Frequently Asked Questions
Section I. Eligibility to Receive the Congressional Gold Medal
Q: Who is eligible to receive this bronze replica?
A: Chinese American Veterans who served:
Honorably at any time from December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946;
In an active-duty status under the command of the U.S. Army, Army Air Forces, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine; and
Commanding or serving in such a unit as a U.S. military officer or enlisted soldier.
Q: Will each eligible veteran receive a Congressional Gold Medal?
A: Only one Congressional Gold Medal will be minted and housed in the Smithsonian and/or a comparable national museum NOTE: The public law only stipulates and authorizes Congress to only encumber the U.S. government with the design and minting of one (1) Congressional Gold Medal. Any other costs associated with the Congressional Gold Medal, including, but not limited to, the purchase of bronze replicas and any associated paraphernalia are beyond the scope of the government’s responsibility. The Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project, including the primary proponents (C.A.C.A. and C.A.C.A. CIF) and organizations and groups who have pre-arranged collaborative authorizations, is continuing to raise funds to purchase bronze replicas for eligible veterans at no cost to them. It is the one gesture of giving that will demonstrate our appreciation for the paths every Veteran tread before us. (Click here for Ways to Donate, to support this cause.)
Q: Are veterans expected to pay for the bronze replica of the CGM?
A: Medal replicas presented to eligible veterans and if deceased, the surviving spouse of the closest next of kin by the Project are free of charge and include a special commemorative printing of Public Law 115-337 which will be funded through public and private donations.
Please note that as in accordance with the law, bronze replicas of the Chinese American WWII Veterans Congressional Gold Medal will be available for sale to the general public (scheduled in mid-2020). Bronze replicas for other Congressional Gold Medals are also available as the law allows for purchase via the U.S. Mint’s online catalog.
Q: How can I support a Veteran for the CGM? Can I designate a donation in honor of or in memory of a Veteran, whether related or not?
A: Yes, many are only now hearing that Chinese Americans served in highly disproportionate numbers during WWII and demonstrated equal levels of duty, patriotism, and honor in service to this country. Everyone who recognizes their selfless service should ensure that each Veteran receive their Medal at no cost to them. Honorary and memorial gifts to the Project are highly encouraged so we may remember each Veteran. (Click here for Ways to Donate, and note your contribution as an honorary or memorial gift by specifying the Veteran’s name.)
Q: Are families of deceased veterans eligible to receive a bronze replica of the CGM?
A: Yes, the closest surviving relative of the eligible deceased veteran may receive a bronze duplicate of the CGM on behalf of the veteran. However, it is the deceased veteran, not the next-of-kin, who is considered the awardee of the CGM under Public Law 115-337.
Section II. Applying for the Congressional Gold Medal
Q: How do I apply for this bronze replica?
A: Go to www.caww2.org, click “REGISTER VETERANS” and “SUBMIT INFORMATION” to complete the CGM application form. There are instructions, including uploading requisite documents. Review “REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS” for a list of acceptable requisite documents. NOTE: The applicant (or Primary Point of Contact Name) requesting consideration for the award must either be the Veteran, their spouse, immediate next of kin, or an individual authorized (via written signature authority) to act on behalf of the Veteran and family. The bronze replica is not given to any individuals or groups who apply without consent or knowledge of the Veteran or their family.
Q. What kind of information is required to qualify for the CGM?
A: The veteran’s Military Service Number, Date of Birth, Branch of Service and Unit, Date and Location of Service and current address. DO NOT SEND ANY ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. In the absence of the above information, other relevant information may be used by the Project’s “CGM Review Committee” to determine whether the veteran qualifies under Public Law 115-337. Review “REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS” for a list of acceptable requisite documents.
Q. What if I do not have any documentation for the veteran?
A: Below are resources to obtain more information and evidence of veterans’ service:
National Archives
National Personnel Records Center
Access to Archival Database
U.S. Veteran Affairs Records
Q. What is the deadline for applying to receive the Medal?
A: Applicants are encouraged to register the Veteran at www.caww2.org as soon as they have suitable documentation to complete the application. The Project will continue to fundraise to meet additional approved applicants’ request as needed.
Section III. Approval and Presentation of Medals
Q. How will I know if my application is approved?
A: The Veteran or applicant submitting as the Point of Contact person will be notified by a member of the Project team who will certify your documentation and/or eligibility. All certified names, including next-of-kin (for deceased veterans) are compiled and maintained in a Project Registry database which it owns. All information submitted to this database shall be for the purpose of verifying a Veteran’s eligibility to receive this Congressional Gold Medal and for non-commercial purposes of disseminating information to the public about the merits of the Project. It may take up to 45-60 days to review and certify after date of entry with “good order” documents.
(Submissions requiring additional information after the initial registration will delay a final verification.)
Q. When will the replicas be presented? Do I have to go to Washington, DC?
A: The Chinese American WWII Veterans Congressional Gold Medal will initially be unveiled and presented on a date to be determined by Congress in spring 2020 in Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol. The Project will present CGM bronze replicas to Veterans /or designated family representatives in a National Gala Celebration later that day, based on veterans duly entered in the Project Registry.
As more details become available, the Project will provide travel information for the unveiling and the presentation gala at Washington DC. Understanding that many Veterans may be willing, but aren’t able to travel, there are plans to conduct Regional Ceremonies in cities where records indicate there are large numbers of confirmed Chinese American Veterans and/or their surviving family members. These ceremonies will take place after the DC Gala and through 2020. All eligible recipients unable to attend the Washington DC events are highly encouraged to attend a Regional Ceremony to personally receive this prestigious award.
Section IV. Ways to Get Involved
Q. Will community and service organizations be involved in the Project’s work?
A: Yes. Local and national community and veterans’ service organizations, including the American Legion, Chinatown and Cathay Posts, VFW’s, Chinese American historical societies, etc., and other organized groups will take part in this Project. Where a local lodge of the C.A.C.A. exists, the Project may enlist their local leadership and members to become that area’s lead organizer of the effort under our direction. The Project will seek community volunteers for assistance as the National Gala logistics are identified and especially when and where the Regional Ceremonies will be. A “Call for Volunteers” will be issued via the www.caww2.org site.
Q. How can the Chinese American community help in making the Project a success?
A: The community may publicize the Project, hold events to raise awareness, contribute financially, partake in public education efforts, and urge their elected U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives in Congress, local officials and community leaders to support our Project.
The immediate needs are for financial support of the Project. Whether you’re applying for a relative who’s a Veteran or are encouraged by the selfless, dutiful service of this special group of Veterans a donation is a gesture of thanks and appreciation. Donations can be made through www.caww2.org by going to “Ways to Donate.” Your tax-deductible, charitable contribution, as a check payable to “National C.A.C.A. CIF”, may also be sent directly to:
National C.A.C.A. CIF
ATTN: M. Kwok, Treasurer
P.O. Box 451261
Los Angeles, CA 90045-1261
Moreover, the Chinese American community is encouraged to share this information with other ethnicities and communities and remind people that the story of these veterans is, at its core, an AMERICAN story. The military service these soldiers provided, the role they played in preserving our democracy, and their perseverance in the face of adversity, speak to American core values.
Q. Where can we go to find out or contact for more information on this Project?
A: You can use the Contact Form on the Project website at: https://www.caww2.org/contact/.
Section V. About the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project
Q: What is the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project?
A: The mission of the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project is to recognize, honor, and celebrate the military service of Chinese Americans who fought in the Second World War through advocacy, education and preservation. Our work is to ensure that the achievements and contributions of the” greatest generation” will never be forgotten.
The Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project is a program of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance (C.A.C.A.), a 501(c)8, and the National Chinese American Citizens Alliance Community Involvement Fund (C.A.C.A. CIF), a 501(c)3. Together we are spearheading a national campaign to identify, honor and recognize the efforts and accomplishments of all Chinese Americans who served in the United States Armed Services in World War II. Both entities are community-based, all-volunteer national initiatives whose mission is to obtain national recognition of Chinese American WWII soldiers across the United States for their wartime service to the U.S. from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 and to raise this awareness through academic research and public information. The C.A.C.A. was incorporated as a fraternal organization under the laws of the State of California, and the C.A.C.A. CIF was subsequently granted 501(c)(3) status as a tax-exempt public charity by the Internal Revenue Service.
Q: How does the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project seek to accomplish its mission?
A: The organization engages in public information, education, academic scholarship, advocacy, community engagement, and fundraising to achieve recognition for Chinese American World War II veterans.
On December 20, 2018, President Donald J. Trump signed the Chinese American WWII Veteran Congressional Gold Medal Act into law, accomplishing a major legislative goal of the Project. The organization’s ongoing activities now focus on four priority tasks: (1) fundraising to make sure that veterans and/or their surviving family members receive the Congressional Gold Medal bronze replica in recognition of their service, as well as to fund a planned educational initiative; (2) documentation through the continued creation of a registry of veterans and/or their surviving family members; (3) engagement with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History with respect to the exhibition of the Congressional Gold Medal within the NMAH and, potentially, other museums; and (4) the development and launch of a digital exhibition leading to the creation of an educational program, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, educational and non-profit institutions, and community members to ensure the lasting legacy of these veterans and their impact on our country.
Achievement of these four tasks is strictly dependent upon the level of generous donations and financial support to be realized through vigorous efforts by individuals and affinity groups.
Under the direction of the C.A.C.A. and the C.A.C.A. CIF, the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project is overseen by volunteer members of the Recognition Project Leadership, Congressional Gold Medal Design Committee, Congressional Gold Medal Review Committee, and Military Advisory Committee. Subcommittees to be formed include the Fundraising Committee and Regional Planning Committee. Current members serve at the will of the C.A.C.A. and C.A.C.A. CIF and are identified at: https://www.caww2.org/leadership.
Q: What is the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal? A: 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 September 12, 2018, the U.S. Senate passed S.1050, Chinese American World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, and on December 12, 2018, the House of Representatives passed final legislation granting this award to Chinese American Veterans of World War II.
On December 20, 2018, President Donald J. Trump signed this bill enacting it as Public Law 115-337, the “Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act” awards a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to Chinese American veterans, in recognition of their service to the United States during World War II.
These veterans now join a short list of other military units that overcame discrimination, language, and assimilation challenges to serve honorably in WWII and have received the Congressional Gold Medal, including the Tuskegee Airmen, the Native American Code Talkers, the Nisei Japanese American veterans, the Women's Air Service Pilots, the Filipino American veterans and now, the Chinese American veterans. Past Congressional Gold Medals for these recipients can be seen on the web site for the U.S. Mint at: https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/medals. A complete listing of all CGM awardees is available at http://history.house.gov/Institution/Gold-Medal/Gold-Medal- Recipients/
Q: Who designs the Congressional Gold Medal and who can provide input?
A: The Public Law directs that the U.S. Mint will convene a meeting with the primary sponsor, Chinese American Citizens Alliance, and the Project’s Congressional Gold Medal Committee to work through the process of providing historical depictions that best represent the role and service of Chinese Americans during this war. Following these guidance preferences, artists will work toward conceptualizing a variety of renditions of both the obverse (front) and the reverse (back) of the CGM and present to the Committee for comment, which will require iterations. Once a final rendition is approved, it is also reviewed by additional citizen and artistic review committees and government agencies with final approval given by the Secretary of the Treasury. This process typically requires 4-6 months.
Q: Does the CGM include monetary or other benefits?
A: No. This award only grants recognition. It does not include any form of monetary compensation or other benefits. It is not related to nor intended to be used for eligibility for veterans’ benefits, compensation, or immigration in any way. The only appropriation mandated by this law is for the minting of one (1) Congressional Gold Medal.
Section VI. For More Information
For general information: cgminfo@caww2.org
For status of an application: status@caww2.org
For corporate sponsorships: sponsorships@caww2.org\
For How to Volunteer (for upcoming events): volunteer@caww2.org
For Press Inquiries: news@caww2.org
To send contributions directly to the National Chinese American Citizens Alliance Community Involvement Fund (“National C.A.C.A. CIF”), use the following address:
National C.A.C.A. CIF
ATTN: M. Kwok, Treasurer
P.O. Box 451261
Los Angeles, CA 90045-1261