Milwaukee City Wire

The Chinese American World War II Congressional Gold Medal honor was given to a World War II veteran on July 7.

Serving as an army technician in the Signal Corps during WWII, Dr. David Toy, a Chinese American WWII veteran was recognized with a medal of honor for his service from Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).  

"It was an honor and privilege to recognize Dr. David Toy for his patriot service to our country in WWII," Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) said in a July 9 Tweet.

Enacted on Dec. 20, 2018, the Chinese-American World War II Veteran Congressional Gold Medal Act was signed into law with bipartisan support to honor Chinese Americans that put their lives on the line for American freedom during WWII.

Although the Chinese Exclusion Act was in effect during WWII, which stonewalled non-U.S.-born citizens from gaining citizenship, there were still 20,000 Chinese Americans that served. That is equal to 1 in 5 Chinese Americans that put their life on the line and 40% without citizenship, CAWW2 reported.

"Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions," Josh Gaidosh, former Waukesha County Veterans Services officer said. "Today, we are all here, gathered together, to bestow this honor on Dr. David Toy."

Dr. Toy said he was honored to receive the medal and that he felt he has just done what was right, Fox6Now reported.

"I’m elated. I am pleased," Dr. Toy said. "It was quite an honor to have the senator present me with that medal," told by Fox6Now.

With World War II ending on Sept. 2, 1945, it was an honor in the making.

"Ever since I was in pre-school, pledge allegiance to the flag, sing the national anthem and do what you could for your fellow man," Dr. Toy said.