Senator Ernst and Rep. Miller-Meeks introduce resolution to honor WWII Army Rangers with Congressional Gold Medal

(KWWL) -- Friday, May 28, Senator Joni Ernst and Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, along with Colorado Representative Jason Crow and Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, introduced a bipartisan resolution to honor WWII Army Rangers with the Congressional Gold Medal.

The bill passed the Senate unanimously last Congress.

Each with personal military ties, members of Congress took time to express their thoughts on why awarding the WWII Army Rangers was so meaningful to them.

"The first Ranger Battalions fought in some of the most important battles of the War, including in Tunisia, Normandy, and Italy,” Miller-Meeks said, a 24-year Army veteran.

“When I served in the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan, the heroism and courage of WWII Rangers were a guiding inspiration for my own service,” Representative Crow said. “There is no time to wait in honoring their service."

Senator Ernst, the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate, said, “As we look ahead to Memorial Day, I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill that will recognize the valor and extraordinary service of these courageous Army Rangers with the Congressional Gold Medal—a small token of appreciation from a grateful nation.”

Senator Duckworth said, “The impact and influence of these elite soldiers and the sacrifices they made to protect their fellow Americans cannot be overstated."

Director of the Witness to War Foundation, Emily Carley, brought up a timely point: "The men of the Greatest Generation are passing away at a rapid pace, and it would be wonderful to move forward with this Medal while some of these Rangers are still around to be properly thanked for their incredible service to our nation. We will continue to support this bill until it has been passed, which we hope is soon."

WWII Ranger, Major General (Ret) John C. Raaen, Jr., HQ Company, 5th Ranger Battalion; Omaha Beach said:

“There were about 7000 Rangers who served in WWII, and today there are only 20 of us left. We lost another one last weekend. We are falling fast. Speaking for all of the WWII Rangers, it is about damn time that Congress award the Congressional Gold Medal to WWII Rangers if they want us to receive it. They need to do it quickly while there are some of us left. I have felt that way for a long time, but no one knew how difficult it would be to get this to happen.”

WWII Ranger, Major General (Ret) John C. Raaen, Jr.