NikkeiWest--Northern California Japanese American Newspaper

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States House of Representatives passed unanimously on Sept. 23, S-1055 to award the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award the nation can bestow, collectively to the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Nisei who served in the Military Intelligence Service. The Senate had voted unanimously on Aug. 4 to approve the award. The bill now goes to President Obama for signing.

The 100th Battalion and the 442nd Regiment, segregated units comprised of Japanese Americans, set unprecedented combat performance records of excellence for the US Army in Italy and France which the Army declared “has not been surpassed” to this day. Also, approximately 6,000 Nisei linguists, who served in front line combat units in the Asia Pacific war zone to collect vital tactical intelligence through translation of captured enemy documents, interrogation of prisoners, and interception of enemy communications, were awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation – a testament to their courage and effectiveness. Many of these men volunteered to serve from internment camps in America where their families were confined for the duration of the war.

“The award of the Congressional Gold Medal must be a humbling experience of all persons of Japanese ancestry,” said Robert Nakamoto, president of the Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA), a nationwide organization which serves the interests of Asian Pacific American veterans.

“It is a confirmation of their loyalty and commitment to their nation, which had earlier distrusted them. They fought with uncommon bravery and valor, volunteered for assignments others did not like or could not execute, that won the respect of fellow infantrymen and commanders. Their record demonstrates an abiding faith in the American dream, and provides an indelible testimonial to the meaning of American patriotism.”

Following the President’s signing of the bill, the National Veterans Network’s (NVN) tasks are to assist the US Congress arrange the presentation ceremony, which is expected to be held at the U.S. Capitol Building in Summer or Fall, 2010, and to arrange other festivities in Washington, D.C. The NVN, chaired by Christine Sato Yamazaki, is an organization of 2 2 Japanese American organizations and entities created for this purpose. NVN membership includes JAVA, the Japanese American Citizens League, the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation, the Go For Broke National Education Center, the National Veterans Committee of Seattle, Washington, and four major veterans organizations comprising the Oahu American of Japanese Ancestry Veterans Council.

Submitted by Japanese American Veterans Association