320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Gold Medal Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4621
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-22: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-08T09:07:12Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the "320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Gold Medal Act," aims to honor the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion—an all-African-American unit from World War II—for their bravery and critical role in protecting Allied forces during the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, and their broader contributions to the Allied victory in Europe.
Key Provisions
- Findings Section: Outlines the battalion's history, including its formation in 1942, deployment to Normandy beaches (Utah and Omaha), use of barrage balloons (large, tethered balloons filled with hydrogen to deter low-flying enemy aircraft), innovative equipment adaptations, medical heroism (e.g., Corporal Waverly B. Woodson, Jr., who saved around 200 lives despite injuries), 110 days of service in France, later Pacific training, and a commendation from General Dwight D. Eisenhower. It emphasizes the unit's uniqueness as the only U.S. barrage balloon unit and the first segregated African-American unit to land on D-Day beaches, while noting the lack of prior national recognition and the death of the last survivor in 2021.
- Award Authorization: Directs the Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange a ceremony presenting a single gold medal to the battalion collectively, recognizing their heroism and contributions.
- Medal Design and Production: The Secretary of the Treasury will design and strike the gold medal, consulting the Secretary of Defense for emblems and inscriptions. The medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with Congress expressing a preference for showings at sites linked to D-Day, World War II, or African-American military history.
- Duplicates and Sales: Allows the Secretary to produce and sell bronze duplicate medals to cover production costs.
- Legal Status and Funding: Treats the medals as national medals under U.S. law (for official recognition) and numismatic items (collectible coins or medals). Costs are covered by the U.S. Mint's public fund, with sales proceeds returning to it.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new award specifically for the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, which has not previously received this level of congressional recognition. It builds on existing authority under U.S. Code (e.g., Chapter 51 of Title 31 for national medals) but does not amend prior laws; instead, it authorizes a one-time honor and related numismatic production without altering broader medal-awarding processes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Involves the U.S. Mint (for production and sales), Treasury Department (oversight), Department of Defense (consultation), Smithsonian Institution (display and preservation), and Congress (ceremony and funding). It may increase minor administrative workload but promotes inter-agency collaboration on historical commemoration.
- Citizens: Provides symbolic recognition to descendants and the African-American community, highlighting overlooked contributions of segregated troops. It could educate the public on World War II history, fostering national pride and discussions on military equity.
- International Relations: Reinforces U.S. alliances by commemorating shared D-Day history with nations like France and the UK, potentially enhancing cultural exchanges or joint WWII memorials without direct policy shifts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary: Members of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion (posthumously honored) and their families, as well as the broader African-American veteran community.
- Secondary: Historians, World War II preservation groups, and educational institutions focused on military history and civil rights.
- Institutional: U.S. Mint, Smithsonian Institution, and congressional committees (Financial Services and House Administration) handling implementation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Affirms Congress's established power under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution to "provide for... rewards" (including medals) for military service, while classifying the award as a national medal to ensure its official status without creating new legal precedents.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges, but it underscores equal protection themes by addressing historical racial segregation in the military, aligning with post-Civil Rights era recognitions (e.g., overdue honors for minority veterans).
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from both parties), signaling consensus on honoring diverse WWII contributions. It may encourage similar recognitions for underrepresented units, promoting equity in historical narratives without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33]
Cosponsors (14)
Rep. Kelly, Trent [R-MS-1], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3], Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-22: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-07-22: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-07-22: Introduced in House
- 2025-07-22: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-07-22 — PDF (7 pages)