Long-Awaited Recognition for Korean War Veterans Moves Forward in Pennsylvania House

In an effort to address a longstanding oversight, Pennsylvania lawmakers have introduced House Bill 304, also known as the PA Korean VALOR Act, to extend state-level veteran benefits and recognition to certain members of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. Introduced by Representative Melissa Cerrato and a bipartisan group of co-sponsors on January 23, 2025, the bill seeks to ensure that naturalized Korean American veterans of the Vietnam War receive the same rights, recognition, benefits, and privileges as their U.S. military counterparts. Modeled after the Federal Korean American Vietnam Allies Long Overdue for Relief Act (VALOR Act), which was signed into law in November 2023, this legislation aims to rectify an inequity that has persisted for decades.

The bill specifically defines an “eligible veteran of the Korean Armed Forces” as any member of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces who served on active duty in the Vietnam War between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and has been recognized by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs under 38 U.S.C. § 109. This federal statute allows for benefits for discharged members of allied forces who have been formally acknowledged by the VA. If enacted, House Bill 304 would grant these veterans—who are also Pennsylvania residents and naturalized U.S. citizens—the same benefits and honors as veterans of the U.S. military. To ensure proper administration, state agencies may request documentation, such as discharge papers or proof of service, to verify eligibility.

Representative Cerrato has stressed the importance of this bill, noting that approximately 3,000 Korean American veterans of the Vietnam War became naturalized U.S. citizens, with hundreds calling Pennsylvania home. Despite their dedicated service alongside American troops, these veterans have long been excluded from the benefits afforded to U.S. military personnel. House Bill 304 seeks to correct this, ensuring that Pennsylvania acknowledges their sacrifices and contributions in the same manner as American veterans.

Since its introduction, the bill has steadily progressed through the Pennsylvania General Assembly. After being referred to the Committee on Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness on January 23, 2025, it was reported as committed on January 28 and underwent its first consideration the same day. Following a temporary pause when it was laid on the table, the bill was removed on February 5 and continued through its second consideration on March 17. It was subsequently re-committed to the Appropriations Committee, re-reported as committed on March 18, and finally passed in its third consideration with overwhelming bipartisan support (201-1) on March 18, 2025.

The Republic of Korea was a key ally of the United States during the Vietnam War, sending thousands of troops to support U.S. military operations. Many Korean veterans who later immigrated to the U.S. have faced challenges in receiving recognition for their service, and House Bill 304 represents a significant step toward bridging this gap. If signed into law, the act will take effect in 60 days, allowing state agencies to establish procedures for verifying eligibility and granting benefits.

As the bill advances, Representative Cerrato is urging lawmakers to support this effort to bring long-overdue recognition and fairness to those who served the United States with honor. The passage of House Bill 304 would mark a meaningful milestone in ensuring equal treatment for veterans who fought alongside American forces in Vietnam, reinforcing Pennsylvania’s commitment to honoring those who have sacrificed for freedom.

For ongoing updates on House Bill 304 and its impact, stay tuned as we continue to track its development through the Pennsylvania General Assembly.