Washington, D.C. --  The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) applauds the passage of HR 347, introduced by Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), which grants the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated military service during World War II.
 
The findings in the bill outline some of the history of the Japanese American experience during World War II and some of the specific experiences of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.  The findings end with the following information:
 
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team became the most decorated unit in United States military history for its size and length of service.
 
The 100th Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team received 7 Presidential Unit Citations, 21 Medals of Honor, 29 Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 Silver Stars, 4,000 Bronze Stars, 22 Legion of Merit Medals, 15 Soldier's Medals, and over 4,000 Purple Hearts, among numerous additional distinctions.
 
The United States remains forever indebted to the bravery, valor, and dedication to country these men faced while fighting a 2-fronted battle of discrimination at home and fascism abroad.
 
Their commitment and sacrifice demonstrate a highly uncommon and commendable sense of patriotism and honor.
 
JACL National President, Larry Oda states that "the JACL offers its appreciation for the leadership of Mr. Schiff, Mr. Skelton, Mr. Honda, Mr. Abercrombie, Ms. Bordallo, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Mr. Inslee, and Mr. McCotter for their work on this bill to recognize the uncommon valor of this segregated unit that was recruited out of the American Concentration Camps." 
 
Floyd Mori, National Executive Director of the JACL, added, "The Japanese American veterans who served during World War II deserve this recognition for their bravery, loyalty, and patriotism.  We thank Congress for passing this bill to show appreciation to them as a group."
 
The bill states that the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate arrangements for the award, on behalf of the Congress, of a single gold medal of appropriate design to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, collectively in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.  Following the award of the golf medal, it shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution, where it will be displayed as appropriate and made available for research.  Duplicate medals may be available for sale.