WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill would award a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor the women who served as U.S. Army and Navy nurses during World War II. It recognizes their courage, lifesaving work near the front lines, and the risks they faced, including bombings, POW camps, and unequal treatment during the war. The medal would be created by the Treasury and given to the Smithsonian for display, with encouragement to share it at places like the Army Medical Center of Excellence, the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, the Army Women’s Museum, National Naval Medical Centers, and the National WWII Museum.

The Mint could sell bronze copies to cover costs, and the proceeds would go back to the Mint’s fund. The medals would count as national medals and as collectible items under federal law.

• Who is honored: Women who served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and U.S. Navy Nurse Corps during WWII.
• What changes: A national Gold Medal is created and displayed; bronze copies may be sold to the public.
• Why it matters: Their service saved lives and boosted morale under fire, even as many faced danger, capture, and discrimination.
• When: After the medal is awarded, it will be housed at the Smithsonian and made available for display and research.