[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 153 (Thursday, September 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION HONORING ``GO FOR BROKE'' REGIMENTS WITH 
                        CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL

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                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 2008

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation 
recognizing the Japanese-American 100th Infantry Battalion and 442d 
Regimental Combat Team, commonly known as the ``Go For Broke'' 
regiments, for their dedicated service to our nation during World War 
II.
  These brave men served with pride, courage and conviction, waging a 
war on two fronts--abroad against a forceful and oppressive fascism, 
and at home against the intolerance of racial injustice. After the 
bombing of Pearl Harbor incited doubts about the loyalty of Japanese 
Americans, these brave men who enlisted to fight to protect our nation 
were faced with segregated training conditions, families and friends 
relocated to internment camps, and repeated questions about their 
combat abilities. At a time when they could have easily turned their 
backs on a country which had seemingly turned its back on them, these 
men chose the nobler, bolder, and more difficult route.
  The ``Go For Broke'' regiments went on to earn several awards for 
their distinctive service in combat, including: 7 Presidential Unit 
Citations, 21 Medals of Honor, 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 
Silver Stars, 22 Legion of Merit Medals, 15 Soldier's Medals, and 
nearly 10,000 Purple Hearts, among numerous additional distinctions. 
For their size and length of service, the 100th Infantry Battalion and 
the 442d Regimental Combat Team were the most decorated U.S. military 
units of the war. However, these regiments have yet to be honored with 
a Congressional Gold Medal.
  To answer the call of duty requires exceptional courage and 
sacrifice, but to respond with a vigor and persistence unaffected by 
those who sought to malign and impede their every achievement reveals 
an incredible spirit and admirable will. Please join me in honoring 
these courageous men by supporting the granting of a Congressional Gold 
Medal, collectively, to the U.S. Army's 100th Infantry Battalion and 
442d Regimental Combat Team.

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