Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act

House Bill

H.R. 819

119th Congress

Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 28, 2025

Primary Sponsor

David Kustoff

Representative

Republican

TN-8

Cosponsors

7

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Summary

This bill posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim for his achievements in heroism, leadership, and humanitarianism. Kim was a highly decorated Korean American Army officer who served in World War II and the Korean War, becoming the first Asian American to command a combat battalion.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim for his achievements in heroism, leadership, and humanitarianism. Kim was a highly decorated Korean American Army officer who served in World War II and the Korean War, becoming the first Asian American to command a combat battalion.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal ActThis bill provides for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim in recognition of his achievements and contributions to heroism, leadership, and humanitarianism.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for Col. Young Oak Kim
Recognizes heroism in WWII and Korean War
First Asian American combat battalion commander
Honors humanitarian contributions
Korean American military pioneer
Congress highest civilian honor

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Colonel Young Oak Kim overcame discrimination to become a highly decorated combat leader in two wars. As a Japanese American, he initially could not serve in the Pacific theater due to his ethnicity but became a legendary figure in the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team. His later humanitarian work with Korean War orphans added to his legacy. This recognition honors both his military valor and lifelong service to others.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Subjects

Conflicts and wars

Congressional tributes

Military history

Military personnel and dependents

Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers

Smithsonian Institution

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

819, 119th Congress (2025). "Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-819