Sen. Cruz Introduces Legislation to Facilitate the Repatriation of Medals of Honor

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today introduced the Limiting and Enabling Gathering Awards Commemorating Yesteryear (LEGACY) Act, legislation to facilitate the repatriation of medals, including the Congressional Medal of Honor (MoH), into the United States for display in museums and for educational purposes.

Upon introducing this bill, Sen. Cruz said:

"Foreign sales of Medals of Honor harm the dignity and honor of all recipients. I'm proud to introduce this important legislation to ensure these medals return to U.S. territory. By creating a process for these medals to be donated to the military, museums, or educational institutions, future generations of Americans will be able to learn more about Medal of Honor recipients' heroic service and countless contributions to our country."

James Connors, CEO of the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, said:

"The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation has been at the forefront of defending the integrity of the Medal of Honor and the legacies of those who received it. When we learned of a Medal of Honor being sold in Germany earlier this year, we moved quickly to stop these American treasures from being auctioned off like common household goods. Senator Cruz immediately stepped forward as a champion. We are proud to stand with him in this noble cause."

David Bellavia, a Medal of Honor recipient, added:

"The Medal of Honor is part of the American fabric and the warrior ethos. It isn't just an object and those of us who wear it do so on behalf of all those who have fought for and defended our country. We are custodians of these priceless American treasures and I'm grateful to Senator Ted Cruz for protecting American valor by defending these Medals and keeping them from the black market."

Background:

The bill text may be viewed here. In May, Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging him to use the voice and influence of the United States to prevent a Munich firm from auctioning off a U.S. Medal of Honor.

The Medal of Honor Museum Foundation is currently constructing a museum in Arlington, Texas. More than 80 individuals born or residing in Texas have received the Medal of Honor and more than 1.5 million veterans call Texas home.

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