Washington, DC – This week, President Biden signed into law H.R. 5142, a bipartisan bill to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to our 13 U.S. fallen servicemembers who gave everything to save Americans and allies in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.
U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-39), who serves as Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia and Nonproliferation, was an original cosponsor of this effort led by Rep. Lisa McClain (MI-10) to honor these heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. She recently honored these servicemembers on the House floor. Watch here.
“Our 13 brave fallen servicemembers gave everything to save Americans and allies in Kabul at the end of August. These brave men and women, including Southern California marines Lance Corporal Dylan Merola, Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui and Corporal Hunter Lopez, were young, many in their early 20s, and incredibly brave – valiantly putting their lives on the line for others. Their courage and heroism in the face of danger will never be forgotten,” said Congresswoman Kim. “I am glad Congress could come together to honor their memory and posthumously award these heroes a Congressional Gold Medal. We will continue to remember their names and stories, and rally with our new gold star families.”
