Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 819
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-28: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-04-23T19:05:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, titled the "Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act," aims to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal—the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress—to Colonel Young Oak Kim. This recognizes his extraordinary heroism in World War II and the Korean War, his leadership in the U.S. military, and his lifelong humanitarian efforts supporting immigrant and underserved communities, particularly in Los Angeles.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The act is officially named the "Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act."
- Findings Section: Congress outlines 17 detailed findings about Kim's life, including:
- His birth in 1919 to Korean American immigrants in Los Angeles and early struggles with poverty and racial discrimination.
- His military service starting in 1941 after being drafted; assignment to the all-Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team despite historical tensions; and heroic actions, such as capturing German prisoners at the Battle of Anzio in 1944, earning the Distinguished Service Cross (a high U.S. military award for valor) and Italy's Military Valor Cross.
- The unit's distinguished record: the most decorated U.S. military unit for its size, with numerous Presidential Unit Citations, Medals of Honor, and other awards.
- His command of an Army battalion in the Korean War (1950), making him the first officer of color to do so on the battlefield; sponsorship of an orphanage in Seoul with over 500 children.
- Post-retirement in 1972 as a colonel: Founding organizations like the Koreatown Youth and Community Center (1975), Center for the Pacific Asian Family (1978, focusing on domestic violence support), Korean Health, Education, Information and Research Center (1986, providing health services), Japanese American National Museum (co-founded 1985), and Go for Broke National Education Center (1989, honoring Japanese American WWII veterans).
- His numerous decorations, including two Silver Stars, three Purple Hearts, and international honors from Italy, France, and Korea.
- Medal Presentation: The Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate will arrange the posthumous presentation of a gold medal to honor Kim's achievements.
- Design and Production: The Secretary of the Treasury will design and strike the gold medal with appropriate symbols and inscriptions.
- Smithsonian Institution Role: After presentation, the medal goes to the Smithsonian for display (e.g., at the National Portrait Gallery) and research; Congress encourages loans for broader display.
- Duplicate Medals: The Treasury may produce and sell bronze duplicates at cost to cover production expenses.
- Legal Status: The medals are classified as national medals under U.S. law (chapter 51 of title 31, U.S. Code), treated as numismatic items (collectible coins or medals) for sales and regulations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces no direct changes to existing laws. It authorizes a new, one-time award under the framework of the Congressional Gold Medal program, which already exists for honoring individuals or groups (e.g., previous recipients include Tuskegee Airmen or Rosa Parks). It adds Colonel Kim to this prestigious list without altering eligibility criteria or procedures for future medals.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Treasury Department handles medal production and sales, involving minimal administrative costs (offset by duplicate sales). The Smithsonian gains an artifact for public education on military history and Asian American contributions, potentially increasing visitor engagement.
- Citizens: Provides symbolic recognition that educates the public about overlooked Asian American heroes, fostering pride in diverse communities. Bronze duplicates may be purchased by individuals or groups for commemoration, generating public interest without financial burden.
- International Relations: Highlights U.S. military alliances (e.g., with Italy, France, Korea) through Kim's foreign honors; could subtly strengthen ties with Asian nations by honoring Korean American service, but impacts are largely ceremonial.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Family and Estate of Colonel Kim: Direct recipients of the honor, providing posthumous legacy recognition.
- Asian American Communities: Particularly Korean and Japanese Americans in Los Angeles and nationwide; organizations Kim founded (e.g., Koreatown Youth and Community Center, Japanese American National Museum) benefit from elevated visibility.
- Veterans' Groups: Units like the 100th/442nd and Go for Broke National Education Center gain renewed attention to their WWII and Korean War legacies.
- Cultural and Educational Institutions: Smithsonian Institution for display; nonprofits like the Korean American Coalition for historical preservation.
- Government Entities: House Financial Services and House Administration Committees (for oversight); Treasury and Smithsonian for implementation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Fully compliant with congressional authority under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution to "coin money" and award honors; aligns with precedents for Gold Medals as non-monetary tributes. No funding appropriation is specified, relying on existing Treasury resources.
- Constitutional: Reinforces First Amendment values by promoting free expression of historical narratives and diversity, without infringing on rights.
- Political: Symbolizes bipartisan recognition of minority contributions to U.S. military and society (introduced by a diverse group of representatives). It underscores themes of racial inclusion, countering historical discrimination (e.g., WWII internment of Japanese Americans), and may encourage similar honors for underrepresented figures, potentially influencing future diversity initiatives in Congress. No partisan controversy anticipated, as it's a ceremonial, unifying measure.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10]
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-28: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-01-28: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-01-28: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-28: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-01-28 — PDF (8 pages)