The Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino Veterans of WWII

Filipino and American veterans who served with the following units are eligible for this Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by the U.S. Congress to an individual or group that contributed to American culture and history:

• Philippine Scouts as part of the United States Forces in the Far East (USAFFE)

• 1st and 2nd Filipino Regiments

• Post-WWII “New” Philippine Scouts

These soldiers or next-of-kin can receive a bronze replica from the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetRep). If you are a veteran, related to one, or know of one that deserves this medal, click below to learn how to apply.

About the Medal

On November 30, 2016, the U.S. Congress passed the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015, Public Law 114-265, 130 Stat. 1376 (114th Cong.) (the “CGM Act”) granting the award to Filipino and American Veterans of World War II. The measure was signed into law by President Obama on December 14, 2016.

Eligibility

Section 3 of the CGM Act defines eligibility of “Filipino Veterans of World War II” as follows:

 a) the term “Filipino Veterans of World War II” includes any individual who served—

1) honorably at any time during the period beginning on July 26, 1941, and ending on December 31,1946;

2) in an active-duty status under the command of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East; and

(3)(A) 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, or the First Reconnaissance Battalion; or

(B) commanding or serving in a unit described in paragraph (3)(A) as a United States military officer or enlisted soldier;

​Eligibility is determined by FilVetRep based on your application. Learn more by clicking below.