Bill Clinton: “In 1942 an ordinary American took an extraordinary stand. Fred Korematsu boldly opposed the forced internment of…”

“In 1942 an ordinary American took an extraordinary stand. Fred Korematsu boldly opposed the forced internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. After being convicted for failing to report for relocation, Mr. Korematsu took his case all the way to the Supreme Court. The high court ruled against him. But 39 years later, he had his conviction overturned in Federal court, empowering tens of thousands of Japanese-Americans and giving him what he said he wanted most of all, the chance to feel like an American once again. In the long history of our country's constant search for justice, some names of ordinary citizens stand for millions of souls: Plessy, Brown, Parks. To that distinguished list, today we add the name of Fred Korematsu. Commander, read the citation. [Lieutenant Commander Huey read the citation, and the President congratulated Mr. Korematsu and presented the medal.]”