The Congressional Gold Medal Tribute to Filipino WWII Veterans

Filipino soldiers played a crucial role during World War II, fighting alongside American troops under the U.S. command. Despite their significant contributions, many Filipino Veterans were denied the promised benefits and recognition. This month's Congressional Gold Medal recognition delves into the history, struggles and recent legislative efforts to rectify these injustices.

In the early 1940s, the U.S. recruited both Filipino Americans and Filipino nationals to fight under U.S. command, assuring them the same benefits as American soldiers. Approximately 250,000 Filipino men joined the U.S. Armed Forces around the time of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. They fought in numerous battles across the Philippine islands, including the infamous Bataan Death March, where between 60,000 and 80,000 Filipinos and Americans were forced to march approximately 65 miles to confinement camps.

After the war, the U.S. Congress passed the Rescission Act of 1946, which stripped many Filipino Veterans of the benefits they were promised due to budget concerns. This act replaced the promised benefits with a single $200 million payment to the Philippine government. Despite this, in 1990, President George H.W. Bush enacted a law granting citizenship to Filipino nationals who fought in the war. Later, in 2009, President Obama signed a law granting a lump sum of $15,000 to surviving Filipino Veterans who were American citizens, and $9,000 to non-citizens.

On October 25, 2017, Filipino World War II Veterans were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony held in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol. This event marked a significant moment of recognition for the approximately 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who served under the U.S. command during World War II. The medal was presented to those who served honorably in various units, including the Philippine Commonwealth Army, the Philippine Scouts and recognized guerrilla units. During the ceremony, VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin acknowledged the Veterans' heroism and courage, stating, "You've waited a long time for this recognition for this heroism and courage, and you are remarkable warriors who deserve the Congressional Gold Medal." The coin highlights the theme "Duty to Country" with a scroll bearing the years 1941, 1945 and 1946, denoting three key phases of WWII service and the four major campaigns: Bataan and Corregidor, Luzon, Leyte, and Southern Philippines.

Despite these recognitions, many Filipino Veterans and their families have struggled to claim earned benefits due to the lack of proper documentation. The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act aims to address these issues by expanding the kinds of military documentation accepted for benefits eligibility and offering a need-based death pension to the remaining survivors.

The story of Filipino WWII Veterans is one of bravery, sacrifice and a long struggle for recognition. While recent legislative efforts and national recognitions have provided some relief, the fight for full benefits continues. It is vital to honor these Veterans and ensure their stories are remembered and their service properly compensated.