HR 1628119th CongressIn Committee

761st Tank Battalion Congressional Gold Medal Act

Introduced: Feb 26, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill, titled the 761st Tank Battalion Congressional Gold Medal Act, would award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion (collectively) in recognition of their crucial role in Allied successes in Europe during World War II and for being among the first Black soldiers to serve in an American armored unit. The act authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the gold medal, arrange a formal presentation by the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate, and then donate the medal to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) for display and research. Congress expresses that the medal should also be made available for display at appropriate locations associated with the 761st. The bill further allows the Secretary to mint bronze duplicates for sale to cover costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund. The medals would be considered national medals and numismatic items under applicable U.S. law.

Key Points

1Short title: The act would be known as the “761st Tank Battalion Congressional Gold Medal Act.”
2Findings: Establishes the historical significance of the 761st Tank Battalion (the “Black Panthers”), their activation in 1942, combat in Europe, association with Patton, notable achievements and honors, and the later recognition they received, including a Presidential Unit Citation in 1978.
3Congressional Gold Medal: Authorizes a formal presentation to the 761st Tank Battalion on behalf of Congress; the Secretary of the Treasury would design and strike the gold medal.
4Display and access: The medal would be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for display and research, with a sense of Congress urging display at locations associated with the 761st.
5Duplicates and costs: The Secretary may strike and sell bronze duplicates to cover costs; proceeds would go to the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
6Status and classification: The medals would be national medals under 31 U.S.C. ch. 51 and would be treated as numismatic items for purposes of related law.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: The 761st Tank Battalion veterans and their families, and broader recognition of Black American military service in World War II.Secondary group/area affected: The American public and educators, historians, and museums—especially the National Museum of African American History and Culture—through increased accessibility and display of the medal.Additional impacts: The act relies on existing Mint funds to cover costs and directs any proceeds from bronze duplicates to the Mint’s Public Enterprise Fund, thereby affecting how the medal program is financed without a direct new appropriation. The bill may raise awareness of Black soldiers’ contributions and could influence public memory and educational materials about WWII.

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