Milwaukee City Wire

On Thursday, U.S. Sen Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) introduced bipartisan legislation called the Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act. This legislation aims to recognize the distinguished service of the Hmong veterans who fought alongside American troops in the Vietnam War by awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal.

During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) recruited and trained Hmong men to assist American troops in their fight against the communist North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao. Despite the risks to themselves and their families, Hmong soldiers played crucial roles in the war effort. They engaged in ground warfare, flew combat missions, gathered intelligence, disrupted the Ho-Chi-Min Supply Trail, and even rescued American pilots behind enemy lines. Their sacrifices were immense, with Hmong soldiers experiencing casualty rates ten times higher than their American counterparts.

Sen. Johnson expressed his support for the legislation, stating, "I’m happy to lead with Senator Peters to ensure the Hmong people get the recognition they deserve for their dedication to the fight against communism." He also emphasized the pride Wisconsin takes in being home to many brave individuals dedicated to liberty and freedom.

After the war, the Hmong people faced displacement as their villages were bombed or burned down by the North Vietnamese. In 1975, when Laos fell to communist forces, over 150,000 Hmong fled the country. Due to their connections with the American military, many Hmong sought refuge in the United States to start anew. Over the years, Hmong communities have become an integral part of Wisconsin and other areas in the United States. Currently, there are approximately 327,000 Hmong living in the United States, with around 58,000 residing in Wisconsin.

Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) have joined Sens. Johnson and Peters in supporting this legislation.

This bipartisan effort aims to honor the Hmong veterans' contributions and sacrifices during the Vietnam War. By awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal, the United States seeks to acknowledge their bravery and recognize the impact they have had on American history.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/11/sen-johnson-joins-sen-peters-in-bipartisan-legislation-recognizing-the-service-of-hmong-veterans-during-vietnam-war