U.S. Reps. French Hill (R-AR) and Sam Graves (R-MO) have sponsored bipartisan legislation that aims to recognize minorities who served during World War I.
The World War I Valor Medals Review Act, H.R. 2249, would require a review of the military records of minority service members of the Armed Forces from WWI to determine if they should be awarded the Medal of Honor, according to the text of the bill.
Reps. Hill and Graves introduced the bill on April 10 with U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and it is under consideration by the U.S. House Armed Services Committee. A Senate companion bill, S. 1218, was introduced by U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).
“In October 2018, I awarded the family of Sgt. Leroy Johnston medals he earned but did not receive,” Rep. Hill said. “Like many during WWI, Sgt. Johnston was a victim of discrimination. Today, we have an opportunity to correct this injustice for countless American heroes and their families.”
According to a summary provided by Sens. Blunt and Van Hollen, the Department of Defense would review the service records of African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, Jewish American, and Native American war veterans who were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross or Navy Cross, or who received a recommendation for the Medal of Honor for an action that occurred between April 6, 1917, and Nov. 11, 1918.
“The freedoms we enjoy here at home are made possible by the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to defend liberty,” said Rep. Graves. “Every veteran who served honorably and whose actions warrant the Medal of Honor should be recognized regardless of their background or the color of their skin.”
Sen. Graves said that Park University, located in the 6th Congressional District in Missouri that he represents, helped spur the bill and is helping conduct the Valor Medals Review.
The bill is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, American GI Forum, and Congressional Black Caucus Veteran’s Braintrust.