President Obama Signs Boxer Legislation to Honor Japanese-American World War II Veterans

Bill Grants Congressional Gold Medal to “Go for Broke” Regiments

Washington, D.C. – President Obama today signed legislation sponsored by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) that would grant a collective Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) of the United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. The Senate passed Senator Boxer’s legislation on August 2, 2010.

Senator Boxer said, “I am so pleased that these brave Japanese-American veterans have at last received this honor for their courage and their patriotism. They fought for their country during World War II even as many of their loved ones were sent to internment camps, and our recognition of their sacrifice and their dedication is long overdue.”

The Japanese-American soldiers of these units were also known as the “Go for Broke” regiments for their willingness to risk everything and go all-out to win. They have earned numerous awards and distinctions for their distinguished service, including Presidential Unit Citations and Medals of Honor, hundreds of Silver Stars and thousands of Purple Hearts.

Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) and passed last year by a vote of 411-0. The Senate passed Senator Boxer’s bill on August 2 by unanimous consent and the House gave the bill final passage on September 23.