USMC Medevac Congressional Gold Medal

Full Title:
USMC Helicopter Support in Vietnam Congressional Gold Medal Act

Summary#

This bill would award a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor Marine Corps helicopter medevac aircrews and the Navy corpsmen who served with them during the Vietnam War. The Secretary of the Treasury, working with the Secretary of Defense, would design and strike the medal. After the award, the gold medal would be given to the National Museum of the United States Navy for display and research, with a congressional sense that it be made available for display at other appropriate Vietnam War locations.

What it means for you#

  • The medal recognizes the service and sacrifices of Medevac Marines and Navy Corpsmen who served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975.
  • The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate will arrange the formal presentation on behalf of Congress.
  • The medal itself will be held by the National Museum of the United States Navy and may be displayed at related sites.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes charging the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund for costs to produce the medal.
  • The Secretary may strike duplicate bronze copies and sell them at a price meant to cover production costs; proceeds would be deposited into the Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
  • No publicly available information on total estimated costs or budgetary impact is provided in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

Supporters present findings describing the scope of Marine helicopter operations in Vietnam, the roles medevac crews performed (troop transport, medical evacuations, search and rescue, supply deliveries), casualty figures, and large numbers of sorties, evacuees, and cargo moved. The bill frames the medal as recognition of those medevac aircrews and Navy corpsmen whose service saved lives and supported Marines on the ground.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.