Lawmakers from both parties reintroduce legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to World War II nurses who served in the Army and Navy Nurse Corps

Saratoga, New York – In a renewed effort to honor the courageous women who served their country under fire, House Republican Chairwoman Elise Stefanik has reintroduced legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the United States Army Nurse Corps and United States Navy Nurse Corps who served during World War II. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation is co-led by Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).

The bill seeks to recognize the extraordinary service of more than 70,000 women who volunteered to care for wounded soldiers on battlefields, in field hospitals, and aboard ships during one of the most violent conflicts in human history. These nurses provided life-saving care under constant threat of attack, often working in unbearable conditions with limited supplies.

“America must recognize the nurses who served in World War II for their unimaginable courage, bravery, and sacrifice in the name of ensuring victory,” stated Chairwoman Stefanik. “These nurses saved numerous lives under extreme conditions and they are nothing short of heroes who deserve every bit of recognition.”

Read also: Researchers at the University of Rochester identify key cells behind poor tendon healing and discover a method to retrain them for better recovery outcomes

Before the outbreak of World War II, the military nursing corps was relatively small. In 1935, there were fewer than 600 active-duty Army Nurses and about 1,700 Navy Nurses. By the time the war ended in 1945, the numbers had grown dramatically, with more than 59,000 Army Nurses and 14,000 Navy Nurses stepping forward to serve.

Many of these women were deployed to war zones across Europe and the Pacific. They worked near the front lines, exposed to bombings, disease, and the emotional trauma of treating mass casualties. Their dedication helped save the lives of countless American and Allied troops, and their service paved the way for future generations of women in the military.

“Tens of thousands of World War II nurses worked tirelessly, often in harm’s way, to save the lives of American and Allied troops,” said Congressman Deluzio, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a Navy veteran. “Many lost their lives even as they tried to save others. America should never forget the sacrifice and bravery of the WWII nurses who helped us beat the Nazis and Imperial Japan. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation to finally give these heroic nurses the recognition they earned.”

The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. It is awarded by Congress to individuals or groups who have performed outstanding acts of service to the nation. Previous recipients have included military leaders, civil rights activists, astronauts, and sports legends.
This is not the first time Stefanik has introduced legislation to honor these nurses. She previously led a similar effort in 2023. Although that bill did not reach final passage, supporters are optimistic that the renewed momentum and bipartisan backing will help push the legislation through this time.

The bill’s reintroduction also comes at a moment when there is growing interest in commemorating overlooked contributions of women in military history. As the number of surviving World War II veterans continues to decline, lawmakers say time is of the essence to ensure these nurses receive the national recognition they deserve.

Read also: Governor Hochul unveils over $21 million in targeted flood resiliency investments to protect Long Island’s South Shore communities from extreme weather

If the legislation passes, the Congressional Gold Medal will be awarded collectively to the members of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and U.S. Navy Nurse Corps who served during World War II. The medal would then be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution, where it could help educate future generations about the critical role these women played in shaping the outcome of the war.

Supporters of the bill say the measure is not only about honoring history but also about affirming the importance of compassion, courage, and duty in times of crisis — values these nurses embodied under fire.

The path forward for the bill includes review in both the House and Senate, where lawmakers from both parties will have the opportunity to lend their support. With broad bipartisan momentum and renewed public awareness, its backers are hopeful that this long-overdue tribute will finally become law.