Photographed in San Francisco, California, 2018

Trinidad Cadelina accepted a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of her late husband, Quintin Cadelina, at a ceremony at the Presidio in San Francisco. By the time the United States officially recognized these veterans for their service, many had already passed away.

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed a law granting U.S. citizenship to Filipino nationals who had served during World War II. In 2009, President Barack Obama approved legislation authorizing a one-time lump-sum payment of $15,000 to surviving Filipino veterans who were U.S. citizens, and $9,000 to non-citizens.

The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 awarded a Congressional Gold Medal collectively to all Filipino veterans of World War II. While Congress approved the honor, it only funded the minting of a single gold medal for ceremonial purposes.

According to the U.S. Mint: “The United States remains forever indebted to the bravery, valor, and dedication that the Filipino Veterans of World War II displayed. Their commitment and sacrifice demonstrate a highly uncommon and commendable sense of patriotism and honor.” Bronze replicas of the medal are available for purchase through the U.S. Mint for $160.