USMC Helicopter Support in Vietnam Congressional Gold Medal Act

This legislation, known as the USMC Helicopter Support in Vietnam Congressional Gold Medal Act , aims to honor United States Marines and Navy Corpsmen who provided critical helicopter support during the Vietnam War. It authorizes the presentation of a single Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to these service members, specifically recognizing their heroic military service, which saved countless lives and contributed directly to the defense of the United States. The bill's findings detail the extensive and dangerous role of the 1st Marine Air Wing (1st MAW) helicopter squadrons in Vietnam, from 1962 to 1975. These units conducted a wide array of missions, including troop and cargo transport, search and rescue, and vital medical evacuations (Medevac), often under extreme combat conditions. The Medevac crews, comprising pilots, crew chiefs, gunners, and combat-trained Navy Corpsmen, faced immense risks, with 26 Medevac Corpsmen killed in the line of duty, underscoring their dedication to saving lives. After its presentation, the Congressional Gold Medal will be entrusted to the National Museum of the United States Navy for display and research, with a congressional sense that it should also be made available for display at other appropriate locations associated with the Vietnam War. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike and sell duplicate bronze medals to the public, with proceeds deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.