Congress honors Korean American war hero and community builder
H.R. 819 — Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act · Filed by Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) · 7 cosponsors · Introduced Jan 28, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill authorizes Congress to award a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim, a Korean American military hero who served with distinction in World War II and the Korean War, then founded multiple community organizations serving immigrant and underserved populations in Los Angeles. The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the medal, house it at the Smithsonian Institution, and permits the sale of bronze duplicate medals to cover costs.
Why we flagged it
This is a straightforward Congressional Gold Medal bill honoring a deceased military officer and community leader. It contains no regulatory, tax, or appropriations provisions—only authorization to strike and display a medal.
Who it affects
This is a commemorative honor for a deceased public servant whose life exemplified both military valor and sustained civic contribution to vulnerable communities. The bill imposes no regulatory burden, no tax cost, and no private benefit carve-out; it is a transparent recognition of documented public service.