This bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to the Donut Dollies, members of the Red Cross Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas program, for their service during the Vietnam War.
Mikie Sherrill
Representative
NJ-11
The "Donut Dollies Congressional Gold Medal Act" directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Red Cross Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO) program members, also known as the Donut Dollies, for their service during the Vietnam War. It instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to create the gold medal, which will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution and made available for research. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs, with proceeds going back to the Mint's Public Enterprise Fund.
Congressional Gold Medal Proposed for Red Cross 'Donut Dollies' Who Served in Vietnam
This bill, titled the "Donut Dollies Congressional Gold Medal Act," proposes honoring a specific group of women volunteers from the Vietnam War era. It authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal for the women who served in the American Red Cross Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO) program, famously known as the "Donut Dollies," between 1962 and 1973.
Recognizing Service Under Fire
The legislation specifically acknowledges the challenging conditions these women faced. According to the bill's findings (Sec. 2), 627 young women served in the SRAO program in Vietnam, traveling thousands of miles, often by helicopter or jeep, to reach service members in remote areas. Their mission was to provide morale-boosting activities and a connection to home. The bill notes that military commanders credited these volunteers with significantly impacting troop morale and even highlights the tragic loss of three SRAO women who died while serving in Vietnam. This medal serves as formal recognition of their contributions and sacrifices.
Minting the Medal and Public Display
Beyond just authorizing the award (Sec. 3), the bill outlines the practical steps. The Secretary of the Treasury is tasked with designing and striking the gold medal. Once awarded, the original medal is designated for display at the Smithsonian Institution, ensuring public access and preservation of this history. The bill also encourages the Smithsonian to make the medal available for temporary display elsewhere, particularly places connected to the Donut Dollies' story.
To cover the costs, the legislation allows the U.S. Mint to produce and sell bronze duplicates of the medal to the public (Sec. 4, Sec. 6). The proceeds from these sales will go directly back into the Mint's Public Enterprise Fund to offset the production expenses. These medals, both gold and bronze, are officially classified as "national medals" and "numismatic items" (Sec. 5), putting them in the same category as other commemorative coins and medals produced by the Mint.