Filipino veterans receive gold medal

A Congressional Gold Medal was awarded Oct. 25 to Filipino veterans of World War II.

Bronze duplicates of the medal then went on sale on the United States Mint website.

The presentation ceremony occurred in Emancipation Hall of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

According to the Mint’s press release, the gold medal was awarded collectively to those who served honorably in an active duty status between July 26, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946, under the command of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) within the Philippine Commonwealth Army, the Philippine Scouts, the Philippine Constabulary, recognized guerrilla units, the New Philippine Scouts, the First Filipino Infantry Regiment, the Second Filipino Infantry Battalion (Separate), or the First Reconnaissance Battalion, including those commanding or serving as U.S. military officers or enlisted soldiers.

The Philippines were an American colony at the time, not granted independence until 1946.

Filipino, Filipino-American and American soldiers defended U.S. sovereign territory under USAFFE command after President Roosevelt’s call-to-arms in July 1941 to address rising tensions with Japan in the Pacific. Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii Dec. 7, 1941. It invaded the Philippines shortly afterward.

The Mint says the obverse displays part of the range and breadth of the Filipino Veterans’ service in World War II.

The medal’s reverse displays both the American and Filipino World War II-era flags.

Collectors may purchase three-inch bronze medals for $39.95 each or 1.5-inch medals for $6.95 each.

Visit www.usmint.gov for more information.

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