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Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act

USA119th CongressHR-819| House 
| Updated: 1/28/2025
Marilyn Strickland

Marilyn Strickland

Democratic Representative

Washington

Cosponsors (7)
Jonathan L. Jackson (Democratic)Young Kim (Republican)Thomas R. Suozzi (Democratic)Dave Min (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)James C. Moylan (Republican)Josh Gottheimer (Democratic)

Committee on House Administration, Financial Services Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation proposes to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim, recognizing his exceptional heroism, leadership, and humanitarian efforts. Born to Korean American immigrants, Kim overcame racial discrimination to serve with distinction in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War. He was a decorated officer in the all-Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team, notably capturing German soldiers for intelligence during the Battle of Anzio, which contributed significantly to the fall of Rome. During the Korean War, Kim became the first officer of color in U.S. history to command an Army battalion on the battlefield, and his unit uniquely sponsored an orphanage for over 500 children. After retiring as a Colonel, Kim dedicated his life to humanitarian causes, founding or co-founding numerous impactful organizations in Los Angeles. These include the Koreatown Youth and Community Center , the Center for the Pacific Asian Family , and the Korean Health, Education, Information and Research Center (KHEIR) , which provides culturally sensitive healthcare to underserved communities. Kim also played a pivotal role in establishing the Japanese American National Museum and the Go for Broke National Education Center , honoring Japanese American World War II soldiers. The bill mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the gold medal, which will then be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a sense of Congress that it be made available for public viewing, particularly at the National Portrait Gallery.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-2261
Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-611
Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act
Jan 28, 2025
Introduced in House
Jan 28, 2025
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.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-2261
    Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-611
    Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • January 28, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • January 28, 2025
    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.

Armed Forces and National Security

Conflicts and warsCongressional tributesMilitary historyMilitary personnel and dependentsMuseums, exhibitions, cultural centersSmithsonian Institution

Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act

USA119th CongressHR-819| House 
| Updated: 1/28/2025
This legislation proposes to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim, recognizing his exceptional heroism, leadership, and humanitarian efforts. Born to Korean American immigrants, Kim overcame racial discrimination to serve with distinction in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War. He was a decorated officer in the all-Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team, notably capturing German soldiers for intelligence during the Battle of Anzio, which contributed significantly to the fall of Rome. During the Korean War, Kim became the first officer of color in U.S. history to command an Army battalion on the battlefield, and his unit uniquely sponsored an orphanage for over 500 children. After retiring as a Colonel, Kim dedicated his life to humanitarian causes, founding or co-founding numerous impactful organizations in Los Angeles. These include the Koreatown Youth and Community Center , the Center for the Pacific Asian Family , and the Korean Health, Education, Information and Research Center (KHEIR) , which provides culturally sensitive healthcare to underserved communities. Kim also played a pivotal role in establishing the Japanese American National Museum and the Go for Broke National Education Center , honoring Japanese American World War II soldiers. The bill mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the gold medal, which will then be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a sense of Congress that it be made available for public viewing, particularly at the National Portrait Gallery.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-2261
Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-611
Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act
Jan 28, 2025
Introduced in House
Jan 28, 2025
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.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-2261
    Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-611
    Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • January 28, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • January 28, 2025
    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.
Marilyn Strickland

Marilyn Strickland

Democratic Representative

Washington

Cosponsors (7)
Jonathan L. Jackson (Democratic)Young Kim (Republican)Thomas R. Suozzi (Democratic)Dave Min (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)James C. Moylan (Republican)Josh Gottheimer (Democratic)

Committee on House Administration, Financial Services Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Conflicts and warsCongressional tributesMilitary historyMilitary personnel and dependentsMuseums, exhibitions, cultural centersSmithsonian Institution