Legis Daily

320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Gold Medal Act

USA119th CongressHR-4621| House 
| Updated: 7/22/2025
Marc A. Veasey

Marc A. Veasey

Democratic Representative

Texas

Cosponsors (11)
Adrian Smith (Republican)John Garamendi (Democratic)Trent Kelly (Republican)Mikie Sherrill (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)Donald G. Davis (Democratic)Rosa L. DeLauro (Democratic)Ro Khanna (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)Marilyn Strickland (Democratic)Michael Lawler (Republican)

Committee on House Administration, Financial Services Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-10110
320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Gold Medal Act
Jul 22, 2025
Introduced in House
Jul 22, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-10110
    320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Gold Medal Act


  • July 22, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • July 22, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Armed Forces and National Security

320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Gold Medal Act

USA119th CongressHR-4621| House 
| Updated: 7/22/2025
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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-10110
320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Gold Medal Act
Jul 22, 2025
Introduced in House
Jul 22, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-10110
    320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Gold Medal Act


  • July 22, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • July 22, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Marc A. Veasey

Marc A. Veasey

Democratic Representative

Texas

Cosponsors (11)
Adrian Smith (Republican)John Garamendi (Democratic)Trent Kelly (Republican)Mikie Sherrill (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)Donald G. Davis (Democratic)Rosa L. DeLauro (Democratic)Ro Khanna (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)Marilyn Strickland (Democratic)Michael Lawler (Republican)

Committee on House Administration, Financial Services Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted