Show your American patriotism with the 1.5 Inch Nisei Soldiers of World War II Bronze Medal.
This medal is a smaller bronze duplicate of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the 100th Infantry Battalion (INF BN), 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT) and Military Intelligence Service (MIS) at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Building on November 2, 2011, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. Their commitment and sacrifice – in the face of a two-fronted battle against discrimination at home and fascism abroad – demonstrate a highly uncommon and commendable sense of patriotism and honor.
The obverse, designed by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles L. Vickers, features Nisei (second generation Americans of Japanese ancestry) soldiers from both the European and Pacific theaters. The 442nd RCT color guard is depicted in the lower field of the medal. The inscriptions on the outer rim are “NISEI SOLDIERS OF WORLD WAR II” and “GO FOR BROKE,” the motto of the 442nd RCT, which was eventually used to describe the work of all three units. This medal is the same diameter and thickness as the Congressional Gold Medal.
The reverse, designed and sculpted by U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart, depicts the insignias of the 100th INF BN, 442nd RCT and MIS. The 100th INF BN insignia features a taro leaf and a traditional Hawaiian helmet, both of which are emblematic of the unit's Hawaiian roots. The “GO FOR BROKE” Torch of Liberty shoulder patch represents the 442nd RCT. The MIS insignia is represented by a sphinx, a traditional symbol of secrecy. The inscriptions on the outer rim are the titles of the three units represented on the medal – the “100th INF BN,” “442nd RCT” and “MIS.” In addition, the years “1941-1946,” the defined years of World War II according to the Department of Defense, are inscribed in the upper right field of the medal. A decorative ribbon connects the outer rim with the inscriptions “ACT OF CONGRESS” and “2010.” The three stars positioned along the border represent the three units being honored.
