Sergeant Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Gonzalez Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill Number

H.R. 3531

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-05-21: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Last Updated

2025-06-20T12:38:32Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation aims to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Sergeant Alfredo "Freddy" Gonzalez, honoring his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War in February 1968, particularly in the Battle of Hue City.

Key Provisions

• Short Title: The act is named the "Sergeant Alfredo 'Freddy' Gonzalez Congressional Gold Medal Act."
• Findings: The bill details Gonzalez's background, including his birth in Edinburg, Texas (1946), education, enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps (1965), promotions, and service history. It describes his heroic actions on January 31–February 4, 1968, where he led his platoon under heavy enemy fire, rescued a wounded comrade, destroyed enemy positions, and continued fighting despite severe injuries, ultimately giving his life. His decorations, such as the Medal of Honor (awarded posthumously) and Purple Heart, are listed, along with the naming of the USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) after him.
• Award Authorization: The Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate will arrange the presentation of a gold medal of appropriate design, struck by the Secretary of the Treasury, to recognize Gonzalez's bravery.
• Medal Distribution and Duplicates: The original gold medal will be presented to the Museum of South Texas History for display and research. Bronze duplicates may be struck and sold by the Treasury to cover production costs.
• Legal Status and Funding: The medals are classified as national medals under U.S. law (chapter 51 of title 31) and numismatic items (sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31). Costs are funded from the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund, with sales proceeds returned to the fund.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces no direct amendments to prior laws but authorizes a new, one-time award under the framework for Congressional Gold Medals (established by existing statutes like 31 U.S.C. § 5111). It expands the tradition of such honors to include Gonzalez, building on precedents for recognizing military heroes.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The U.S. Mint will incur minor production costs, offset by the fund and duplicate sales, with no ongoing fiscal burden. Congress facilitates the ceremonial award.
• Citizens: Enhances public recognition of Vietnam War sacrifices, potentially inspiring education and patriotism, especially in Texas communities. The museum display promotes historical awareness without direct effects on daily life.
• International Relations: Negligible impact, as it focuses on domestic honoring of a U.S. veteran's service in a past conflict.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Family and Legacy of Sergeant Gonzalez: Receives posthumous national recognition, elevating his story.
• Museum of South Texas History: Custodian of the gold medal, benefiting from increased visibility and educational opportunities.
• U.S. Marine Corps and Veterans' Community: Gains affirmation of service members' heroism, potentially boosting morale and historical preservation.
• U.S. Mint and Treasury Department: Handles medal production and sales, with administrative responsibilities.
• Congressional Representatives: Particularly from Texas (e.g., sponsor Rep. De La Cruz), involved in introduction and referral to the Committee on Financial Services.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Aligns with Congress's constitutional power (Article I, Section 8) to recognize achievements via medals, treating this as a non-monetary honor without raising equal protection or funding issues, as costs are self-sustaining.
• Constitutional: No conflicts; it exemplifies Congress's role in commemorating military valor without infringing on executive powers.
• Political: Symbolizes bipartisan respect for Vietnam-era veterans, potentially fostering unity on military honors amid ongoing debates about war legacies. As a referred bill, it highlights regional (Texas) advocacy for local heroes, with no controversial elements noted in the text.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]

Recent Actions

• 2025-05-21: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
• 2025-05-21: Introduced in House
• 2025-05-21: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Sergeant Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Gonzalez Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-05-21 — PDF (7 pages)