This bill authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim, recognizing his military heroism, leadership, and humanitarian contributions. The gold medal will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution.
Marilyn Strickland
Representative
WA-10
The "Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim, recognizing his distinguished military service, leadership, and extensive humanitarian work. This includes his service in World War II and the Korean War, as well as his founding of numerous community organizations in Los Angeles. The Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to create the gold medal, which will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution after the award presentation. It also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs.
Congressional Gold Medal to Honor Colonel Young Oak Kim, Trailblazing Korean American War Hero
The "Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act" (SEC. 1) posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim, recognizing his extraordinary military service and his lifelong dedication to community service. This isn't just a symbolic gesture; it's a formal acknowledgment of a genuine American hero who broke barriers and served with incredible distinction (SEC. 2 & 3).
From Discrimination to Distinguished Service
This bill highlights Kim's journey from facing racial discrimination – even being initially rejected from military service because of his race – to becoming a highly decorated combat leader (SEC. 2). Born in 1919 to Korean immigrants, Kim not only fought in World War II as part of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team (the most decorated unit in U.S. military history for its size) but also returned to serve in the Korean War, becoming the first minority officer to command a combat battalion (SEC. 2). Think about that: a man initially turned away due to prejudice later led troops into battle and earned some of the highest military honors from multiple nations, including the U.S. Distinguished Service Cross, Italy's Bronze Medal of Military Valor, and France's Legion of Honor. (SEC. 2).
Beyond the Battlefield: A Legacy of Community
Colonel Kim's impact extended far beyond his military career. After retiring in 1972, he dedicated his life to building up the Los Angeles community (SEC. 2). He founded crucial organizations like the Koreatown Youth and Community Center, the Center for the Pacific Asian Family, and the Korean Health, Education, Information and Research Center (KHEIR), which now handles over 75,000 patient visits annually (SEC. 2). He was also instrumental in establishing the Japanese American National Museum and the Go for Broke National Education Center, demonstrating a commitment to both his Korean heritage and broader Asian American solidarity (SEC. 2). For anyone working in social services, community organizing, or healthcare, Kim's legacy is a powerful example of how to build lasting, impactful institutions.
Making History Accessible
The bill also authorizes the creation of bronze duplicate medals that can be sold to the public, with the price covering production costs (SEC. 4). More importantly, it mandates that the Smithsonian Institution display the Congressional Gold Medal and make it available for research (SEC. 3). This ensures that Kim's story – and the broader history of Korean American and Japanese American contributions to the military – remains accessible to future generations. This is a big win for educators, historians, and anyone interested in learning more about a crucial, often overlooked, part of American history.