320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Gold Medal Act

This bill would award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, an all-Black Army unit from World War II, for their heroism on D‑Day and their role in the Allied victory. The unit launched barrage balloons that helped shield troops landing on Omaha and Utah Beaches, and their medics treated the wounded under fire; for example, Cpl. Waverly B. Woodson Jr. kept caring for soldiers for hours despite being injured himself.

The Treasury would mint one gold medal and give it to the Smithsonian for display and research, and Congress encourages the Smithsonian to also show it at places tied to D‑Day, World War II, and African‑American service members. Bronze copies could be sold to cover costs, and the proceeds would go back to the U.S. Mint’s fund; the medals would count as national medals and numismatic items under federal coin rules.

Key points

• Who is recognized: The 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion for bravery and life‑saving actions on D‑Day.
• What changes: A gold medal is minted; the Smithsonian receives it for display; bronze copies may be sold to cover costs; medals are classified as national medals/numismatic items.
• When/where: After the award, the medal goes to the Smithsonian; displays are encouraged at sites linked to D‑Day, WWII, and African‑American servicemembers.