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Congress Proposes the Office of Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal Act

In an age where Congress has earned a reputation for inaction, some issues still shake it out of its inertia. One of those issues is the Office of Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal Act, which has been introduced in the House by Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) and in the Senate by Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.).

“To award the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively to the members of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in recognition of their superior service and major contributions during World War II.”

If passed, the legislation will honor the contributions during World War II of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) – a forerunner of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The text of the bill proposes, “To award the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively to the members of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in recognition of their superior service and major contributions during World War II.”

Office of Strategic Services (OSS)

Members of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) attend a demolition class at Milton Hall, England, ca. 1944. The OSS is considered a forerunner of the U.S. intelligence and special operations communities. National Archives photo

In a press release, Latta explained why he introduced the Office of Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal Act. “The heroic actions and innovative inventions by members of the OSS played a crucial role in the allied victory in World War II. It is time to for these ladies and gentlemen of the Greatest Generation to be collectively recognized and honored for their efforts.”

“The heroic actions and innovative inventions by members of the OSS played a crucial role in the allied victory in World War II. It is time to for these ladies and gentlemen of the Greatest Generation to be collectively recognized and honored for their efforts.”

The OSS Society, which works to honor the legacy of Maj. Gen. William J. Donovan and the OSS, is asking people to contact their representatives and senators to ask them to serve as cosponsors for this legislation at this link: https://www.popvox.com/orgs/osssociety/

 

 

 

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Steven Hoarn is the Editor/Photo Editor for Defense Media Network. He is a graduate of...