HONOLULU (AP) — A date has been set for the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to Japanese American Veterans of World War II.
Veterans from the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service will receive the honor in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 2
U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono’s office said the House voted Wednesday to approve the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for the event. The Senate passed the measure earlier this month.
Congress last year voted to award the medal collectively to those who served in the three segregated units. President Barack Obama signed the legislation shortly afterward.
The veterans volunteered to go to war even though they were branded “enemy aliens” and rendered ineligible for the draft. (end)