H.R. 5934: Major Thomas D. Howie Congressional Gold Medal

This bill proposes to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Major Thomas D. Howie in recognition of his bravery and outstanding service during the Battle of Normandy in World War II. The key components of the bill include:

Short Title

The Act may be referred to as the "Major Thomas D. Howie Congressional Gold Medal."

Findings

Congress acknowledges several important points regarding Major Howie's life and service:

• Major Howie was born in Abbeville, South Carolina, and had a distinguished career at The Citadel, excelling in academics and athletics.
• He served in the Virginia National Guard and later transitioned to the U.S. Army Reserve.
• Major Howie demonstrated exceptional bravery during the Battle of Normandy, particularly after landing on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944.
• He commanded the 3rd Battalion of the 116th Infantry Regiment and played a crucial role in the capture of St. Lo.
• Major Howie was killed in action while leading his men, for which he received several posthumous awards, including the Silver Star and Bronze Star.
• His body was honored by being draped with an American flag and transported in a respectful manner upon entering St. Lo, where he earned the nickname "The Major of St. Lo."
• His actions and leadership inspired his troops, leading to successful military operations that contributed to the liberation of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands from Nazi control.
• Major Howie's legacy is marked by various commemorations and monuments across several states and locations in Europe.

Award of Congressional Gold Medal

• The bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous awarding of a gold medal to Major Howie.
• The Secretary of the Treasury will design and strike the medal with appropriate inscriptions and emblems.
• The medal will be presented either to Major Howie's nephew, Tom Howie, or to the next of kin if Tom Howie is unavailable.
• After the presentation, the medal will be given to The Citadel Museum for display and research purposes.

Duplicate Medals

The bill permits the Secretary to create and sell duplicate bronze medals to cover the costs incurred in producing these medals.

Status of Medals

• The medals created under this bill will be designated as national medals.
• They will also be classified as numismatic items for regulatory purposes.

Funding and Sales Proceeds

• The bill allows for charging costs related to the medals against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
• Any proceeds from the sale of duplicate medals will be deposited back into the same Fund.

Relevant Companies

None found.