Congratulating Averett University in Danville, Virginia, for 150 years of service and leadership to the United States.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of this legislation granting the Congressional Gold Medal

to the Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, commonly known as the Go For Broke regiments, for their dedicated service to our Nation during World War II.

It is an honor and a pleasure to offer a humble contribution to this storied and inspirational group of men who answered their country's call in the face of tremendous adversity.

Today we pay tribute to these regiments who served our Nation at great risk and to those who sacrificed all for our freedom. These men served the Nation at a pivotal moment in our history, displaying their heroism and courage on two fronts, abroad in the fight against fascism and at home against the intolerance of racial injustice.

The bombing of Pearl Harbor incited doubts in many Americans about the loyalty of Japanese Americans. These men who enlisted to protect our Nation were faced with segregated training conditions, families and friends relocated to internment camps, and repeated questions about their combat ability.

To answer the call of duty requires exceptional courage and sacrifice. 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. At a time when they could have easily turned their backs on the country that had sent their families to internment camps, these men chose instead to serve and to inspire, carrying the burden of knowing that at every step through successful missions and failures they would be judged not simply on effort or ability but also by the color of their skin. These men created a shining example of patriotism, courage and skill.

The story of the Japanese American regiments begins 6 weeks after December 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Navy. Inspired by a growing hysteria and xenophobia in late January 1942, the U.S. Army discharged all Japanese Americans in the Reserve Officer Training Corps and made them ineligible for the draft. Similarly, Japanese Americans in the military on the mainland were segregated out of their units.

Following President Roosevelt's issuance of Executive Order 9066, which authorized the internment of tens of thousands of American citizens of Japanese ancestry and resident aliens from Japan, on May 3, 1942, General John L. DeWitt issued Civilian Exclusion Order No. 346, ordering all people of Japanese ancestry, whether citizens or noncitizens, to report to assembly centers where they would live until being moved to permanent relocation centers.

In June of 1942, 1,432 predominantly Nisei, that is second-generation Americans of Japanese ancestry, members of the Hawaii Provisional Infantry Battalion were shipped from the Hawaiian Islands to Oakland, California, where the 100th Infantry Battalion was activated on June 12, 1942, and then shipped to Camp McCoy in Wisconsin for training.

Thanks to the excellent training record of the 100th Infantry Battalion, petitions from prominent civilian and military personnel helped convince President Roosevelt and the war department to reopen military service to Nisei volunteers.

In early 1943 the 100th Infantry Battalion was transferred to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, where it trained with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Though the combat team was ready to deploy shortly thereafter, the battalion was refused by General Eisenhower due to lingering concerns over the loyalty and patriotism of the Nisei.

Eventually their exemplary training record convinced the naysayers, and the 100th Infantry Battalion was deployed to the Mediterranean where they entered combat in Italy on September 26, 1943.

Due to their bravery and valor, members of the battalion were honored with six awards of the Distinguished Service Cross in the first 8 weeks of combat.

The 442nd Regimental Combat Team arrived in Italy in June of 1944 where the 100th Infantry Battalion was formally integrated as a part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. As a unit, these regiments fought for the last 11 months of the war with selfless distinction in Italy, southern France and Germany, earning the nickname the Go For Broke regiments. These regiments went on to earn several awards for their distinctive service in combat including, as we have heard from my colleague, seven Presidential Unit Citations, 21 Medals of Honor, 29 Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 Silver Stars, 4,000 Bronze Stars, 22 Legion of Merit Medals, 15 Soldier's Medals and over 4,000 Purple Hearts, among numerous additional distinctions.

For their size and their length of service, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team were the most decorated U.S. military units of the war. Their performance in combat revealed their ability as remarkable soldiers. But their poise, courage and patriotism showed also they were very remarkable men. They looked to support from their interned family, friends and communities. And in turn, their service and commitment inspired those supporters back home to pursue new-found aspirations of their own.

The Go For Broke regiments were not the only servicemen of Asian Pacific-Islander dissent to serve in World War II. Today we also recognize those groups who faced similarly daunting conditions at home and abroad. The Military Intelligence Service, the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, the 1399th Combat Engineer Company, the Women's Army Corps, the Filipino Scouts and other heralded units.

The Go For Broke and other Japanese American brave men and women who have served deserve our continual rededication and appreciation. The debt we owe them is immeasurable. Without their service, our country would surely not shine so brightly, stand so boldly or live so freely.

As our Nation endures these trying times, we can look to the example of the Go For Broke regiments to provide us with courage in the future. These men left the segregated country to fight, and unfortunately they returned to one. They defended America with no guarantee that their own freedom would be defended in return. Their true heroism lies in how they fought for the values of America, equality, justice, and opportunity, even when those values were not fully extended to them.

We will continue to look towards their example to provide hope to our communities, to look past our differences and to unite around our common bonds.

Men and women are able to serve their country today without regard to ethnicity, race or nationality because of what these men endured and accomplished.

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 the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

I do want to thank my good friend, the gentleman from North Carolina, for giving me time to speak, and especially also to commend my good friend from California (Mr. Schiff) for his sponsorship of this important bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 347, to grant the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.

I want to also thank my colleagues from the State of Hawaii. I am sure they will be here later hopefully, my good friends and colleagues, Congressman Abercrombie and Ms. Hirono.

As a former member of the 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry Group, Madam Speaker, I would like to share with you the contributions of tens of thousands of Japanese American soldiers who volunteered to fight our Nation's enemies in Europe during World War II.

After the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, by the Imperial Armed Forces of Japan, there was such an outrage and public outcry

for an all-out war against Japan. Days after we were attacked, President Roosevelt and the Congress immediately formally declared war against Japan. Out of this retaliation against Japan, hundreds and thousands of Americans were caught in this crossfire. These Americans just happened to be of Japanese ancestry.

Our national government immediately implemented a policy, whereby over 100,000 Japanese Americans were forced to live in what were then called relocation camps but were actually more like prisoner concentration camps.

Their lands, their homes and their properties were confiscated by the military without any due process of law. One of our former colleagues and former Secretary of Transportation, Congressman Norm Mineta, and the late Congressman Bob Matsui from Sacramento spent the early years of their lives in these concentration camps.

Secretary Mineta shared one of the interesting features of these concentration camps, where there were many machine gun nests posted all over the camps. Everyone in the camp was told that these machine guns were necessary to protect them against rioters or others who wanted to harm them. But then Secretary Mineta observed, if these machine guns were to posted to guard us and to protect us, why is it that they are all directed, aimed inside the prison camp and not outside? It was a time in our Nation's history when there was so much hatred and bigotry and racism displayed against our Japanese American community.

Despite all this, the White House at the time reluctantly accepted the request of tens of thousands of Japanese Americans to volunteer to join the Army, thus leaving their wives, their parents, their brothers and sisters behind barbed fences at these concentration camps. As a result of such volunteerism, two combat units were organized. The 100th Battalion and the 442nd Infantry Combat Group were created and immediately were sent to Europe to fight our enemies there.

Madam Speaker, in my humble opinion, history speaks for itself in documenting that none have shed their blood more valiantly for our Nation than these Japanese American soldiers who served in these two units while fighting enemy forces in Europe and World War II. The military records of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry are without equal. These Japanese American soldiers suffered an unprecedented casualty rate of 314 percent and received over 18,000 individual decorations, many awarded posthumously for bravery and courage in the field of battle.

For your information, these units collectively received 53 Distinguished Service Crosses, the second highest medal given for heroism in combat, 560 Silver Stars, the third highest in combat, 9,486 Purple Hearts, and 7 Presidential Unit Citations, the Nation's top award for combat units, were all awarded to these Japanese American units.

I find it unusual, however, at the time that only one Medal of Honor was awarded. Nonetheless, the 442nd Combat Group emerged as the most decorated combat unit of its size in the history of the United States Army.

A sad commentary, Madam Speaker, when these Japanese soldiers, full of decorations, coming back wounded couldn't even get a haircut in San Francisco simply because they were Japanese Americans.

President Truman was so moved by their bravery in the field of battle as well as the sacrifices of our African American soldiers during World War II that he issued an Executive Order to finally, finally desegregate all the branches of the armed services in our Nation.

I am proud to say that we must recognize Senator Daniel Inouye and the late highly respected Senator Spark Matsunaga, both from Hawaii, who distinguished themselves in battle as soldiers of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry.

It was while fighting in Europe that Senator Inouye lost his arm while engaged in personal combat with two German machine gun posts. For his heroism, he was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross.

As a result of a congressional mandate that was passed in 1999 to review again the military records of these two combat units, President Clinton then presented 19 additional Congressional Medals of Honor to these Japanese American soldiers who were numbered in those two combat units. Senator Inouye was also one of those recipients of a Medal of Honor, and I was privileged to witness this historical event at a White House ceremony.

It is only proper, Madam Speaker, that we honor these soldiers and their families for their patriotism and courage by awarding them with the Congressional Gold Medal. I find encouraging that even at times when these Japanese Americans were segregated and isolated because of their ethnicity or racial background they managed to find the greatest courage to volunteer and fight for our country. And for many other volunteers, they gave the ultimate sacrifice to fight for something they strongly and truly believed in, and thus truly, the Go For Broke spirit.

The Go For Broke slogan, Madam Speaker, was a pidgin English phrase the boys from Hawaii used meaning, ``give it all you got,'' ``don't give up,'' ``give 'em hell,'' and ``no retreat, no matter what.''

I urge my colleagues to support this important bill. Again, I thank the gentleman from California for sponsoring this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I also rise today in strong support of H.R. 347, introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff), and I seek its immediate passage.

This bill, cosponsored by 295 Members, would award a Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the United States Army's 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in recognition of their exemplary service during the Second World War.

In 1941, more than 5,000 Japanese Americans served in the various branches of the United States Armed Forces, but that changed dramatically after the terrible attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Immediately, many Japanese Americans were classified unfit for military service or as enemy aliens, even if they were second generation Japanese Americans, known as ``nisei,'' born in the United States.

In June of 1942, the 1,400 members of the Hawaii Provisional Infantry Battalion were shipped from the islands to Oakland, where they formed into the 100th Infantry Battalion and were sent to Wisconsin for training. Eight months later, based on the battalion's excellent training record, President Roosevelt and the War Department agreed to let the other nisei into the service, which led to the formation of the 442nd.

Madam Speaker, the 100th Infantry Battalion was deployed to the Italian front in late September of 1943 and, while it encountered heavy fighting, acquitted itself so well its members earned six Distinguished Service Crosses in their first 2 months of action. The 442nd arrived in the Italian theater 6 months later, and the two units joined together, fighting with distinction in Italy, France and Germany for the remainder of the war.

Together, it is important to note that they received seven Presidential Unit Citations, 21 Medals of Honor, 29 Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 Silver Stars with 28 Oak Leaf Clusters, 4,000 Bronze Stars with 1,200 Oak Leaf Clusters, 22 Legion of Merit Medals, 15 Soldier's Medals, 12 French Croix de Guerre with two Palms, two Italian Crosses for Military Valor, two Italian Medals for Military Valor, and more than 9,000 Purple Hearts. It is these Purple Hearts that gave the 100th Battalion the nickname ``the Purple Heart Battalion.''

Madam Speaker, in a war that was filled with heroes, a war that gave us the Greatest Generation, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team clearly stand out. They truly lived up to their motto, ``go for broke,'' and set a standard for bravery and valor. This bill provides for the awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their service and their bravery. The medal will be given to the Smithsonian for display and research purposes.

Madam Speaker, this award is long past due. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff) for taking the lead on this important legislation. I urge its immediate passage.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, at this time I have no other speakers.

I would like to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, it is very fitting as we have heard from the author of the bill and from others on the floor of the body today that we award the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of courage, skill, service and bravery to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

I would urge my colleagues to support H.R. 347.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 347) congratulating Averett University in Danville, Virginia, for 150 years of service and leadership to the United States.

Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 347 into the Record.

Thank you. I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 347, which celebrates Averett University's 150 years of service and leadership to the Commonwealth of Virginia and to our United States.

Originally founded in 1859 as an educational institution for women, Union Female College grew to what is now known as Averett University. For the past 150 years, Averett University has remained steadfast in its commitment to its students and to its community. With a mission of preparing students for a lifetime of success, Averett University has a renowned liberal arts curriculum that provides individuals with the skills necessary to succeed on campus and beyond.

Demonstrating a spirit of innovation that dates back to 1859, Averett University was one of the first universities in Virginia to offer a business degree program for working adults. Because of its reputation, Averett University places nearly 100 percent of its education program graduates in employment positions each year. In fact, numerous students have job offers prior to even completing their student teaching. With faculty members that are successful entrepreneurs, artists, and scientists, Averett University students are prepared to succeed inside and outside the classroom.

Since its inception, Averett University students have been dedicated to the surrounding community. This commitment continues to this day with students now participating in service organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, and the Boys and Girls Club. With more than 20,800 alumni in 50 States and 38 countries, this commitment now spreads the globe.

As the university celebrates 150 years of achievement, may it renew its commitment and passion to service, to its students, and its community. Madam Speaker, I again congratulate Averett University. And I thank Congressman Perriello for bringing this resolution forward. I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, the history of Averett University is well documented and has been of service to so many students who are achieving their professional goals. They have inspired them in the classroom, and they have encouraged a community responsiveness within its student body that continues as a tradition.

With all of that being said, I congratulate Congressman Perriello for the resolution and encourage my colleagues to support the resolution.

I yield back my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R 347,

which grants the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

More than 20,000 Nisei soldiers enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II, collectively earning 21 Medals of Honor, 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, 559 Silver Stars, 4,000 Bronze Stars, nine Presidential Unit Citations, and 9,486 Purple Hearts.

The 100th Battalion played a pivotal role in our nation's military history. The unit was the first all-Japanese American Nisei military unit, and was formed from the Japanese--Americans who comprised a large part of the Hawaiian National Guard. These Nisei were sent to Camp McCoy, Wisconsin for combat training and later were moved to Camp Shelby, Mississippi for additional training.

Approximately 14,000 individuals served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, including the 100th Infantry Battalion, which became the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in American military history. The 442nd saw the highest percentage of casualties of any unit in the Army, earning it the nickname ``Purple Heart Battalion.'' The 442nd is an example which highlights the stellar performance of these Nisei soldiers.

These men fought for the U.S. and its allies across Europe in many key battles. The 442nd fought eight major campaigns in France, Germany, and Italy. Most notably, the 442nd suffered more than 800 casualties to free 211 members of a Texas unit who were trapped by the Germans in the rescue of the Lost Battalion. Additionally, the Japanese American soldiers liberated towns such as Brueyeres, Biffontaine, and Belvedere. They also were among the first Allied troops to liberate the Dachau concentration camp in Germany.

Though many of their families were unjustly incarcerated in internment camps after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans still fought to prove their loyalty to the United States of America and helped pave the way for full racial integration of the Armed Forces. They adopted the phrase ``Remember Pearl Harbor'' as their motto.

This bill will bring long overdue recognition to the unique sacrifice these soldiers made overcoming racial hatred at home, serving honorably overseas, and helping change the course of history with their bravery. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Battalion have earned the Congressional Gold Medal.

I am a proud original cosponsor of H.R. 347 and I commend my colleague, Representative Adam Schiff, for his work in bringing this legislation to the floor today. I urge my colleagues to support the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion, and honor the service of our nation's Nisei veterans.