What is the Filipino World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal (CGM)?

The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by the U.S. Congress. The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom are the highest civilian awards in the United States. On December 2017, it granted this award to Filipino Veterans of World War II.

Enacted as Public Law 114-265, the “Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015” awards a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to Filipino veterans, in recognition of their service to the United States during World War II.

These veterans now join other military units that overcame discrimination and other challenges to serve honorably in WWII and that have received the Congressional Gold Medal, including: the Tuskegee Airmen, the Nisei Japanese American veterans, the Borinquineers, the Women's Air Service Pilots, and more. Past Congressional Gold Medals for these recipients can be seen on the web site for the U.S. Mint. at mint.gov: https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/medals.

The Mission

To conduct research and public education and obtain National recognition of the Filipino and American World WWII soldiers for their wartime service to the United States and Philippines from July 26, 1941 to December 31, 1946.

Eligibility

The “Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015” (Public 114-265, Dec 14, 2016) shall apply to Soldiers who served honorably at any time during the period beginning July 26, 1941, and ending December 31, 1946 -- (1) in an active-duty status under the command of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East; or (2) within the Philippine Commonwealth Army, Philippine Scouts, Philippine Constabulary, Recognized Guerrilla units, New Philippine Scouts, First Filipino Infantry Regiment, Second Filipino Infantry Battalion (Separate), and First Reconnaissance Battalion

Fundraiser

Under PL 114-265, Congress will award the Congressional Gold Medal and provide funds to mint a single gold medal. Replicas, recognition events, educational materials development and public engagement campaigns will be covered by donations, grants, and in-kind support.

Log in to www.filvetsrecognition.org Select your choice to donate: Pay Pal, Credit Card, or Mail in by check or money order. ALL proceeds will fund all project phases: purchase of the bronze replicas, education program, and events.

History

• During World War II, the Philippines was a Commonwealth of the United States. In July 26, 1941, as tensions with Japan rose in the Pacific, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called into the service of the United States all the organized military forces of the Philippines.
• The United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) was established with Manila designated as the command headquarters.
• USAFFE included the Philippine Scouts, Philippine Commonwealth Army, Philippine Constabulary, and Recognized Guerrilla Units.
• In December 20, 1941, President Roosevelt signed a law which allowed Filipinos in the United States to enlist in the Armed Forces which led to the formation of the 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments. -More than 260,000 Filipino soldiers fought in World War II. Over 57,000 were killed in action, thousands more wounded for life, and hundreds were missing in action. An estimated 15,000 to 18,000 soldiers are still living in the U.S. and Philippines.
• They fought and died in the same manner and under the same circumstances as other members of the US Armed Forces during WWII.

Phases

Phase 1 - The Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the Filipino Veterans of WWII by Congress on Nov 30, 2016. President Barack Obama signed the bill into law on December 14, 2016. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest award bestowed by U.S. Congress to an individual or group who performed a significant achievement that has impact in American history and culture.

Phase 2 – Presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal by the U.S. Speaker of the House to the Filipino Veterans of WWII.

Phase 3 — Design and implement an Education Program to enshrine and preserve the historical significance of the Congressional Gold Medal of the Filipino Veterans of WWII.

For more Information

Website
On Facebook
Donations

Contact

FilVetsRecognition@gmail.com

“The Veterans accomplished their mission in wartime. We must accomplish our mission to honor them eternally.”


I AM A WARRIOR
AND MEMBER OF THE TEAM
I WILL ALWAYS PLACE THE
MISSION FIRST
I WILL NEVER ACCEPT DEFEAT
I WILL NEVER QUIT
I WILL NEVER LEAVE A
FALLEN COMRADE
- (U.S. Army Soldier’s Creed)