Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act
The bill aims to authorize the presentation of a gold medal to Colonel Kim on behalf of Congress, which is seen as an important recognition of his leadership and humanitarian efforts. This medal will ultimately be entrusted to the Smithsonian Institution, contributing to the visibility of Asian American contributions to U.S. history. The act reinforces the importance of recognizing contributions from diverse communities in the fabric of American military history, highlighting the legacy of those who served under challenging circumstances due to racial discrimination.
House Bill 611, known as the 'Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act', is designed to posthumously honor Colonel Young Oak Kim for his extraordinary contributions to the United States as a soldier and leader during pivotal moments in World War II and the Korean War. Throughout his military career, Kim not only displayed remarkable bravery but also broke barriers as a Korean American serving in the all-Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, recognized as the most decorated unit in US military history for its size and length of service.
Although the bill primarily serves as a mechanism for recognition of Colonel Kim's achievements, it also sheds light on the historical context of Asian Americans in the U.S. military, particularly during World War II and the Korean War. The narrative surrounding Kim's service exemplifies themes of resilience, identity, and the struggle for recognition faced by Asian Americans historically involved in U.S. military endeavors. This recognition is not just a historical marker but a step towards addressing the long-standing oversight in the portrayal of Asian American contributions to American history.