H.R. 3531: Sergeant Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Gonzalez Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill, known as the Sergeant Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Gonzalez Congressional Gold Medal Act, aims to posthumously honor Sergeant Alfredo Gonzalez by awarding him a Congressional Gold Medal. The medal is intended to recognize his heroic actions during the Vietnam War in February 1968.

Key Provisions

• Award Authorization: The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate are tasked with arranging for the award of a gold medal to Sergeant Gonzalez.
• Design and Striking: The Secretary of the Treasury will oversee the creation of the gold medal, ensuring it features suitable designs, emblems, and inscriptions that honor Gonzalez's valor.
• Display and Research: After the awarding ceremony, the gold medal will be given to the Museum of South Texas History, where it will be displayed and made available for historical research.
• Duplicate Medals: The Secretary may also create and sell duplicate bronze versions of the gold medal to cover production costs.
• Status: The medals issued under this bill will be recognized as national medals and considered numismatic items for legal purposes.
• Funding: The U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund will cover the costs associated with creating the medals, and any proceeds from the sale of duplicates will be deposited back into this fund.

Background on Sergeant Alfredo Gonzalez

Alfredo Gonzalez was a decorated Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his courage during intense combat operations in Vietnam. His military career began with enlistment in 1965, and he served prominently in various capacities, ultimately rising to the rank of Sergeant. Notably, during the initial phase of Operation Hue City, Gonzalez displayed remarkable bravery by risking his life to assist injured comrades while engaged in fierce combat against enemy forces.

Commemorative Purpose

The primary goal of this legislation is to honor the legacy and sacrifice of Sergeant Gonzalez, ensuring that his contributions to the United States and the Marine Corps are not forgotten.

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