WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill would honor the women who served as nurses in World War II by awarding them a single Congressional Gold Medal as a group. The Treasury would make the medal and give it to the Smithsonian to display and use for research, with the hope that it will also travel to places like military and World War II museums so more people can see it . The law also lets the Mint sell bronze copies to the public to cover costs. Money to make the medals comes from the Mint’s own fund, and sales go back into that fund .

The bill explains why this recognition matters. It notes that tens of thousands of Army and Navy nurses served around the world, often under fire, saving lives and boosting morale. Many faced danger, some were prisoners of war, and some were killed. Black nurses and other women of color served despite discrimination. Their work led to better survival rates and earned many awards, and Congress says their service deserves this national recognition .

• Who is affected: World War II Army and Navy nurses; the public who can view the medal in museums .
• What changes: Creates a gold medal to honor these nurses; allows bronze duplicates for sale; puts the medal on display at the Smithsonian and other appropriate sites .
• When: After the bill becomes law, the medal is struck and then displayed; sales of duplicates can begin to cover costs .