Major Thomas D. Howie Congressional Gold Medal
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5934
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-17T09:06:40Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, H.R. 5934, aims to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Major Thomas D. Howie, a U.S. Army officer, in recognition of his bravery, leadership, and sacrifice during the Battle of Normandy in World War II. The medal honors his role in key events, such as the capture of St. Lo, which contributed to the Allied liberation of Europe from Nazi control.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The act is titled the "Major Thomas D. Howie Congressional Gold Medal."
- Findings Section: Outlines Major Howie's background, including his birth in South Carolina in 1908, his achievements at The Citadel (a military college), his military commissions, and his heroic actions during the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. It details his command of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, his fatal wounding on July 17, 1944, while leading an assault on St. Lo, and posthumous awards like the Silver Star and Purple Heart. The findings also note his lasting legacy, including monuments in the U.S. and France, his induction into the South Carolina Hall of Fame, and inspiration for the character in the film Saving Private Ryan.
- Award Authorization: The Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate will arrange the posthumous presentation of a gold medal, designed and struck by the Secretary of the Treasury with appropriate emblems. The medal will be given to Howie's nephew, Tom Howie, or his next of kin if unavailable, and then donated to The Citadel Museum for display and research.
- Duplicate Medals: The Treasury Secretary may produce and sell bronze replicas of the gold medal, with sales priced to cover production costs (including labor and materials).
- Legal Status of Medals: The medals are classified as national medals under U.S. law (chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code), and as numismatic items (collectible coins or medals) under sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31.
- Funding: Costs for striking the medals come from the U.S. Mint's Public Enterprise Fund, and proceeds from bronze duplicate sales return to this fund.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces no broad changes to existing law. It authorizes a specific, one-time award under the established framework for Congressional Gold Medals (the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress, often for extraordinary service). It builds on prior laws governing the U.S. Mint's production of such medals without altering them.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Treasury and Mint will handle design, production, and sales, using existing funds with no additional taxpayer burden. This is a minor administrative task.
- On Citizens: The award promotes public awareness of World War II history, inspiring patriotism and military values (e.g., loyalty, duty, and courage) among veterans, students, and the general public. It may encourage visits to museums like The Citadel's, enhancing education on American heroism.
- On International Relations: Symbolically strengthens ties with France, where Howie is honored as "The Major of St. Lo," potentially fostering goodwill through shared WWII remembrance. No direct policy changes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Howie's Family: Direct recipients of the medal presentation, preserving their relative's legacy.
- The Citadel and Military Institutions: The medal's donation to The Citadel Museum benefits education and research on military history; it honors Howie's alma mater and the broader U.S. Army community.
- Veterans and Military Personnel: Recognizes exemplary service, potentially boosting morale and recruitment by highlighting historical valor.
- Congress and Bipartisan Supporters: Involves multiple lawmakers from both parties as cosponsors, reflecting shared appreciation for WWII contributions.
- U.S. Mint and Public: Manages production and sales, allowing citizens to purchase bronze duplicates as collectibles.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Aligns with constitutional congressional powers (Article I, Section 8) to recognize achievements and spend public funds symbolically. No challenges anticipated, as it follows precedents for over 200 similar medals (e.g., to other WWII figures).
- Constitutional: Involves no rights infringements; it's a ceremonial act funded through self-sustaining Mint operations.
- Political: Demonstrates rare bipartisan unity (cosponsored by 18 members across parties and regions), emphasizing national pride in military history without partisan debate. It could set a precedent for honoring lesser-known heroes, promoting unity on veterans' issues.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (21)
Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7], Rep. Timmons, William R. [R-SC-4], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6], Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4], Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23], Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9], Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5], Rep. Clyburn, James E. [D-SC-6], Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7], Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2025-11-07: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-07: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Major Thomas D. Howie Congressional Gold Medal — issued 2025-11-07 — PDF (7 pages)