Bill Overview
Title: 761st Tank Battalion Congressional Gold Medal Act
Description: This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion in recognition of their role in the success of Allied forces in Europe during World War II and for the example they set as the first Black soldiers to go to war as part of an American armored unit. Following the award of the gold medal, the gold medal shall be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture where it shall be available for display and research.
Sponsors: Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals interested in the historical recognition and honoring of African American soldiers
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The 761st Tank Battalion was composed of Black soldiers who served during World War II.
- The bill specifically mentions the contribution of these soldiers to the success of Allied forces in Europe.
- The recognition and honor of the 761st Battalion contributes to the broader acknowledgment and appreciation of African American service members and their role in the military history of the United States.
- The impact of the bill is mainly symbolic, focusing on honoring past service members rather than providing direct material benefits.
- The medal will be displayed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, enhancing the public's understanding and recognition of African American military history.
Reasoning
- The policy’s impact is largely symbolic, recognizing and honoring the historical contributions of the 761st Tank Battalion, thus predominantly affecting those interested in historical recognition, military history, and African American heritage.
- The policy has a relatively low financial impact due to the Congressional Gold Medal’s symbolic nature versus direct financial assistance or economic policies.
- Population directly affected includes descendants, historians, museum visitors, and segments of the African American community interested in military history.
Simulated Interviews
Museum Curator (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This recognition is long overdue and enriches the historical narrative displayed at our museum.
- It's an honor to work on showcasing this part of history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
High School History Teacher (New York, NY)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This honor gives me a new angle to discuss in my lessons about WWII and African American contributions.
- My students will relate more to these stories and feel pride in our heritage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Activist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It feels good to see acknowledgment of Black soldiers' contributions in WWII.
- However, we need more systemic recognition, not just symbolic gestures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Veteran (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a proud moment for all Black veterans.
- This recognition enhances our legacy and I hope it inspires future generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Academic Researcher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This medal provides a valuable artifact for study and discussion in my work.
- It highlights crucial aspects of integration and racism the battalion faced.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
College Student (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing our heroes are recognized gives me a sense of pride and motivation in my studies.
- I feel more inspired when our history is celebrated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Descendant of 761st Battalion Member (Houston, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a personal honor to see my father's achievements officially recognized.
- It highlights the courage and resilience of the 761st which is part of my family's legacy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Journalist (Detroit, MI)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This story helps bring to light the contributions often overlooked in history.
- I hope it pushes for more such recognitions across the nation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Historian (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having the medal in the museum supports historical research and education.
- The public's understanding of African American roles in military history will improve.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Civil Rights Advocate (Memphis, TN)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a step in the right direction for recognition.
- Symbolic honors like these can pave the way for broader systemic change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $400000, High: $600000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The primary cost involves the crafting and awarding of the medal itself, which is a one-time ceremonial effort.
- The broader impact is non-monetary, focusing on enhancing historical awareness and recognition.