320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Gold Medal Act

This bill, titled the "320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Gold Medal Act," authorizes the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion. This recognition is for their extraordinary heroism, life-saving actions during the D-Day invasion , and significant contributions to the success of Allied forces in World War II. The battalion was unique as the only American barrage balloon unit in France and the first and only segregated unit of African-American soldiers to land on the D-Day beaches, where they deployed hydrogen-filled balloons to protect ground troops from enemy aircraft. The 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion successfully deployed their balloons, which resulted in the downing of a German aircraft and provided vital air defense during the critical early stages of the invasion. Additionally, five battalion medics, including Corporal Waverly B. Woodson, Jr. , were among the first to land on Omaha Beach, with Woodson saving an estimated 200 soldiers despite his own injuries. Despite commendation from General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the unit has not received the recognition it deserves. Following its presentation, the gold medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a recommendation for display at locations associated with D-Day, World War II, and African-American servicemembers. The Secretary of the Treasury is also authorized to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.