US Hero, Korean-American Late Colonel Kim Young-ok to be Awarded Congressional Gold Medal

Korean-American Lawmakers Propose Bills, Honoring Heroic Actions, Leadership, and Humanitarian Efforts
Setting an Example Amid Rising Asian Hate Crimes

[Asia Economy International Desk Reporter] Korean-American U.S. Congress members have introduced a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the late Colonel Kim Young-ok, the first Asian-American combat battalion commander in the U.S. military and a war hero who embodied humanitarian spirit. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor awarded by the U.S. Congress.

Representatives Marilyn Strickland (Democrat, Washington), Andy Kim (Democrat, New Jersey), Young Kim (Republican, California), and Michelle Park Steel (Republican, California) announced on the 27th (local time) that they submitted the bill to Congress.

The bill includes awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to honor the heroic actions, leadership, and humanitarian practices demonstrated throughout the lifetime of the late Korean-American.

Representative Marilyn Strickland stated, "At a time when anti-Asian hate crimes are surging, we must recognize and promote the many contributions of the Asian-American community, including Colonel Kim, who left a legacy as a role model," explaining the background of the bill submission.

Representative Andy Kim said, "Colonel Kim bravely fought for the country while overcoming systemic racial barriers," urging the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Kim at a time when the Asian-Pacific community faces violence and discrimination.

Representative Young Kim praised the late Colonel’s lifelong dedication and achievements, saying, "Colonel Kim served the country from World War II through the Korean War, and his service to the nation and the Asian community continued even after his military discharge."

Representative Michelle Steel emphasized, "Colonel Kim devoted his life to saving lives and serving others," highlighting that he deserves the highest honor of the Congressional Gold Medal.

The late Colonel, son of independence activist Kim Soon-kwon, was born in Los Angeles (LA) and served as a U.S. military officer in World War II and the Korean War, earning distinguished military merits. He received the U.S. government’s Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Bronze Star, as well as the French Legion of Honor and the Korean Taeguk Order of Military Merit.

After his discharge in 1972, he led efforts to establish the Korean Health Information Center, the Korean American Coalition, and the Korean American Museum, dedicating his later years to caring for victims of domestic violence, comfort women, and Korean adoptees. He passed away in December 2005 in LA and was buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.