Congressional Gold Medal

Awarded to Nisei in the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service

On November 2, 2011, the US Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor this nation can bestow, on the 100th Battalion, the 442nd RCT, and the Nisei who served in the Military Intelligence Service. Over 300 veterans of the 100th, the 442nd, and MIS from across the land, many in wheelchairs and some of them with oxygen tanks, received the honor at the US Capitol Building, Emancipation Hall. Eight members of Congress, led by former Speaker John Boehner, paid high tribute to the military role played by Nisei during WW II. National press coverage, including TV, was extensive.

Observing President Barack Obama sign the Nisei Congressional Gold Medal Bill into law on October 5, 2010, are (L-R) Osamu Fujikawa, Grant Ichikawa, Lynn Kanaya, COL(R) Jimmie Kanaya, Floyd Mori, behind Mori is Christine Sato-Yamazaki, Terry T. Shima, Kelly Kuwayama, U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, U.S. Congressman Bob Filner, U.S. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, U.S. Congressman Charles Djou, U.S. Congressman Michael Honda, and VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. Source: The White House.

Highlights of the three-day program included the US Congress presentation of the CGM at the US Capitol, US Army Tribute to the 100, 442, and MIS, laying of wreaths at the National WW II Memorial, a gala dinner, and a program at the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism, where the names of over 800 Nisei who died in line of duty are inscribed on a granite wall. The inclusion of MIS and arrangements of these events were made by the National Veterans Network (NVN), an association of Nisei organizations and supporters headed by Christine Sato-Yamazaki. Lieutenant General Joseph F. Peterson and Major General Antonio M. Taguba served as principal liaison with the US Army. VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki’s remarks at the CGM Gala Dinner can be read here.

Nisei Veterans of the 100th/442nd RCT and the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) have received the recognitions noted below: