WWII Nurses Gold Medal Act

Summary#

This bill would award a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the women who served in World War II as members of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. It describes the nurses' service during the war, including their service under fire, work in field and evacuation hospitals, service on hospital ships and planes, and the capture and internment of some nurses. The bill notes the large increase in nurse volunteers during the war, racial limits on Black nurses early in the war, and later changes that granted nurses permanent officer status. The Secretary of the Treasury would design and strike the gold medal. After the award, the gold medal would be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. The Secretary may also strike duplicate bronze medals for sale.

What it means for you#

• Congress would formally honor World War II Army and Navy nurses with a single, collective Congressional Gold Medal.
• The Treasury would create the medal and give the gold version to the Smithsonian for display.
• The Secretary may sell bronze duplicates; those sales are intended to cover production costs.
• The text of the bill does not include any changes to military status, pay, or veterans’ benefits.

Expenses#

• The bill directs that necessary costs for striking the medals be charged to the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
• The Secretary may sell bronze copies at a price sufficient to cover production and related costs, and proceeds would be deposited into the Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
• No publicly available information on total dollar costs or budget estimates is included in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

Supporters say the nurses showed bravery and dedication in many dangerous settings, saved lives, and made vital contributions to the war effort. The bill’s findings highlight examples such as nurses serving under fire, flight nurses, those taken prisoner or interned, and the role of nurses in postwar relief and public health. Proponents view the medal as belated official recognition and a way to honor their service.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.