H.R. 324: To grant the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the First Special Service Force, in recognition of its superior service during World War II.

Introduced:
Jan 18, 2013 (113th Congress, 2013–2015)
Sponsor:
Rep. Jeff Miller [R-FL1]
Status:
Passed House

The bill’s title was written by the bill’s sponsor. H.R. stands for House of Representatives bill.

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Library of Congress Summary

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1/18/2013--Introduced.
Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the award, on behalf of Congress, of two gold medals to the First Special Service Force (a joint American-Canadian volunteer unit), collectively, in recognition of their World War II service.
Directs one such gold medal to be given to the Smithsonian Institution and the other to the First Special Service Force Association in Helena, Montana. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates with proceeds deposited in the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund. Declares that medals struck under this Act are national medals for purposes of specified coins and currency provisions.

House Republican Conference Summary

The summary below was written by the House Republican Conference, which is the caucus of Republicans in the House of Representatives.


This summary can be found at http://www.gop.gov/bill/113/1/hr324.

Background

The First Special Service Force, also known as the “Devil’s Brigade,” was an elite American-Canadian joint-operations unit during WWII.  It was also the first modern special operations force and was first activated in Montana in 1942.  The First Special Service Force went on to serve with distinction in combat in Alaska, Italy and France, often succeeding where other units had failed, before being disbanded in December 1944.[1]

The Congressional Gold Medal, along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, is America’s highest civilian honor.  First awarded by Congress in 1776 to George Washington, the Congressional Gold Medal has been presented to notable figures that have left lasting marks on American culture and history, including military leaders, musicians, scientists, explorers, and many others.

By awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the First Special Service Force, H.R. 324 recognizes not only the sacrifice and excellence displayed by the unit, but also the lasting effect the unit has had on the military.

Summary

H.R. 324 authorizes the Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to the First Special Service Force in honor of their service during World War II.  The medal will be given collectively to the First Special Strike Force, and a second medal will be struck and given to the Smithsonian Institution for public display and research.  The bill also authorizes the Mint to strike bronze duplicates of the medal for sale.

Cost

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House Democratic Caucus Summary

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The bill contains the following citations to other parts of U.S. law:

Other Citations

  • 31 U.S.C. Chapter 51