Senator Dianne Feinstein on Congressional Gold Medals for Filipino Veterans of World War II

 October 27, 2016

 Mr. James Patterson

San Francisco, California 94107

 Dear Mr. Patterson:

  Thank you for contacting me to express your support for legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino veterans of World War II. I appreciate the time you took to write, and I welcome the opportunity to respond.

  First, let me express my sincere appreciation for all current and former members of the Armed Forces who have answered the call to duty and selflessly sacrificed for our nation. I firmly believe those who serve our country with honor, courage, and distinction deserve our nation’s enduring gratitude for their service.  

  That is why I was proud to co-sponsor the “Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015” (S. 1555), which Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced on June 11, 2015. This bill would award a Congressional Gold Medal to veterans who served in the Philippine Commonwealth Army, the Philippine Scouts, the Philippine Constabulary, Recognized Guerrilla units, the New Philippine Scouts, the First or Second Filipino Infantry Regiments, or the First Reconnaissance Battalion during World War II. Service members who commanded or served in these units as a U.S. officer or enlisted soldier would also be eligible for a Congressional Gold Medal. As you may know, the Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States Congress.

I am pleased to inform you that S. 1555 passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent on July 14, 2016, and is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives.

Please know that I appreciate hearing of your support for this bill, and I will keep your views in mind should related legislation come before me in the Senate.

Once again, thank you for writing. I hope that you will continue to keep me informed about issues of importance to you. Should you have any further comments or questions, please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C., office at (202) 224-3841 or visit my website at www.feinstein.senate.gov. Best regards.

Sincerely,

Dianne Feinstein

                 United States Senator

DF:ar

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