Recognizing Our Soldiers

Obverse
Features Nisei (second generation Americans of Japanese ancestry) soldiers from both the European and Pacific theaters. The 442nd RCT color guard is depicted in the lower field of the medal.

Reverse
Depicts the insignias of the 100th INF BN, 442nd RCT and MIS. The 100th INF BN insignia features a taro leaf and a traditional Hawaiian helmet, both of which are emblematic of the unit’s Hawaiian roots. The “Go for Broke” Torch of Liberty shoulder patch represents the 442nd RCT. The MIS insignia is represented by a sphinx, a traditional symbol of secrecy. The inscriptions on the outer rim are the titles of the three units represented on the medal. In addition, the years “1941–1946,” the defined years of World War II according to the Department of Defense, are inscribed in the upper right field of the medal. The three stars positioned along the border represent the three units being honored.

A Congressional Gold Medal is created by the United States Mint to commemorate the achievements for which the medal is awarded. The U.S. Mint commissioned artists to produce three designs for the Nisei Soldier Congressional Gold Medal. The National Veterans Network established a Gold Medal Design Committee which worked with World War II veterans nationwide to review medal designs and to ensure historical accuracy. 90 surviving veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd RCT and Military Intelligence Service recommended a preferred design for the obverse and reverse side of the medal. The recommendation was presented to the Fine Arts Commission and Citizen Advisory Coinage Commission which approved the design in May 2011.

The Award Ceremony

TThe Nisei Soldier Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony was planned by the U.S. House of Representative Speaker in collaboration with the National Veterans Network. The ceremony was held at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington DC on November 2, 2011. More than 2,500 World War II veterans and veteran families witnessed the historic event. A three-day celebration was held that included a World War II Memorial & Bronze Star Ceremony, wreath presentation at the National World War II Memorial and memorial program at the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism and a Celebration Dinner.

About the Congressional Gold Medal

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award bestowed by the United States Congress. The medal is awarded to an individual or a group who performs an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States. U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff introduced bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team. It unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives on May 14, 2009. After a nationwide grassroots campaign organized by NVN, it passed the United States Senate on September 23, 2010, which included the Military Intelligence Service. It became public law No. 111-254 with the official signing of the bill by President Barack Obama on October 5, 2010 in the White House Oval Office.