Doris Miller Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]
- Committees
- Committee on House Administration (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 25, 2025
Bottom line
The bill posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Doris Miller for his heroism during World War II, ensuring his recognition and the medal's public display and accessibility.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Doris Miller, a World War II Navy hero, in recognition of his valor during the attack on Pearl Harbor. It directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the medal and for it to be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a recommendation for display at other relevant locations. The bill also establishes funding mechanisms for the medal's production and the sale of bronze duplicates.
Section 3(a)
Posthumous Award of Congressional Gold Medal to Doris Miller
This section authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Doris Miller. The medal is intended to recognize his acts of valor as a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II, specifically his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor, where he displayed extraordinary courage and disregard for his own personal safety. This formal recognition aims to honor his legacy and significant contributions to the nation.
Section 3(b) and 3(c)
Medal Design, Production, and Smithsonian Institution Display
This provision directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the gold medal with suitable emblems and inscriptions, ensuring its artistic and historical integrity. After its official presentation, the medal will be permanently transferred to the Smithsonian Institution, where it will be made available for public display and academic research. Furthermore, Congress expresses a clear sense that the Smithsonian should actively facilitate the display of this significant medal at other appropriate locations that hold historical relevance to Doris Miller's life and service, broadening its accessibility and educational impact.
Sections 4, 5, 6
Authorization for Duplicate Medals and Funding Mechanisms
This section outlines the practical aspects of medal production and financing. It authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to produce and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal, with the pricing structured to cover all associated costs, including labor, materials, and overhead. The bill explicitly designates all medals struck under this Act as national medals and numismatic items, aligning them with existing federal statutes. Financially, the costs for striking the primary gold medal are authorized to be drawn from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, and any proceeds generated from the sale of the bronze duplicates will be reinvested into this same fund, establishing a self-sustaining mechanism for commemorative items.