COMMENDATION AND COMMEMORATION OF THE NAVY AND MARINE CORPS PERSONNEL WHO SERVED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY ASIATIC FLEET FROM 1910–1942.

SEC. 533. COMMENDATION AND COMMEMORATION OF THE NAVY AND MARINE CORPS PERSONNEL WHO SERVED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY ASIATIC FLEET FROM 1910–1942. (a) Findings.— Congress makes the following findings: (1) The United States established the Asiatic Fleet of the Navy in 1910 to protect United States nationals, policies, and possessions in the Far East. (2) The sailors and Marines of the Asiatic Fleet ensured the safety of United States and foreign nationals and provided humanitarian assistance in that region during the Chinese civil war, the Yangtze Flood of 1931, and the outbreak of Sino-Japanese hostilities. (3) In 1940, due to deteriorating political relations and increasing tensions between the United States and Japan, a reinforced Asiatic Fleet began concentrating on the defense of the Philippines and engaged in extensive training to ensure maximum operational readiness for any eventuality. (4) Following the declaration of war against Japan in December 1941, the warships, submarines, and aircraft of the Asiatic Fleet courageously fought many battles against superior Japanese forces. (5) The Asiatic Fleet directly suffered the loss of 22 vessels, 1,826 men killed or missing in action, and 518 men captured 112 STAT. 2017and imprisoned under the worst of conditions, with many of them dying while held as prisoners of war. (b) Congressional Commendation.— Congress— (1) commends the Navy and Marine Corps personnel who served in the Asiatic Fleet of the United States Navy during the period from 1910 to 1942; and (2) honors those who gave their lives in the line of duty while serving in the Asiatic Fleet. (c) Commemoration of United States Navy Asiatic Fleet.— The President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation designating an appropriate commemoration of the United States Navy Asiatic Fleet ana calling upon the people of the United States to observe such commemoration with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.