WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Djou spoke on the House floor in support of S.1055 (H.R. 347) – granting the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.
His floor speech is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNDxHYJ2HZ8
According to the resolution’s findings, following the attack of Pearl Harbor the US Navy discharged all Japanese-American reservists and changed their draft status to “enemy alien.” On June 12, 1942, the 100th Infantry Battalion-comprised mostly of second generation Americans of Japanese ancestry-was activated and sent to train in Wisconsin. After a year and a half, the 100th Infantry Battalion was deployed to the Mediterranean and entered combat in Italy in September of 1943. The battalion went on to serve with distinction in Italy, southern France, and Germany. During their service, the 100th Battalion and their regiment received 7 Presidential Unit Citations, 21 Medals of Honor, 29 Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 Silver Stars, 4,000 Bronze Stars, 22 Legion of Merit Medals, 15 Soldier’s Medals, and over 4,000 Purple Hearts, among numerous additional distinctions. According to the resolution, the 100th Battalion’s regiment was the most decorated unit in the military for its size and length of service.