New Bill Awards Congressional Gold Medal to WWII and Korean War Hero Colonel Young Oak Kim

This bill authorizes the posthumous awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim, a Los Angeles native whose life story reads like a Hollywood script. Born in 1919 to Korean immigrants, Kim broke through racial barriers to become a legendary military leader and a powerhouse of community service. The legislation honors his double legacy: his bravery on the battlefields of Italy and Korea, and his role in building the social fabric of Southern California. Under Section 3, the medal will be designed by the U.S. Mint and eventually housed at the Smithsonian Institution for public display.

A Legacy of Breaking Barriers

Colonel Kim’s military career was defined by a refusal to accept the status quo. During WWII, he famously declined a transfer out of the all-Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion, despite historical tensions between Korea and Japan, stating that he and his men were all Americans. The bill details his heroism at the Battle of Anzio, where he crawled 600 yards under German fire to capture prisoners and gather intelligence that helped liberate Rome (Sec. 2). Later, in the Korean War, he became the first officer of color to command a U.S. Army battalion in combat. For those who value military history, this bill officially cements his place as one of the most decorated soldiers in American history, holding everything from the Distinguished Service Cross to France’s Legion of Honor.

Building the Community Backbone

The legislation doesn't just focus on the battlefield; it highlights how Kim spent his civilian life building the organizations many Southern Californians rely on today. If you’ve ever visited the Japanese American National Museum or utilized services at the Koreatown Youth and Community Center, you’ve touched his legacy. The bill notes that Kim founded or co-founded groups that now serve over 11,000 people annually and provide critical healthcare and domestic violence services (Sec. 2). By awarding this medal, Congress is recognizing that heroism isn’t just about what happens in uniform, but how a person reinvests in their neighbors once they take it off.

How You Can Own a Piece of History

While the original gold medal will be kept at the Smithsonian, Section 4 of the bill allows the U.S. Treasury to strike and sell bronze replicas to the public. This means collectors and history buffs can purchase a piece of this tribute, with the sale price set to cover all production costs so the program pays for itself. Section 5 officially classifies these as national medals and numismatic items, ensuring they are recognized as legitimate government collectibles. It’s a straightforward, low-cost way for the government to celebrate a man who spent his life serving others while making his story accessible to the public through the National Portrait Gallery and local museum loans.