WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden signed into law bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Sens. Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the U.S. Army Rangers Veterans of World War II, in recognition of their extraordinary service. All members of the World War II-era Ranger Battalions were volunteers, whose service contributed greatly to the military success of the United States and our Allies.

“I am proud to honor the Army Rangers of World War II with the highest recognition that we can bestow on them, the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Senator Hassan. “With this recognition, we mark their brave service under extraordinarily tough conditions. They helped us save the world from Hitler and protect the freedom that we cherish today, and I am profoundly grateful for their service and sacrifice.”

“Today is an important day of recognition for the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Army Rangers of World War II. The Ranger Battalions were compromised solely of volunteers, who put their lives on the line and aided our military success in WWII. They are deserving of the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest distinction from Congress, which is why I’m very pleased this bipartisan legislation is now law,” said Shaheen. “Our nation is forever in debt for their extraordinary service.”

The first Army Ranger combat operations took place on August 19, 1942, when 50 Rangers took part in a raid on the French coastal town of Dieppe. Rangers went on to serve in major combat operations in both the European and Pacific Theaters. The units formed the basis of current day Army Ranger battalions.

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