H.R. 4621: 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Gold Medal Act

The bill, known as the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Gold Medal Act, aims to honor the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion by awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their extraordinary heroism and contributions during World War II, particularly during the D-Day invasion.

Findings

The bill outlines several findings regarding the battalion, including:

• The 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion was established on September 21, 1942, and their first major deployment was during the D-Day invasion in Normandy.
• They played a critical role in protecting Allied forces by deploying barrage balloons that hindered enemy aircraft from directly attacking troops on the beaches.
• This unit was notable as it was the only American barrage balloon unit in France and the first segregated unit of African-American soldiers to land on D-Day.
• The battalion faced heavy enemy fire and successfully deployed balloons that led to the downing of an enemy aircraft during the invasion.
• Medics from the battalion were among the first to land at Omaha Beach, providing critical medical assistance despite facing severe conditions and personal injuries.
• The battalion served in France for approximately 110 days, providing air defense throughout the critical early stages of the invasion.
• Although their contributions were significant, they have not received the recognition they deserve in the history of World War II.

Gold Medal Presentation

The bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a gold medal in honor of the battalion. The design of the medal will be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of Defense.

Display of the Medal

Following its presentation, the gold medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for appropriate display and research purposes. Congress expresses that the medal should also be made available for display at locations associated with D-Day, World War II, and African-American servicemembers.

Duplicate Medals

The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to create and sell duplicate medals in bronze, with sales proceeds going to cover costs and deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

Status of Medals

Medals created under this act are deemed national medals and considered numismatic items under certain legal definitions.

Authority for Funding

The bill allows for the necessary costs of striking the medals to be charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, and proceeds from the sale of duplicate medals will be deposited back into this fund.

Relevant Companies

None found