WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) joined Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and the Wisconsin delegation in introducing the Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act to honor the distinguished service of the Hmong people in the fight against communism throughout the Vietnam War. The bill has a total of 38 bipartisan cosponsors.
“During the Vietnam War, The Hmong people played an important and heroic role in supporting US efforts against Communist expansion, disrupting the communist North Vietnamese on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, guarding U.S. installations, providing intelligence, and rescuing downed American pilots in enemy territory. I’m proud to cosponsor the Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act to acknowledge the service of the Hmong people to defeat communism and their continued service to protect democratic values in America today,” said Rep. Gallagher.
“I cannot emphasize the degree to which the Hmong community played a key role in fighting back against the evils of communism,” said Rep. Grothman. “The Hmong people fought alongside American troops and risked their lives in the name of the principles and freedoms promoted by the United States. Now, we are incredibly lucky to call the Hmong our neighbors in Wisconsin and communities across the country. I am glad that both sides of the aisle have come together to recognize the significant role played by Hmong Americans’ in the Vietnam War and the fight against communism on the world stage.”
“The service of Hmong individuals who bravely served our country when called deserves to be recognized. I look forward to voting for this bill when it comes to the floor,” said Rep. Pocan.
“We are lucky to have so many Hmong people call Wisconsin home, and we owe it to the Hmong veterans that fearlessly served in the fight against communism to give them the distinction and support they deserve,” said Rep. Tiffany. “The Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act would give our Hmong veterans the recognition they deserve by awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to those who honorably served in the Vietnam War.”
“The Hmong were critical partners to U.S. service members during the Vietnam War, putting their lives on the line through heroic efforts, including gathering intelligence and saving U.S. pilots,” said Rep. Moore. “After the war, many Hmong refugees settled in Wisconsin, rebuilt their lives, and have become a vibrant part of the economic life of our communities. I am thankful to represent a district which has been a welcoming place for many refugees, and home to a large, thriving Hmong community and pleased to support this important legislation to make sure that their sacrifice is not forgotten.”
As the Vietnam War spread south in Laos, the CIA recruited and trained Hmong tribesman to fight back against the communist North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao. Throughout the course of the war, over 30,000 Hmong aided combat efforts by fighting on the ground, flying combat missions, and gathering intelligence on North Vietnamese troops.
Of the estimated 327,000 Hmong living in the United States, nearly 60,000 call Wisconsin home, making up the third largest Hmong population in the nation.
The Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act would recognize the Hmong people for their vital contributions to help the U.S. fight the great war against communism in Vietnam.
