This legislation proposes to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim, recognizing his exceptional heroism, leadership, and humanitarian efforts. Born to Korean American immigrants, Kim overcame racial discrimination to serve with distinction in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War. He was a decorated officer in the all-Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team, notably capturing German soldiers for intelligence during the Battle of Anzio, which contributed significantly to the fall of Rome.

During the Korean War, Kim became the first officer of color in U.S. history to command an Army battalion on the battlefield, and his unit uniquely sponsored an orphanage for over 500 children. After retiring as a Colonel, Kim dedicated his life to humanitarian causes, founding or co-founding numerous impactful organizations in Los Angeles. These include the Koreatown Youth and Community Center, the Center for the Pacific Asian Family, and the Korean Health, Education, Information and Research Center (KHEIR), which provides culturally sensitive healthcare to underserved communities.

Kim also played a pivotal role in establishing the Japanese American National Museum and the Go for Broke National Education Center, honoring Japanese American World War II soldiers. The bill mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the gold medal, which will then be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a sense of Congress that it be made available for public viewing, particularly at the National Portrait Gallery.