veterans or surviving family members are urged to register so they can receive long-overdue recognition of their service. 

• Register with The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project here.
• If any individual. business or organization wishes to donate to help pay for the veterans' medals, click here. 

_______________________________________________________________________________

Congressional Gold Medal presented to Filipino WWII veterans

SCREEN CAPUTRE / ABC

100-year old Celestino Almeda spoke on behalf of the Filipino veterans during the Congressional Gold Medal ceremonies today (Oct. 25) in Washington D.C.

CELESTINO ALMEDA, 100-years old, spoke haltingly but with a strong voice, thanking those who helped garner the Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino WWII veterans. "I am an American soldier," he said to applause.

At ceremonies today (Oct. 25) in Washington D.C., the medal, the highest honor given during peacetime, was presented to six veterans and their descendants, to honor the service of the thousands of Filipino men and women who served with the U.S. military during WWII.

Almeda said he and his fellow Filipino veterans have long "felt unrecognized for fighting for our country," adding, "I wondered why" since he and his fellow soldiers had brought "victory during a long war in the Philippines."

Congressional leaders of the House and Senate recognized the long overdue recognition. From Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his Democratic counterpart Sen. Chuck Schumer to House Speaker Paul Ryan and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, took their turn at the podium acknowledging the service of the 250,000 Filipino men and women who rallied to the cause of democracy, freedom and America after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Philippines by Imperial Japan.

"It is a mark of a confident and exceptional nation to look back on its history and say we made a grievous error, but we recognize it and pledge never to let it happen again," said Sen. Schumer. "I’m especially proud to be an American today as Congress rights a decades-old wrong and bestows the highest civilian honor on the Filipino veterans of the Second World War, enshrining in the history books their courage and sacrifice on behalf of a grateful nation.”

"All told, 250,000 Filipinos answered President Roosevelt’s call to duty. Most had no formal training. Many had never even picked up a weapon," said Speaker Ryan. "But they risked—and in the case of many—gave their lives fighting under our stars and stripes. They battled not only the enemy, but starvation and malnutrition. But they never lost sight of the cause. And they never accepted defeat."

The ceremony may be the final battle for the elderly veterans who have been seeking the fulfillment of a promise made by President Franklin Roosevelt at the beginning of WWII but taken away by a recalcitrant Congress and regretful President Harry Truman immediately after the war.

Ryan recalled what Roosevelt said, "He said, 'The great day of your liberation will come, as surely as there is a God in heaven.' And sure enough, that day came. But only due to the incredible valor and sacrifice of the Filipino resistance movement. And only at a heavy cost. More than 10,000 Americans and nearly one million Filipinos, mostly civilians, died in the Philippines."

Since then, Filipino veterans have been fighting for the benefits and recognition. Only 18,000 Filipino veterans of WWII are still alive.

Somewhere, my late father, Maj. Melchor Diokno and Philippine News publisher Alex Esclamado, must be smiling. They and other members of the Northern California Filipino American community started the quest in behalf of their fellow Filipino compatriots, in the 1960s, bringing the injustice to the attention of then-Sen Alan Cranston and the late Hawaiian Sen. Daniel Inouye and Sen. Daniel Akaka.

The gold medal will be displayed in a yet-to-be-determined museum. Veterans eligible for replicas, can register here.

The medal ceremony begins around the 22:45 mark.


In this session of Congress, Sen. Mazie K. Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, both representing Hawaii, were the lead sponsors of the bill giving the Congressional Gold Medal to honor these veterans for their service.

“Presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to our Filipino World War II veterans is a long overdue honor for hundreds of thousands of veterans and their families," said Hirono. "Last Veterans Day, Filipino World War II veteran Domingo Los Banos urged me to make sure our Congressional Gold Medal bill was passed that year. I hope that today’s ceremony conveyed to Domingo and every other veteran our gratitude for their service during the war and recognition of the hardship they face in receiving the benefits they earned.”

"Today, these brave soldiers are finally receiving the recognition they earned and deserve, and join the ranks of heroic units like the Tuskegee Airmen and Hawaii’s own 442nd/100th Infantry Battalion as we honor them with the Congressional Gold Medal—our nation’s highest civilian honor,” added Gabbard.

Other members of Congress cited their appreciation and noted the significance of today's ceremonies.

Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus:
“Today, our nation honored Filipino veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal for their heroic and valiant service during World War II. This recognition is long overdue, and I want to thank my CAPAC colleagues, Senator Mazie Hirono and Congressmember Tulsi Gabbard, for their tireless work to get the Congressional Gold Medal legislation across the finish line.

“I also want to thank all of the veterans, families, and community leaders who have fought for decades to ensure that Filipino veterans receive the compensation and recognition they have both earned and deserve. This historic ceremony would not be possible without their efforts, and it is with tremendous pride that we honor these veterans and their families today.”

Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Virginia: 
“As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and the only member of Congress of Filipino ancestry, I am proud to honor the invaluable service of our Filipino veterans who nobly served in World War II. The contributions of our Filipino veterans have left a remarkable legacy on the history of the United States and the Philippines. We must continue to recognize and honor the sacrifice and dedication of these veterans.”

Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (Guam), CAPAC Vice Chair:
“Filipino World War II veterans fought bravely alongside U.S. servicemembers and were instrumental to combating enemy forces in the Pacific. The Congressional Gold Medal they receive today honors their sacrifices and extends our country’s long overdue gratitude for their commitment to liberty and freedom. I am proud to join all Americans in recognizing Filipino World War II veterans for their courage and valor, and I hope our country never forgets the heroism they exhibited.”

Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., CAPAC Whip:
“Today, at long last, we finally honor the immense contributions of Filipino veterans in World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal. This award recognizes the countless number of Filipinos who answered the call of duty and served the United States valiantly to uphold freedom and oppose fascism.

“In the summer of 1941, President Roosevelt called into service the Philippines military. Filipinos were instrumental in supporting American military might by providing invaluable intelligence and fighting courageously against the Imperial Japanese Army. Americans and Filipinos fought side-by-side and we should honor their bravery and sacrifice.

“Bestowing the Congressional Gold Medal to the Filipino Veterans of World War II is an important step that Congress can make to express our gratitude for their service. I ask that my colleagues and the American people rise in honor of Filipino Veterans who served in World War II.”

Senator Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii:
“This award is long overdue, but well-deserved. Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos answered the call of duty with valor during World War II. They fought under our flag, and so today, we honor and recognize their service with our nation’s highest honor—and our utmost gratitude.”

Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif:
“Today, our nation honors Filipino-American veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal for their bravery during World War II. These loyal and dedicated men who fought and risked their lives are finally being given the recognition they deserve. As the Congressmember for Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles, I am proud to join our country in honoring these men for their courage and patriotism.”

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, D-HI:
“Today, Filipino World War II veterans were honored with well-deserved Congressional Gold Medals. My sincere thanks and gratitude to the veterans and their families for their personal bravery and strength of spirit and service on behalf of the people of the United States. May your heroism and sacrifices never be forgotten.”

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-CA:
“America owes a debt of immense gratitude to the quarter million Filipino and Filipino-Americans who fought for our nation in World War II. These brave individuals put their lives on the line despite facing discrimination from their allies. The Congressional Gold Medal honors their courageous contributions to America’s safety and freedom that have been overlooked for far too long.”

Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif:
“As the daughter of a veteran, I am deeply grateful to the thousands of Filipino American veterans who answered the call of duty and loyally served our country during World War II. The wrongful retraction of their military benefits following the war remains a disgraceful stain on our country, and this commemoration of their brave service and sacrifice is long overdue. Congratulations to all those receiving Congressional Gold Medals today, and thank you for your service.”

Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif:
“The Congressional Gold Medal rightfully recognizes the selfless service of these soldiers and their families during World War II. We will be forever grateful for the Filipino veterans who sacrificed on our country’s behalf at a time of great peril, and must continue to honor their service for generations to come.”

Rep. Grace Meng, D-NY):
“I am thrilled that Filipino veterans who served in World War II have finally been awarded with the Congressional Gold Medal. For too long, these brave and courageous veterans who served and sacrificed with U.S. troops were denied the recognition they deserved. Today’s ceremony finally rights that wrong and provides them with the honor they earned but never received. I am proud to have cosponsored the bill that made this happen, and I thank Senator Hirono and Congresswoman Gabbard for introducing the legislation. As we applaud and celebrate this historic occasion, we must continue our efforts to ensure that Filipino World War II veterans receive all the benefits they earned for their heroic service to our nation.”

Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif:
“When President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a call to arms to the Philippines just before the United States entered into World War II, more than 200,000 Filipino soldiers valiantly responded and fought under the American flag. These Filipino soldiers were initially promised full military benefits for their service, but the United States backpedaled on this promise and did not correct its mistake until 2009. Today, more than 70 years since their service, we are taking another important and long overdue step towards honoring the valor and sacrifices of the World War II Filipino veterans by awarding them the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal.”

Rep. Adam Smith, D-WA.:
“Today, our country is honoring Filipino World War II veterans for their heroism and sacrifice. By awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to these American heroes, we are commemorating the brave patriotism of Filipino veterans and providing them with the long-overdue recognition they rightly earned. The leadership of both Senator Hirono and Representative Gabbard was crucial in enacting the Filipino WWII Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act. I join all my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in celebrating the service of Filipino WWII veterans, and I thank these veterans for their incredible contributions to our nation.”

SCREEN CAPTURE

The six individuals invited to represent the Filipino WWII veterans received a standing ovation.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Medal ceremony for Filipino WWII vets on Oct. 25

Filipino WWII veterans chained themselves to the White House fence while seeking recognition and benefits.

THE U.S. CONGRESS will honor Filipino World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal, at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 25. 

“The United States is indebted to the service, bravery, and perseverance of Filipino veterans of World War II.  Their sacrifices were left untold in the United States for decades, as they fought for recognition by the country they served," said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-HI. "I am proud that we can correct the record today, and finally honor the service and sacrifice of these heroes and their families, and ensure they are never forgotten.”

“The presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to our Filipino World War II veterans is the culmination of decades of work to honor these veterans for their service to our country,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-HI. “These veterans and their families overcame many challenges in their fight for compensation, family reunification, and verification of wartime service.  I look forward to participating in the ceremony to provide this long overdue recognition next month.”

RELATED: 

• Obama signs bill awarding medal
• Senate passes bill to honor WWII Filipino vets
• Shameful anniversary for U.S. Congress

The medal, Congress' highest civilian honor, and ceremony are a result of the bill introduced by the two Hawaii lawmakers to honor the over 260,000 Filipino and Filipino/American soldiers who fought in the Pacific Theater.

The ceremony will take place on Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. EST in Emancipation Hall and will be live-streamed on speaker.gov/live. 

Filipino World War II veterans and their families who are interested in participating in the ceremony and receiving a bronze replica medal should register through the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project at www.filvetrep.org/registry.

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will take part in the bipartisan, bicameral ceremony.

Hirono and Gabbard’s law, the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act (Public Law 114-265), was signed into law by President Obama and awarded the medal collectively to the over 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt’s call-to-duty and fought under the American flag during World War II.

"I urge all eligible veterans and their families to register with the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project to be included in this honor,” said Hirono. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A MEDAL

Veterans or their surviving relatives must register with the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project if they wish to participate in the ceremony and receive a bronze replica medal. Applications can be found online through the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project at www.filvetrep.org/registry.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Fundraising underway for Filipino veterans Congressional Gold Medal replicas

Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono (center) meets with some of the Filipino veterans eligible for the Congressional Gold Medal. She was one of the cosponsors of the resolution approving the Congressional Gold Medal. 

FILIPINO VETERANS of World War II will finally receive the recognition they were denied for so long.  The Congressional Gold Medal will be presented to the elderly soldiers sometime in October or November in a formal ceremony in Washington. D.C.

“We secured the Congressional Gold Medal to honor our veterans and demonstrate our deepest gratitude for their supreme sacrifice,” said Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret). chair of  Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, which led the effort to pass the resolution in Congress. 

There's a catch though, Congress paid for only one gold medal. If you know someone who you think deserves the medal, it will cost. FilVetREP is sponsoring a fundraising drive to help defray the costs for the bronze replicas. Click here if you, your business or your organization want to donate.

Plans are underway for Speaker of the House Rep. Paul Ryan to present the gold medal honoring Filipino World War II veterans, whose service and sacrifice have been finally recognized by the U.S. with the passage last year of the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015, or Public Law 114-265. The presentation has not been scheduled, but could be held as early as October or November of this year.

The Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) is one of the highest civilian awards bestowed by the United States for persons or groups who have performed an achievement that have an impact on American history and culture.  

“We will ensure that our national celebration of this historic achievement is one that treats our veterans with the utmost dignity and respect," said Taguba. "We are, therefore, calling on all our supporters to make this important event happen. It’s for our veterans and they deserve to have a memorable event.”

At the award ceremony, slated to be held on Capitol Hill, surviving Filipino and American veterans or their next-of-kin will receive bronze replicas of the CGM and a framed copy of Public Law 114-265. Expected to attend are Congressional sponsors, Philippine Government officials, Presidential Cabinet members, high ranking general officers from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, veterans advocates, community leaders and other dignitaries.

Renderings of the Congressional Gold Medal to be given to WWII Filipino veterans.

Taguba also notes that not all recipients of the medal may not be able to come to Washington due to their age and physical condition. Regional award ceremonies are being considered in the West Coast, Midwest and the South to accommodate veterans who are not able to travel to Washington.

There are also plans for Filipino veterans residing in the Philippines to receive their bronze replicas in Manila. It is anticipated that this will be handled by the Philippine Veterans Administration Office (PVAO) and Philippine Office of National Defense.

National Registry. Bronze replicas will be awarded only to surviving veterans or their next-of-kin whose eligibility for CGM has been vetted and whose names are included in FilVetREP’s national veterans registry.

Bronze replicas will be awarded only to surviving veterans or their next-of-kin whose eligibility for CGM has been vetted and whose names are included in FilVetREP’s national veterans registry.

“It is essential that veterans and their families register as soon as possible to make sure they are included in the award ceremony,” Taguba adds.

Applications and instructions for submission may be downloaded from FilVetREP’s website, www.filvetrep.org. Each of the FILVETREP regional directors are responsible for contacting the veterans and families to help them register.

Bronze replicas are not funded by the U.S. government, but rather by donations from the public. Donations to support FilVetREP’s CGM activities are accepted through the FilVetREP website.

“This American story of Filipino soldiers fighting under the U.S. flag in Bataan, Corregidor and other places, and helping liberate a U.S. sovereign territory only to be denied the benefits promised them, must be told widely and preserved for posterity for generations to come,” Taguba said. 

“It is a story we all should be proud of.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• WHO qualifiies for the Congressional Gold Medal?
• Donate to pay for a medal for a veteran
• Application for the Congressional Gold Medal

________________________________________________________________________________

Congressional Gold Medal sought for Chinese/American WWII veterans

FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS of legislation that honored Japanese/American and Filipino/American WWII veterans by awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal, a new bill was introduced to extend the same honor to Chinese/American WWII vets.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce, R-Calif, and Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., introduced on May 4, the Chinese American World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act (H.R. 2358). The bipartisan legislation recognizes the dedicated service of Chinese American veterans of World War II and collectively awards them the Congressional Gold Medal.

“The United States remains forever indebted to the bravery, valor, and dedication that the Chinese/American veterans of World War II displayed," said Royce. "Their commitment and sacrifice demonstrates a highly uncommon and commendable sense of patriotism and honor in the face of discrimination.

“To these brave veterans of World War II, thank you for your service and sacrifice. We are a grateful nation, and we honor your service by working towards a better world. We must promote diplomacy over conflict and ensure that war is the absolute last resort.” 

“As we observe this month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the introduction of our bill is a timely reminder of the many contributions AAPIs have made to our great nation, including serving in our military," added Lieu. 

By the start of World War II in 1941, slightly more than 100,000 Chinese/Americans had made a life for themselves in the U.S. Chinese/Americans faced major challenges, including discrimination, before the start of World War II due to laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, which limited the size of their population and their ability to build thriving communities. 

Nevertheless, and even with the Chinese Exclusion Act in place, 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.

Francis B. Wai was awarded the Medal of Honor

One Chinese/American received the Distinguished Service Cross, Capt. Francis B. Wai. He was born in Hawaii, where his father was Chinese and his mother Native Hawaiian. After graduating from the Punahou School in Honolulu and the University of California at Los Angeles, Wai enlisted in the Hawaii National Guard and was called to active duty in 1940," said military historian James C. McNaughton of the Foreign Language Center of the Presidio of Monterey.

"Wai earned his commission through officers candidate school in 1941 and was assigned to the 34th Infantry, part of the 24th Infantry Division. On October 20, 1944, his unit landed at Leyte in the Philippines. He was killed in action while leading soldiers off the beach against accurate and concentrated enemy fire," said McNaughton. After the war, the award was upgraded to the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for heroism during a war.

About one quarter of all Chinese/American soldiers served with the Army Air Forces. In 1943 the Army Air Forces organized some support units for the China-Burma-India theater, including the 14th Air Service Group, composed predominantly of Chinese-American personnel, according to  Other Chinese-Americans trained as pilots and aircrew and fought in Europe and the Pacific. However, most were assigned to regular ground units.

An estimated 40 percent of Chinese/American soldiers were not native-born citizens. After Congress repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1943, many took advantage of their military service to become naturalized.

"From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Chinese/Americans served with courage and distinction during WWII and it is time for Congress to recognize them by awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal," said Lieu.

###

Obama signs bill; Filipino WWII veterans awarded Congressional Gold Medal

Filipino WWII veterans have been fighting for recognition and benefits from the U.S. government for decades.

By Louis Chan
ASAM NEWS

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA  signed a bill Dec. 14 into law that awards the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino and Filipino/American World War II war veterans.

The bill sponsored by Rep Tulsi Gabbard and Senator Mazie Hirono, both Democrats from Hawaii, honors the contributions of 260,000 Filipino veterans. Only 18,000 of them remain alive, according to Gabbard.

“These loyal and courageous soldiers, suffered, fought, with many giving up their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war,” said Gabbard.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor from Congress.

“After enduring 75 years of injustice and humiliation, our Filipino World War II veterans regained their honor and dignity when Congress passed the Congressional Gold Medal Award — a historic bill President Obama signed into law today,” said retired Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba.

RELATED:

• Senate passes bill to honor WWII Filipino vets
• Shameful anniversary for U.S. Congress

The bill, in part, is in response to past acts by the U.S. which denied promised U.S. benefits to these veterans. Although some of those veterans have in recent years recovered those benefits, others continue the struggle.

Both Gabbard and Hirono have bills pending to rectify that.

“The Filipino veterans of World War II overcame many challenges in their fight for compensation, family reunification, and verification of wartime service,” said Hirono.

President Barack Obama has signed a measure into law that honors Filipino and Filipino-American World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal.

“By signing our bill into law, President Obama recognized these veterans’ courage and perseverance, both during the war and in the decades of battles for benefits that followed,” said U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono in a news release.

“This day is only possible thanks to the commitment of veterans, families and advocates in Hawaii and across the country who worked tirelessly to see this effort through Congress. While this recognition is long-overdue, the Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute to the sacrifice that these veterans made for our country,” she said.

The House and Senate passed their respective bills unanimously. The Senate version was sponsored by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dean Heller (R-NV), Harry Reid (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Brian Schatz (D-HI). 

The House version (H.R.2737) was sponsored by Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Joseph Heck (R-NV), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Mark Takai (D-HI), and Jackie Speier (D-CA). Both bills were introduced on 11 June 2015.

In the news release, retired Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, who heads the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, said, “After enduring 75 years of injustice and humiliation, our Filipino World War II veterans regained their honor and dignity when Congress passed the Congressional Gold Medal Award — a historic bill President Obama signed into law today.

“With deep gratitude, our nation has now come to fully recognize the service and sacrifice of our brave heroes who fought valiantly under the American flag,” he added.

(Views From the Edge contributed to this report.)