Congressional Gold Medals 1776-2008

^Pr^ep^ar^{ed f}^o^r^M^e^m^b^ers^an^d^Com^mⁱ^t^t^ees^of^C^ong^r^e^ss

Senators and Representatives are frequently asked to support or sponsor proposals recognizing
historic events and outstanding achievements by individuals or institutions. Among the various
forms of recognition that Congress bestows, the Congressional Gold Medal is often considered
the most distinguished. Through this venerable tradition, the occasional commissioning of
individually struck gold medals in its name, Congress has expressed public gratitude on behalf of
the nation for distinguished contributions for more than two centuries. Since 1776, this award,
which initially was bestowed on military leaders, has also been given to such diverse individuals
as Sir Winston Churchill and Bob Hope, George Washington and Robert Frost, Joe Louis and
Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Most recently, a Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to
internationally recognized physician and surgeon Dr. Michael Ellis DeBakey.
Members of Congress and their staff frequently ask questions concerning the nature, history, and
contemporary application of the process for awarding Gold Medals. This report responds to
congressional inquiries concerning this process, and includes a historical examination and
chronological list of these awards. It is intended to assist Members of Congress and staff in their
consideration of future Gold Medal proposals, and will be updated as Gold Medals are approved.

Practices Adopted During the American Revolution.......................................................................1
First Medals Were Struck in Paris.............................................................................................2
Recipients in the Nineteenth Century..............................................................................................3
War of 1812...............................................................................................................................3
Mexican War.............................................................................................................................3
Congress Broadens the Scope of Its Gold Medal......................................................................4
Recipients in the 20^th and 21^st Centuries.........................................................................................5
Actors, Artists, Authors, Entertainers, and Musicians...............................................................5
Aeronautical and Space Pioneers..............................................................................................7
Antarctic Explorers...................................................................................................................7
Acclaimed Lifesavers................................................................................................................8
Distinguished Military Personnel..............................................................................................9
Notables in Agriculture, Science and Medicine......................................................................10
Awards for Public Service, Athletic Prowess, Civil Rights Activism, and
Humanitarian Contributions..................................................................................................11
Foreign Recipients.........................................................................................................................13
Design and Casting of Gold Medals..............................................................................................15
Legislative Procedures..................................................................................................................16
Procedures in the 110^th Congress............................................................................................16
Bills to Change Procedures or Criteria....................................................................................17
Appendix. Recipients of Congressional Gold Medals, 1776-2008: A Chronological List............19
Name Index...................................................................................................................................33
Author Contact Information..........................................................................................................39

eorge Washington, Bob Hope, Joe Louis, the Wright Brothers, Robert Frost, Francis
Albert “Frank” Sinatra, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta share a common bond in American
history. These notable personages, together with approximately 300 other individuals and G

the American Red Cross, have been accorded the unique distinction of being awarded a
Congressional Gold Medal. Through these awards, Congress has expressed public gratitude for
distinguished contributions, dramatized the virtues of patriotism, and perpetuated the
remembrance of great events. This tradition, of authorizing individually struck gold medals
bearing the portraits of those so honored or images of events in which they participated, is rich
with history.
Although Congress has approved legislation stipulating specific requirements for numerous other ¹
awards and decorations, there are no permanent statutory provisions specifically relating to the
creation of Congressional Gold Medals. When such an award has been deemed appropriate,
Congress has, by special action, provided for the creation of a personalized medal to be given in
its name, which would in each instance truly record the approbation of a grateful country.

Congress from the outset was “imbued with the conviction that only the very highest
achievements [were] entitled to such a distinction, and that the value of a reward is enhanced by ²
its rarity!” Instituting such a tradition was considered “both a legitimate function and powerful ³
instrument of nationality.” “Few inventions,” Colonel David Humphrey wrote in 1787, “could be
more happily calculated to diffuse the knowledge and preserve the memory of illustrious
characters and splendid events than medals—whether we take into consideration the imperishable
nature of the substance whence they are formed, the facility of multiplying copies, or the practice ⁴
of depositing them in the cabinets of the curious.” With these words, Humphrey, who had the
responsibility for having the first gold medals struck in Paris, captured the essence of the feelings
which inspired the Continental Congress to choose medals as its highest distinction and ⁵
expression of national appreciation.
Following a long standing historical practice, Congress commissioned gold medals as tributes for
what were considered to be the most distinguished achievements. Silver and bronze medals, and ⁶
ceremonial swords, were awarded for less eminent, but still notable, accomplishments. Of these,
only the gold medal has been continuously awarded to the present day.

¹^S^{ee “Deco}^ratⁱ^oⁿ^s^,^M^e^d^a^l^s^,^an^{d B}^a^d^g^es,^”ⁱⁿ^t^h^{e gen}^e^ralⁱⁿ^d^e^{x o}^f^t^h^e^Uⁿ^ite^{d State}^s^C^ode^:²⁰^{00 Editi}^on⁽^W^a^s^hing^to^n:
^G^P^O^,²⁰⁰¹⁾^.
²^J^.^{F. L}^o^u^b^a^t^,^T^h^e^M^e^dallⁱ^c^Hⁱ^s^t^or^y^{of t}^h^e^Uⁿ^ite^d^St^ate^s^of^Am^e^r^ic^a,¹⁷^76-¹⁸⁷⁶^,^{2 v}^o^l^s^.⁽^N^e^w^Y^o^r^k^{: Pr}^inte^d^by^A^u^thor^,
¹⁸⁷^8),^v^o^{l. 1, p.}^v^iii.
³^Juliaⁿ^{P. B}^o^y^d^{, L}^.^{H. Butte}^rf^ie^{ld, Ch}^a^r^le^{s Culle}ⁿ^,^aⁿ^{d Jo}^{hn Ca}^ta^nz^a^r^{iti, e}^d^s.,^The^P^ape^r^s^o^f^T^hom^as^J^e^ffe^r^s^oⁿ^,³¹^vo^l^s^.
^{to da}^te⁽^P^rinc^e^t^oⁿ^{, NJ:}^Princ^e^t^oⁿ^Univ^e^r^sit^y^P^r^e^{ss, 1}⁹⁵⁰^{- ),}^v^o^l.^16,^p.^53.
⁴^D^a^vⁱ^{d H}^u^m^phr^ey^{to Ma}^tthe^w^C^a^r^e^y⁽^P^rⁱⁿ^t^e^r^of^the^A^m^e^r^ic^aⁿ^Mus^e^um⁾^,^N^o^v^e^m^b^e^r^1787,^{in L}^a^ba^tt,^The^M^e^dallic
^Hⁱ^s^t^or^y^{of t}^h^e^Uⁿ^ite^{d S}^t^ate^s^,^vo^l.¹^,^p.^xxi^v.
⁵^Hu^m^p^h^r^e^y^“su^cceed^edⁱⁿ^secu^ri^{ng t}^h^{e co}^op^eratⁱ^o^{n o}^f^t^h^e^Ac^a^d^e^m^e^d’Insc^ip^tio^{ns e}^t^Be^lle^s-Le^ttre^sⁱⁿ^P^a^{ris a}ⁿ^{d t}^h^is
^le^a^r^ne^{d ins}^tⁱ^t^uti^oⁿⁿ^o^mⁱ^na^te^{d a}^c^o^m^m^itte^e^of^f^our^a^m^ong^its^m^e^m^b^er^s^w^{ho w}^o^r^k^e^d^v^e^r^y^e^x^pe^ditious^lyⁱⁿ^de^vⁱ^sⁱ^ng
^de^sigⁿ^{s a}^{nd i}ⁿ^sc^ripti^ons”^f^o^{r t}^h^e^m^e^da^{ls the}^Con^tineⁿ^ta^{l Co}^ng^re^{ss ha}^{d a}^u^t^horiz^e^d^.^V^l^a^d^im^{ir Cla}ⁱ^n-St^e^f^aⁿ^e^{lli a}^nd^Elvⁱ^ra
^Claⁱ^n-Ste^f^aⁿ^e^lli,^M^e^{dals C}^o^mme^moratin^{g B}^a^ttle^s^{of t}^h^e^Ame^r^ic^an^Re^v^o^luti^on⁽^W^a^s^hing^to^{n: T}^h^e^N^a^tⁱ^ona^l^Mus^e^um^of
^Hⁱ^s^t^ory^a^{nd T}^e^c^hnolog^y^,^S^m^iths^oniaⁿ^Iⁿ^s^titu^tio^n,¹⁹^73),^p.^1.
⁶^T^.^B^a^iley^Mey^e^r^s^{, “}^O^ur^N^a^tiona^l^Me^da^ls^,”^M^a^g^a^zⁱ^ne^of^Am^e^r^ic^an^Hⁱ^s^t^or^y^{, v}^o^l.^{2, Se}^pte^m^be^r¹⁸⁷^8,^pp.⁵²^9-⁵³²^.
⁽^c^onti^nue^d.^..)

The Continental Congress had not yet proclaimed its independence from Great Britain when, on
March 25, 1776, George Washington, commander of the Continental Army, was tendered the first
Congressional Gold Medal for his “wise and spirited conduct” in bringing about British ⁷
evacuation of Boston. During the next 12 years, the Continental Congress authorized an
additional six gold medals for Revolutionary military and naval leaders.
In 1777, Major General Horatio Gates was recognized for his “brave and successful efforts” in
bringing about the surrender of the British Army at Saratoga. Two years later, a similar honor was
bestowed upon Major General Anthony Wayne in 1779 for his courageous assault on the British ⁸
at Stony Point, New York.
A gold medal was also given to Major Henry Lee in commemoration of the skill and bravery he
exhibited against the British at Paulus Hook, New Jersey. Brigadier General Daniel Morgan and
Major General Nathaniel Greene were praised for their gallant efforts in South Carolina during

1781. Six years later, John Paul Jones was similarly honored for his “valor and brilliant services” ⁹

in capturing the Serapis.
While the Continental Congress was prompt in approving each of these medals, those responsible
for carrying out the wishes of Congress were far less expeditious. Because of its close ties with
France, Congress turned to Paris for advice and assistance in having the medals struck.
Unfortunately, Congress’ preoccupation with the American Revolution, together with the lengthy
and complicated procedures which had to be followed in Paris, produced long delays.
Thomas Jefferson was not able to present Washington his gold medal until March 21, 1790, some
fourteen years after it had been approved. At the same time, Washington received a mahogany
box containing a number of other gold medals ordered by Congress. Soon thereafter, these medals ¹⁰
were transmitted by the former President to the various recipients. The gold medal conferred

^(...c^on^tin^ue^d)
^A^ltog^e^the^r^C^ong^r^e^s^s^a^u^thor^iz^e^d^a^tota^l^of^{15 m}^e^da^ls^a^{nd 1}⁰^c^e^r^e^m^oⁿ^ia^{l s}^w^or^ds^du^rⁱ^ng^t^h^e^C^onf^e^d^e^r^a^tion^pe^rⁱ^o^d^{. B}^o^y^d^,
^The^Pa^pe^r^s^of^Th^om^as^J^e^ffe^r^s^oⁿ^{, vo}^l^.¹⁶^,^p^p^.⁵⁴^-⁵⁵^.
⁷^U^.^{S. C}^ontiⁿ^eⁿ^ta^{l C}^ong^r^e^s^s^,^J^our^nals^{of t}^h^e^C^o^ntiⁿ^eⁿ^ta^{l C}^o^ngr^e^s^s^:¹⁷^74-¹⁷⁸⁹^,^v^o^{l. 4, Ma}^r^c^h²⁵^{, 17}^{76, p. 23}^4.^B^r^ie^f
^his^t^or^ie^s^of^G^e^or^g^e^Wa^s^h^ing^t^on’^s^g^o^{ld m}^e^da^{l a}^r^e^f^{ound i}ⁿ^G^e^or^gⁱ^a^Sta^m^m^C^h^am^be^r^l^aⁱ^n,^Am^e^r^ic^{an M}^e^dals^an^d
^M^e^dalists⁽^A^nna^nda^le^,^VA^{: D}^e^sⁱ^gne^{d a}ⁿ^{d L}^ithog^r^a^p^h^e^d^by^the^T^u^r^npik^e^P^r^e^s^s^,^Iⁿ^c^.^,¹⁹⁶³⁾^,^pp.¹⁶^-¹^{7; R}^.^W^.^J^u^lia^n,
^M^e^dals^of^the^Uⁿⁱ^t^e^d^State^s^Mⁱ^nt^:^The^Fir^s^t^C^e^ntur^y¹⁷⁹²^-¹⁸⁹²⁽^E^l^C^a^jon,^C^A^{: T}^h^e^T^oke^{n a}^{nd Me}^da^{l Soc}ⁱ^e^t^y^,^Iⁿ^c^.,
¹⁹⁷⁷⁾^,^p^p^{. 1}¹⁴^-¹^15.
⁸^J^ourn^a^{ls o}^f^t^h^e^Con^tineⁿ^tal^Co^ng^re^ss^{, v}^o^{l. 9, N}^o^v^e^m^b^e^r^{4, 1}⁷⁷⁷^,^p^p^{. 8}⁶¹^-⁸^{62; v}^o^l^.^14,^J^u^ly^26,¹⁷⁷⁹^{, p.}⁸⁹^0.
⁹^I^bⁱ^d^.^,^vo^l.¹⁵^,^S^e^p^t^em^b^e^r²⁴^,¹⁷⁷⁹^,^p.¹⁰⁹⁹^;^vol^.¹⁹^,^Jan^u^a^r^y¹⁷^,¹⁷⁸¹^,^pp^.²⁴⁶^-²⁴^7;^vo^l^.²¹^,^Oct^o^b^e^r¹⁹^,¹⁷⁸¹^,^p^p^.
¹⁰⁸^3-¹⁰^{85; v}^o^l^.^33,^O^c^tobe^r^16,¹⁷⁸⁷^{, p}^.⁶⁸⁷^.^F^o^r^dis^c^us^sⁱ^ons^of^th^e^s^e^m^e^da^ls^{, s}^e^e^T^h^e^odor^e^T^.^B^e^lo^te^{, “}^W^a^r^Me^da^ls
^o^f^t^h^{e Am}^eri^can^Revo^l^u^tⁱ^oⁿ^,^”^D^a^ugh^te^r^s^{of t}^h^e^Am^e^r^ic^an^Re^v^o^luti^{on M}^a^gazⁱⁿ^e^{, v}^o^l.⁵⁵^{, Se}^pte^m^be^r¹⁹²^1,^pp^{. 4}^87-⁴⁹^9;
^Bo^y^d^,^The^Pa^pe^r^s^of^Th^om^as^J^e^f^f^e^r^s^oⁿ^,^vo^l^.¹⁶^,^pp^.^xxxv-^xlⁱ^,⁵³^-⁶⁶^;^Ju^li^an^,^M^e^da^ls^of^the^Uⁿ^ite^d^St^ate^s^Mⁱ^nt^{, pp}^.¹^14-
¹¹⁷^,¹²^0,¹²^2,¹⁴^9;^Lab^a^t^t^,^T^h^e^M^e^dallic^History^o^f^the^Uⁿ^ite^d^St^ate^s^{, v}^o^l.^1,^pp^{. 1-}²¹^{, 2}⁹^-³^6,^40-⁴⁵^{, 5}⁰^-^56,⁹⁷^-¹^12;
^Ma^r^t^ha^L^.^T^u^rⁿ^e^r^{, “}^C^om^m^e^m^o^r^a^tⁱ^v^e^Me^da^ls^of^the^A^m^e^r^icaⁿ^R^e^v^o^lutio^{n a}ⁿ^{d t}^h^e^W^a^r^of¹⁸¹^2,”^Numⁱ^smatist^{, v}^o^l.⁸⁸^,
^J^a^nua^r^y^1975,^pp^{. 6-}¹⁵^.
¹⁰^Boy^d^,^The^P^ape^r^s^of^Th^om^as^J^e^f^f^e^r^s^oⁿ^,^vo^l^.¹⁶^,^pp^.^xxxv,⁶⁶^,²⁸⁸^-²⁸⁹ⁿ^;^aⁿ^d^J^o^hn^C^.^Fⁱ^t^z^p^a^t^rⁱ^c^k,^ed^.,^The^W^r^iti^ngs^of
^G^e^or^ge^W^a^s^hⁱⁿ^gtoⁿ^,³⁹^v^o^ls^{. (}^W^a^s^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,¹⁹^31-¹⁹⁴⁴⁾^,^v^o^l.^31,^p.²^7n.

upon Major Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee for his “remarkable prudence” and “bravery” during ¹¹
the surprise raid of Paulus Hook, New Jersey, was the first to be struck in this country.

Following the ratification of the Constitution, the first gold medal authorized by the Congress of
the United States was given to Captain Thomas Truxtun in 1800 for his gallant effort during the
action between the United States frigate Constellation and the French ship La Vengeance. In

1805, Commodore Edward Preble received a gold medal for gallantry and good conduct during ¹²

the War with Tripoli.
Subsequently, Congress commissioned 27 gold medals for notable victories and achievements in
the War of 1812. This was more than four times as many as it had given during the American ¹³
Revolution. “Scarcely a victory of any consequence was overlooked.” The gold medal Congress
approved on February 22, 1816, honoring Captain James Biddle ‘s “gallantry” in capturing the
British sloop-of-war Penguin was the final naval award of this character awarded by Congress ¹⁴
until World War II.
Gold medals would continue to be awarded for military achievements until the Civil War, but
with far less frequency. In part this is explained by the fact that in the War with Mexico naval
operations were negligible and military operations were principally confined to two expeditions
led, respectively, by Major General Zachary Taylor and Major General Winfield Scott.
Taylor’s heroics against the Mexicans earned him gold medals on three different occasions.¹⁵ ¹⁶
Scott, for his efforts, was accorded a gold medal in 1848. Gold medals were also given to 10
officers and seamen belonging or attached to the French, British, and Spanish ships-of-war, who
on December 10, 1846, gallantly rescued 37 of the officers and crew from the wreck of the ¹⁷
United States brig Somers in Vera Cruz harbor.

¹¹^Julia^n,^M^e^dals^{of t}^h^e^Uⁿ^ite^d^St^at^e^s^Mⁱ^nt^{, p.}^x^v^iii.
¹²^{2 Sta}^t^{. 8}⁷^,³⁴^6-³⁴⁷^.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^T^h^e^odo^r^e^T^.^B^e^lote^{, “}^N^a^v^a^l^W^a^r^Me^d^a^ls^of^the^Uⁿ^ite^d^Sta^t^e^s¹⁸⁰⁰^-¹⁸¹^5,^P^a^r^t^I^I^I^,”
^D^aug^hte^r^s^of^the^Am^e^r^ic^an^Re^v^o^l^u^tio^{n M}^a^gazⁱⁿ^e^{, v}^o^l.⁵⁶^{, J}^a^nua^r^y¹⁹²^2,^pp^{. 7}⁷^-⁹^{3; J}^u^lia^n,^M^e^dals^o^f^the^Uⁿ^ite^d^State^s
^Miⁿ^t^{, p}^.¹^50;^L^a^ba^tt,^The^M^e^d^a^lli^c^Hⁱ^s^t^or^y^{of t}^h^e^Uⁿ^ite^{d St}^ate^s^{, v}^o^l^.^1,^pp^{. 1}^28-¹³^2.
¹³^T^h^e^odore^T^.^Be^lote^{, “}^M^ilita^ry^a^{nd N}^a^v^a^{l Me}^da^ls^of^the^W^a^{r of}¹⁸^12-¹⁸^15,^P^a^{rt II,”}^D^a^u^ghte^r^s^of^th^e^Am^e^r^ic^an
^Re^v^o^luti^{on M}^a^gazⁱⁿ^e^{, v}^o^l.⁵⁵^{, N}^o^v^e^m^b^e^r¹⁹²¹^{, p}^.⁶³⁹^.
¹⁴³^Stat^{. 3}⁴¹^.^{See also}^Bel^o^{te, “Nav}^{al W}^a^{r Med}^a^{ls o}^f^th^{e Un}^ited^Sta^t^{es 1}⁸⁰⁰^-¹⁸¹⁵^,^P^a^r^t^III,”^p^p^.⁹²^-9³^;^Ju^lⁱ^an^,^Med^a^l^s
^{of t}^h^e^Uⁿ^ite^d^St^ate^s^Mⁱ^nt^,^p.¹^53;^L^a^ba^tt,^The^M^e^dallic^Hist^ory^of^t^h^e^Unite^d^St^ate^s^{, v}^o^l.^1,^p^p^.²⁴^9-²⁵²^.
¹⁵^{9 Sta}^t^{. 1}¹¹^,²⁰⁶^,³^34-³³^5.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^C^h^a^m^be^r^l^aⁱ^n,^Am^e^r^ic^{an M}^e^d^a^l^s^an^{d M}^e^dalis^ts^,^p^p^.^75-^93.
¹⁶⁹^S^t^at^.³³^3.^S^{ee al}^so^T^h^eod^o^r^{e T}^.^Bel^o^t^e^,^“Mⁱ^lⁱ^t^a^ry^M^e^d^a^l^s^o^f^t^h^{e W}^a^r^wⁱ^t^h^M^e^xi^co^an^d^t^h^{e Ci}^vi^l^W^a^r,^”^Numismatist^,
^v^o^{l. 5}⁶^{, Ma}^y¹⁹²^2,^pp^{. 2}^80-²⁸^{1; J}^u^lia^n,^M^e^dals^o^f^t^h^e^Uⁿ^ite^d^St^ate^s^Mⁱ^nt^{, p. 13}^8.
¹⁷⁹^S^t^at.²⁰^8.

Heroic action of a very different type in 1854 prompted Congress to praise Commander Duncan
N. Ingraham of the U.S.S. St. Louis for his efforts in rescuing Martin Koszta from illegal seizure ¹⁸
and imprisonment aboard the Austrian war-brig Hussar.
Soon after the Hussar episode, Congress broke with its tradition of only honoring heroism
associated with the actions of American military or naval personnel. In 1858, Dr. Frederick A.
Rose, an assistant-surgeon in the British Navy, was recognized for his kindness and humanity to
sick American seamen aboard the U.S. steamer Susquehannah whose crew had been stricken with ¹⁹
yellow fever. At the behest of President Abraham Lincoln, Congress applauded Cornelius
Vanderbilt in 1864 for his patriotic gift to the imperiled nation of a steamship which bore the ²⁰
donor’s name. Three years later, Cyrus W. Field was praised for his work in the laying of the ²¹
transatlantic cable. Tribute was similarly paid to Private George F. Robinson for his “heroic
conduct” in saving Secretary of State William H. Seward from an assassin’s knife on April 14, ²²

1865.

At the same time, Congress established the first permanent American military decoration with
creation of the Medal of Honor. This award, which was conceived in the early 1860s, marked the
beginning of a formalized policy by the United States of awarding military decorations. Although
this medal was also to be presented in the name of the Congress of the United States and today is
often referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor, the regulations for awarding the Medal of ²³
Honor have from the beginning been the responsibility of the armed services. There is a clear
distinction between the Medal of Honor, which is a military award, and Congressional Gold
Medals, which are authorized by Congress to honor particular individuals and events.
During the Civil War, more than 1,500 Americans were awarded the Medal of Honor, but only ²⁴
one individual—Ulysses S. Grant—received a Congressional Gold Medal. Thirty-five years
were to pass before Congress would bestow the award on another American military leader.

¹⁸^{10 Sta}^t^{. 59}^4-⁵⁹⁵^.
¹⁹^{11 Sta}^t^{. 36}^{9. Se}^e^a^l^s^o^L^a^ba^tt,^Th^e^M^e^dallic^History^o^f^the^Uⁿ^ite^d^State^s^,^vo^l.^2,^pp^.³⁶²^-³⁶^9.
²⁰¹³^Sta^t^.⁴⁰^1-⁴⁰²^.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S.^Pr^e^s^ideⁿ^t,¹⁸^61-¹⁸^{65 (}^L^inc^o^ln)^,^Messa^g^e^o^f^t^h^{e P}^r^esi^d^en^t^o^f^t^h^{e Uni}^t^ed^S^t^a^t^es
^Re^c^o^m^m^e^ndin^g^T^hat^S^o^m^e^Sui^ta^b^l^e^Ac^k^now^le^d^g^m^e^{nt Be}^M^a^de^to^Corne^lius^Va^nde^rbil^{t for}^th^e^V^a^lu^a^b^le^Pre^s^eⁿ^{t to}^the^th^nd
^Uⁿ^ite^d^State^s^{of t}^h^e^Ste^a^m^e^r^“Va^nde^r^b^ilt^”^,^{S. Ex}^{. D}^o^c^.⁷¹^,³⁷^Co^ng^{., 2}^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁸⁶²⁾^,^p.^1.
²¹¹⁴^Sta^t^.⁵⁷^4.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S.^P^r^e^s^id^eⁿ^{t, 1}⁸⁶⁵^-¹⁸⁶^{9 (}^A^{. J}^o^hⁿ^s^oⁿ⁾^,^G^o^l^d^M^e^dal^Pr^e^s^eⁿ^te^{d to}^C^y^r^u^s^W^.^Fⁱ^e^l^{d. M}^e^s^s^age
^{From the}^Pre^s^ideⁿ^{t i}ⁿ^Re^la^tio^{n t}^o^the^Gol^d^Med^a^l^P^r^esen^t^e^d^to^{Mr. C}^y^ru^{s W.}^Fⁱ^el^d^,^H^.^Ex^{. D}^o^c^.⁸⁹^,⁴⁰^th^Cong^.,³^rd
^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^as^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,¹⁸⁶⁹⁾^.
²²¹⁶^Sta^t^.⁷⁰^4.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S.^C^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on For}^e^igⁿ^A^f^f^a^ir^s^,^G^e^or^ge^{F. Rob}ⁱ^ns^oⁿ^{, re}^p^o^{rt t}^o
^acco^m^p^an^y^H.^Res.⁵⁰¹^,⁴¹^st^Co^ng^{., 3}^rd^s^e^s^s^{., H}^.^R^e^pt.³³⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁸⁷⁴⁾^.
²³¹²^Sta^t^.³³^0,⁶²^3-⁶²⁴^.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^C^R^{S R}^e^por^t⁹⁵^-⁵^19,^M^e^dal^{of H}^oⁿ^o^r^:^Hⁱ^s^t^or^y^aⁿ^d^I^s^s^u^e^s^{, by}^Da^vⁱ^{d F. Burre}^lli^;
^Abov^e^aⁿ^d^Be^y^oⁿ^d^:^{A H}ⁱ^s^t^or^y^of^t^h^e^M^e^dal^{of H}^o^nor^Fr^om^t^h^e^Cⁱ^vⁱ^{l W}^a^r^to^Vie^tⁿ^a^m⁽^B^os^t^on:^B^o^s^t^oⁿ^P^u^blis^hi^ng^C^o^.^,
¹⁹⁸⁵⁾^{; E.}^K^e^r^rⁱ^g^a^n,^Am^e^r^ic^an^W^a^r^M^e^dals^an^{d D}^e^c^o^r^a^tⁱ^oⁿ^s⁽^N^ew^Yo^r^k^:^Th^{e V}ⁱ^kiⁿ^g^P^r^ess)^,¹⁹⁶⁴^,^pp^.^3-¹¹^;^G^e^o^r^ge
^Laⁿ^g^,^M^e^{dal of H}^o^nor^Re^cⁱ^pieⁿ^ts^{, 18}⁶³^-¹⁹⁹⁴^{, 2}^v^o^ls^{. (N}^e^w^Y^o^rk^{: Fa}^c^t^s^{on F}^ile^{, 1}⁹⁹⁵^{); U}^.^{S. C}^ong^re^s^s^,^Se^na^te^th^st
^Co^mm^{ittee o}ⁿ^V^e^teran^s^{’ A}^ffairs,^M^e^{dal of}^H^oⁿ^o^r^Re^cⁱ^pieⁿ^ts¹⁸⁶³^-¹⁹⁷⁸^{, c}^o^m^m^itte^e^{print n}^o^.^3,⁹⁶^C^ong^{., 1}^sess.
⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁷⁹⁾^{; Me}ⁿ^d^e^{l L}^.^P^e^te^r^s^on^{, “}^T^he^N^a^vy^Me^da^{l of}^H^onor^,”^N^u^mismatist^,^v^o^{l. 63}^{, J}^une¹⁹⁵⁰^{, pp.}
³⁰⁵^-³^{12; I}^bⁱ^d^{., “}^T^he^A^r^m^y^Me^da^l^of^H^onor^,”^Numismatist^{, v}^o^l.⁶³^,^Se^pte^m^be^r¹⁹⁵⁰^{, p}^p^.⁵⁵^7-⁵⁶⁵^.
²⁴¹³^Sta^t^.³⁹^9.^Se^e^a^l^{so Be}^lote^{, “}^M^ilita^ry^Me^da^{ls of}^the^W^a^r^w^{ith Me}^xⁱ^c^o^a^{nd the}^Cⁱ^v^{il W}^a^r,”^{p. 2}^82;^Julia^n,^Meda^l^s^o^f
^the^Uⁿ^ite^d^St^ate^s^Mⁱ^nt^,^p.¹^40.

On five occasions, in the interim, Congress expressed its gratitude for lifesaving contributions. In
1866 three merchant sea captains were recognized with gold medals for rescuing some 500 men
from the wreck of the steamship San Francisco more than a decade earlier. In 1873, Congress
expressed its admiration for the 10 men from Westerly, Rhode Island, who saved the lives of 32 ²⁵
persons from the wrecked steamer Metis, in the waters of Long Island Sound.
The following year, the heroics of John Horn, Jr., who during an 11-year period had rescued 110
men, women, and children from drowning in the Detroit River, captured the attention of ²⁶
Congress. Joseph Francis was thanked in 1888 for his “life-long service to humanity” in the
construction and perfection of lifesaving appliances, which had been instrumental in saving ²⁷
several hundreds of lives. In 1890, George Wallace Melville, chief engineer aboard the Arctic
exploring steamer Jeannette, and seven of his shipmates were praised for their persistent efforts ²⁸
to find and assist their commanding officer after they became shipwrecked.
Nineteenth century contributions of a far different nature prompted expressions of gratitude to
philanthropists George Peabody of Massachusetts and John F. Slater of Connecticut for their ²⁹
substantial financial support for education of the underprivileged in the South and Southwest.

In the 20^th and 21^st centuries, Congress continued broadened the scope of such honors to include
recognition of excellence in such varied fields as the arts, athletics, aviation, diplomacy,
entertainment, exploration, medicine, politics, religion, and science.
Nineteen Americans from the arts and the world of entertainment have received Congressional
Gold Medals to date. Composer George M. Cohan was the first to be so acclaimed, in 1936, for
his patriotic songs “Over There” and “A Grand Old Flag.” Some eighteen years later, in

²⁵¹⁴^S^t^at^.³⁶⁵^-³⁶⁶^;^an^{d 17}^S^t^at^.⁶³⁸^.^S^{ee al}^so^U.^S^.^C^oⁿ^g^ress,^Ho^u^s^e^Co^mmⁱ^t^t^{ee o}ⁿ^Co^mm^er^ce,^Ste^a^m^s^{hip Sa}ⁿ
^Fr^anc^is^c^o^{, H}^.^Re^pt.⁹⁷^{, 3}⁹^th^C^ong^.^,¹^st^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁸⁶⁶⁾^;^J^u^lⁱ^aⁿ^,^M^e^da^ls^of^the^Uⁿ^ite^d^S^t^ate^s^Mⁱ^nt^{, pp}^.
³²⁸^{, 3}³²^;^L^a^ba^tt,^T^h^e^M^e^dallic^Hi^story^{of t}^h^e^Unite^{d S}^t^ate^s^{, v}^o^l^.²^,^pp.⁴¹^2-⁴¹⁷^.
²⁶¹⁸^Sta^t^.⁵⁷^{3. A}^le^ng^thy^a^c^c^{ount o}^f^H^o^rn’s^he^roic^s^is^f^o^u^{nd i}ⁿ^“^J^o^hⁿ^H^o^rn,^J^r^.,^of^D^e^{troit: T}^h^e^Ma^{n t}^o^W^hom
^C^ong^r^e^s^s^Vo^te^{d a}^G^o^ld^Me^da^{l f}^o^r^Hⁱ^s^Ex^e^r^tionsⁱⁿ^Sa^vⁱ^ng^Lⁱ^f^e^,”^N^e^{w Yor}^k^Tim^e^s^{, J}^u^ne²⁸^{, l}⁸⁷⁴^,^p.^{9. O}ⁿ^A^p^{ril 28}^,
¹⁹⁰⁴^,^C^oⁿ^g^{ress au}^t^h^o^rⁱ^zed^and^dⁱ^rect^ed^t^h^{e S}^ecret^ar^y^o^f^t^h^{e T}^r^easu^r^y^t^o^st^ri^{ke an}^d^p^r^esen^t^t^o^Johⁿ^H^o^rn^,^Jr.^,^a^d^u^p^lⁱ^cat^e
^of^the^m^e^da^{l v}^o^te^{d by}^C^ong^r^e^s^s^t^o^himⁱⁿ¹⁸^74,^w^h^ic^{h ha}^d^be^eⁿ^s^t^oleⁿ^f^r^om^him^{in O}^c^tobe^r¹⁹⁰¹^.³³^Sta^t^.¹⁶⁸⁴^-¹⁶⁸^5.
^S^{ee al}^so^Ju^lⁱ^aⁿ^,^M^e^dals^{of t}^h^e^Uⁿⁱ^t^e^d^St^ate^s^Mⁱ^nt^,^p.³^31.
²⁷²⁵^S^t^at^.¹²⁴⁹^.^S^{ee al}^so^U.^S^.^C^o^ngress,^Ho^u^s^{e Co}^mmⁱ^t^t^{ee o}ⁿ^Co^mmerce,^J^o^s^e^{ph Fr}^anc^is^,^H^.^R^e^{pt. 5}^{29, 49}^th^Co^ng^.,¹^st
^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^as^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,¹⁸⁸⁶⁾^.
²⁸²⁶^Sta^t^.⁵⁵^2-⁵⁵³^.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^{S. C}^ong^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on N}^a^v^a^l^A^f^f^a^ir^s^,^O^ffic^e^r^s^{and M}^eⁿ^{of t}^h^e^J^e^anne^tte
^Arc^tic^Ex^pe^diti^on^,^H^.^R^e^{pt. 31}⁸³^{, 51}^st^Co^ng^.,¹^st^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^to^n:^G^P^O^,¹⁸⁹¹⁾^.
²⁹¹⁵^Sta^t^.^20;²²^Sta^t^{. 6}³⁶^.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S.^P^r^e^s^ideⁿ^t^,¹⁸⁶⁵^-¹⁸⁶^{9 (}^A^{. J}^ohns^on)^,^G^o^l^d^M^e^dal^to^G^e^or^ge^Pe^abo^dy^:
^M^e^s^s^age^Fr^om^the^Pr^e^s^ideⁿ^{t of}^th^e^Uⁿ^ite^d^State^sⁱⁿ^Re^l^a^tio^{n t}^o^t^h^e^G^o^{ld M}^e^da^{l Pr}^e^s^eⁿ^te^{d t}^o^G^e^or^ge^Pe^abo^dy^{, H}^.^th^rd
^E^x^ec.^Do^c.⁵³^,⁴⁰^Cong^.,³^s^e^s^s^{. (}^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁸⁶⁹⁾^;^U^.^S^.^C^ong^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on Educ}^a^tio^{n a}ⁿ^d^th^nd
^L^a^bor^,^Iⁿ^t^h^e^Seⁿ^a^te^{of t}^h^e^Uⁿ^ite^d^Sta^t^e^s⁽^R^e^por^t^on^J^o^hn^{F. Sla}^t^e^r⁾^,^H^.^R^e^pt.⁹³^5,⁴⁷^Cong^.,²^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^ton:^th^st
^G^P^O^,¹⁸⁸³⁾^{; U}^.^S.^C^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^J^o^int^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on the}^Lⁱ^br^a^r^y^,^J^{ohn F.}^Sl^ate^r^,^H.^R^e^p^t^.⁸⁶^9,⁴⁹^C^ong^.^,¹^sess.
⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁸⁸⁶⁾^.

recognition of Irving Berlin ‘s brilliance in composing “God Bless America” and other patriotic ³⁰
songs, Congress bestowed its second gold medal on an American song writer.
During the 1960s, poet Robert Frost was praised for enriching the culture of the world; comedian
Bob Hope was honored for outstanding “service to his country and the cause of peace,” and
filmmaker Walt Disney was singled out for his “outstanding contributions to the United States ³¹
and the world.” Opera singer and humanitarian Marian Anderson and actor John Wayne were
similarly decorated for their distinguished careers and contributions to the nation and world in the ³²
late 1970s.
Since 1980, author Louis L’Amour, choral music conductor Fred Waring; entertainer and
humanitarian Danny Thomas ; and author Elie Wiesel, one of the foremost spokesman of the ³³
victims of the Holocaust, were so honored. Singer Harry Chapin was recognized for his efforts ³⁴
to address issues of hunger around the world. In addition, Congress has memorialized the
contributions of George and Ira Gershwin to American music, theater, and culture, Aaron Copland
‘s to American music composition; Andrew Wyeth ‘s to American art, Frank Sinatra’s to the
entertainment industry through his endeavors as a producer, director, actor, and vocalist, and ³⁵
Charles M. Schulz’s to comic illustration. In 2008, Constantino Brumidi was recognized for his ³⁶
contributions to the nation as a designer and decorator of the U.S. Capitol.

³⁰⁴⁹^Sta^t^.²³^71;⁶⁸^Sta^t^{. A}^120.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S.^Co^ng^re^s^s^,^H^ous^e^Com^m^itte^e^{on the}^Lⁱ^bra^r^y^,^T^o^A^u^t^h^o^rⁱ^z^{e t}^h^{e P}^r^esi^d^en^t
^{to Pre}^s^eⁿ^t^{a Gol}^d^M^e^dal^to^Ge^orge^M^.^Coh^aⁿⁱⁿ^Re^c^o^gⁿ^iti^on^{of Hi}^{s Patrio}^tic^Se^rv^ic^e^{, H}^.^R^e^pt.²⁸⁶⁸^,⁷⁴^th^Co^ng^{., 2}^nd
^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^as^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,¹⁹³⁶⁾^{; a}^{nd U}^.^{S. C}^ong^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^mⁱ^t^t^e^e^{on B}^a^nk^ing^aⁿ^{d C}^u^r^r^e^nc^y^,^T^h^{e Irvi}ⁿ^g^B^e^rlⁱⁿ^rd^nd
^M^e^dal^{, H}^.^Re^pt^{. 1}⁹⁹⁹^,⁸³^Co^ng^.,²^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁵⁴⁾^.
³¹⁷⁴^Sta^t^.⁸⁸^3;⁷⁶^Sta^t^.^93;^aⁿ^d⁸²^Sta^t^{. 1}^30-¹³^1.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S.^C^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nk^ing^a^{nd C}^u^r^r^e^nc^y^,
^Robe^r^t^Fr^os^{t M}^e^dal^,^S.R^e^p^t^.¹⁵⁷²^{, 86}^th^Co^ng^.,²^nd^se^{ss. (Wa}^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O,¹⁹⁶⁰⁾^{; U.S.}^Co^ng^re^{ss, House}^Com^m^itte^e^th^nd
^{on B}^a^nkⁱⁿ^g^a^{nd C}^u^r^r^e^nc^y^,^Auth^or^iz^ing^the^I^s^s^u^anc^e^of^{a G}^o^ld^M^e^{dal t}^o^Bo^{b H}^ope^{, H}^.^R^e^pt.¹⁷^16,⁸⁷^Cong^{., 2}^sess.^th^nd
⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁶²⁾^{; I}^b^id.^,^Wa^{lt Disn}^{ey Co}^mmemo^ra^{tive Med}^a^l^s^{, H}^.^R^e^pt.¹³⁴²^{, 9}⁰^Cong^.,²^sess.
⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁶⁸⁾^.
³²⁹¹^Sta^t^.^19;⁹³^Sta^t^{. 3}²^.^Se^e^a^l^so^{U.S. Co}^ng^re^{ss, Se}^na^te^Com^m^itte^e^{on Ba}^nk^ing^,^Ho^using^,^aⁿ^{d Urba}ⁿ^Aff^a^irs,
^Auth^or^izⁱⁿ^{g t}^h^e^I^s^s^u^aⁿ^c^e^of^{a G}^o^l^d^M^e^dal^{to J}^o^hn^W^a^yⁿ^e^.^S^.^R^e^pt.^96-¹¹^{0, 96}^th^Cong^.,¹^st^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^to^{n: G}^P^O^,
¹⁹⁷⁹⁾^.
³³⁹⁶^Sta^t^.³¹^5-³^16;⁹⁷^Sta^t^{. 1}¹¹⁹^-¹¹²⁰^{; 9}⁸^S^t^a^t^{. 1}^73-¹⁷^5.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^{S. C}^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^oⁿ^B^a^nk^ing^,
^Fina^nc^e^aⁿ^{d U}^r^baⁿ^A^f^f^a^ir^s^,^Subc^om^m^itte^e^{on C}^ons^um^e^r^A^f^f^a^ir^s^{and C}^o^ina^g^e^,^G^o^l^d^M^e^dal^for^Fr^e^d^W^a^rⁱ^ng^,^h^eariⁿ^gs^th^st
^on^H^.^J^.^R^e^s^.²²^{3, 97}^Co^ng^{., 1}^s^e^s^s^{., J}^u^ly^22,¹⁹^{81 (}^W^a^s^hing^to^{n: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁸¹⁾^;^I^b^id.^,^T^o^Pre^s^eⁿ^t^{a Go}^{ld M}^e^dal^to^th^st
^D^anny^Th^om^as^,^he^a^r^ing^s^on^H^.^J^.^R^e^s^.^93,⁹⁸^Co^ng^.,¹^s^e^s^s^{., O}^c^t^obe^r¹⁸^,¹⁹⁸³⁽^W^a^s^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,¹⁹⁸³⁾^;
^“^A^uthor^iz^ing^A^w^a^r^ding^of^Spe^cⁱ^a^l^C^ong^r^e^s^sⁱ^ona^{l G}^o^ld^Me^da^ls^t^o^D^a^ug^hte^r^of^H^a^r^r^y^{S. T}^r^u^m^aⁿ^{, L}^a^dy^Bⁱ^r^d^J^ohns^on,
^an^d^E^lⁱ^e^Wⁱ^esel^,^”^Co^ng^ressioⁿ^a^l^Reco^rd^{, v}^o^l.¹^{30 (}^A^pr^il^26,¹⁹⁸⁴⁾^,^pp^{. 1}⁰²^23-¹⁰²²^5.
³⁴¹⁰^{0 Sta}^t⁴^64.^Se^e^a^l^{so U.S}^.^Co^ng^re^{ss, House}^Com^m^itt^e^e^{on Ba}^nk^ing^,^Fina^nc^e^a^{nd Ur}^ba^{n A}^f^f^a^{irs, S}^ubc^om^m^itte^e^on
^C^ons^um^e^r^A^f^f^a^ir^s^a^{nd C}^oⁱⁿ^a^g^e^,^T^o^Pr^ovⁱ^d^e^G^o^l^d^M^e^dals^H^oⁿ^o^rⁱⁿ^g^the^F^a^m^ily^of^H^a^r^r^y^C^h^a^pⁱⁿ^;^Aⁿ^atoly^an^{d Av}^it^al^th^nd
^Shc^h^a^r^a^ns^k^y^{, he}^a^r^ing^s^on^H^.^R^.¹²^{07 a}ⁿ^{d H}^.^R^.⁴¹⁸⁶^,⁹⁹^Co^ng^{., 2}^s^e^s^s^{., Ma}^y^{1, 198}^{6 (}^W^a^s^hing^to^n:^G^P^O^,¹⁹⁸⁶⁾^.
³⁵^{99 Sta}^t^{. 28}^8-²^89;¹^{00 Sta}^t^{. 95}^2;1^{02 Sta}^t^{. 33}^31-³³^{32; 11}¹^S^t^a^t^.^32-^33;¹¹^{4 S}^t^a^t^{. 4}^57-⁴⁵^8.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^{S. C}^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,
^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nk^ing^,^Fⁱ^na^nc^e^,^aⁿ^d^U^r^ba^{n A}^f^f^a^ir^s^,^Subc^o^m^m^itte^e^{on C}^o^ns^um^e^r^A^f^f^a^ir^s^a^{nd C}^oⁱⁿ^a^g^e^,^To^th^st
^Pr^ov^ide^S^p^e^cⁱ^{al G}^o^ld^M^e^dals^H^o^norⁱⁿ^{g G}^e^or^ge^a^{nd I}^r^{a G}^e^r^s^h^wⁱⁿ^{, h}^earⁱⁿ^{gs o}ⁿ^H.^J.^R^e^s.²⁵^1,⁹⁹^Cong^.,¹^sess.^,^Ju^ly
^10,¹⁹⁸⁵⁽^W^a^s^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,¹⁹⁸⁵⁾^;^I^b^id.^,^T^o^Aw^ar^d^{a S}^p^e^cⁱ^{al C}^oⁿ^g^r^e^s^sⁱ^onal^G^o^l^d^M^e^dal^to^Aar^oⁿ^C^opl^an^d^,^h^eariⁿ^gs^th^nd
^{on H}^.^R^.³⁰⁴¹^,⁹⁹^Co^ng^{., 2}^s^e^s^s^{., A}^u^g^u^s^t^6,¹⁹⁸⁶⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁸⁶⁾^;^I^b^id.^,^Gol^d^M^e^da^{l for}^J^e^sse^Oweⁿ^s^—^th^nd
^H.^R^.¹²⁷⁰^,^Gol^d^Med^a^l^f^o^{r A}ⁿ^d^r^{ew Wyet}^h^—H^{.R. 59}^3,^he^a^r^ing^s^{, 1}⁰⁰^Cong^.,²^s^e^s^s^{., J}^u^ly^{12, 19}⁸⁸⁽^W^a^s^hing^ton:
^G^P^O^,¹⁹⁸⁸⁾^{, p}^p^.^15-¹⁹^{, 3}⁹^-⁴^7.
³⁶¹²^{2 Sta}^t^{. 2}⁴³⁰^-²⁴³^2.

Gold medals for outstanding contributions in air and space exploration have covered a broad
spectrum of accomplishments. In a public ceremony at Dayton, Ohio, on June 18, 1909, Wilbur
and Orville Wright were presented Congressional Gold Medals for their achievements in ³⁷
demonstrating to the world the potential of aerial navigation.
Congress recognized Charles A. Lindbergh for his aeronautical achievements in 1928.³⁸ A year
later, the seven officers and men who conceived, organized, and commanded the first trans-
Atlantic flight in the United States naval flying boat NC-4 were honored. Howard Hughes was
praised in 1939 for “advancing the science of aviation.” At the close of World War II, Congress
authorized a gold medal for American military aviation pioneer Brigadier General William (Billy) ³⁹
Mitchell.
In September 1959, Dr. Robert H. Goddard ‘s “historic pioneering research on space rockets,
missiles, and jet propulsion” was acclaimed by Congress. Since that time, gold medals have been
given to Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker for his “distinguished career as an aviation pioneer and
Air Force leader”; and to the first transatlantic balloonists: Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and ⁴⁰
Larry Newman.
Congressional tributes have also been extended to several explorers of Antarctica. American
explorer Lincoln Ellsworth received a gold medal for his polar flight of 1925 and transpolar flight
of 1926. Also participating in the latter flight, and similarly honored, were Norwegian explorer ⁴¹
Roald Amundsen and Italian explorer Umberto Nobile.
The undaunted services rendered by Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd and the other members of the
Byrd Expedition were praised with equal exuberance in 1930. Six years later, Lincoln Ellsworth
received a second gold medal for his claims on behalf of the United States of approximately

³⁷³⁵^Sta^t^.¹⁶²⁷^{. Se}^e^a^l^s^o^“^G^{old Me}^da^{l by}^C^ong^r^e^s^s^{to W}^r^ig^{ht B}^r^ot^he^r^s^,”^Numismatist^{, v}^o^l^.^22,^A^u^g^u^s^t¹⁹¹^9,^pp^{. 2}^31-
²³²^{; A}^r^thur^L^.^N^e^w^m^aⁿ^{, “}^S^om^e^Me^da^ls^Str^u^c^kⁱⁿ^H^o^nor^of^the^W^r^ig^{ht B}^r^ot^he^r^s^,”^Numismatist^,^vo^l^.⁸¹^,^Dece^m^b^er
¹⁹⁶^{8, p. 15}⁷⁶^.
³⁸⁴⁵^Sta^t^.⁴⁹^0.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S.^C^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on C}^oⁱⁿ^a^g^e^,^W^e^ig^hts^,^a^{nd Me}^a^s^ur^e^s^,^Au^th^{orizing the}
^Coⁱⁿ^a^g^e^o^f^{a Go}^l^d^Med^a^lⁱⁿ^Co^m^m^emo^r^a^tⁱ^o^{n o}^f^t^h^{e A}^c^hⁱ^evemen^t^s^o^f^Col^.^C^h^a^r^l^e^{s A}^.^Lⁱ^nd^b^e^rgh^,^H.R^e^p^t^.⁷²^2,⁷⁰^th^st
^C^ong^{., 1}^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹²⁸⁾^.
³⁹⁴⁵^Sta^t^.¹¹^58;⁵³^Sta^t^{. 1}^52;⁶⁰^St^a^t^{. 13}¹⁹^{. Se}^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^{S. C}^ong^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on N}^a^v^a^{l A}^f^f^aⁱ^r^s^,^{To Aut}^hor^iz^e
^the^Pr^e^s^ideⁿ^t^{to Aw}^ar^d^,ⁱⁿ^the^N^a^m^e^{of C}^o^ngr^e^s^s^,^G^o^l^d^M^e^dals^of^Appr^o^p^rⁱ^a^t^e^D^e^sⁱ^{gn t}^o^A^l^be^r^t^C^.^Re^ad,^Elm^e^r^F.^th^nd
^Stoⁿ^e^,^W^a^lte^r^Hⁱⁿ^t^oⁿ^{, H}^.^C^.^Ro^dd^,^J^.^{L. Br}^e^e^s^e^,^a^nd^Eu^ge^ne^Rh^ode^s^{, H}^.^R^e^pt.²⁰⁸²^{, 7}⁰^Cong^.,²^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^ton:
^G^P^{O, 19}²⁹⁾^{; U.S.}^Co^ng^re^{ss, Hou}^s^e^Com^m^itte^e^{on Co}^ina^g^e^,^W^e^ig^{hts, a}^nd^Me^a^s^ure^s^,^Ho^wa^r^d^Hug^h^e^s^{, H}^.^R^e^pt.¹³^39,^th^st
⁷⁶^Cong^.,¹^se^{ss. (W}^a^s^hing^ton:^G^P^{O, 1}⁹³⁹^{); U.S}^.^Co^ng^re^{ss, Hou}^s^e^Com^m^itte^e^{on Mi}^lita^ry^Aff^a^irs,^Aut^hor^izⁱ^{ng t}^h^e^th^nd
^Aw^ar^{d of a}^M^e^{dal to}^W^ill^iam^Mⁱ^t^c^he^ll^,^H.^R^e^p^t^{. 26}²⁵^,⁷⁹^Cong^.,²^s^e^ss^{. (}^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁴⁶⁾^.
⁴⁰⁷³^Sta^t^.⁵⁶^2-⁵^63;⁹²^Sta^t^{. 1}⁰⁶⁰^;⁹³^Sta^t^.^45.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S^.^C^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nk^ing^a^{nd C}^u^r^r^e^nc^y^,
^G^o^{ld M}^e^da^{l H}^o^norⁱ^ng^the^L^a^te^P^r^{of. R}^obe^r^t^H^.^G^o^d^dar^d^{, H}^.^Re^pt^.⁸⁸²^{, 8}⁶^th^Cong^.,¹^st^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁵⁹⁾^;^th^nd
^Ib^id^.^,^Pr^e^s^eⁿ^tatⁱ^oⁿ^o^f^G^o^l^d^M^e^dal^{to L}^t^{. G}^e^n.^Ir^{a C.}^Eak^e^r^{, H}^.^R^e^p^t^.^95-¹⁶⁰³^{, 9}⁵^Cong^.,²^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,
¹⁹⁷⁸⁾^{; a}^{nd U}^.^{S. C}^ong^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nk^ing^,^H^o^us^ing^a^{nd U}^r^ba^{n A}^f^f^a^ir^s^,^Author^izⁱⁿ^{g t}^h^e^I^s^s^u^aⁿ^c^e^of
^G^o^{ld M}^e^da^ls^to^the^Fⁱ^r^s^t^Tr^aⁿ^s^a^tl^antic^B^a^l^o^oⁿ^is^ts^:^Beⁿ^Abr^u^z^z^{o, M}^a^xⁱ^e^An^de^r^s^on,^an^{d L}^a^r^r^y^N^e^w^m^an^,^H.^J.^Res.²²³^.^th^st
^96-¹⁰^{8, 96}^Cong^.,¹^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^to^{n: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁷⁹⁾^.
⁴¹⁴⁵^Sta^t^.²⁰^26-²⁰²⁷^{. Se}^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S^.^C^ong^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on C}^o^m^m^e^r^c^e^,^{A M}^e^{dal of H}^oⁿ^o^r^to^Linc^olⁿ
^Ellsworth^,^S.R^e^p^t^{. 83}^{1, 70}^th^Cong^{., 1}^st^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,¹⁹²⁸⁾^.

350,000 square miles in Antarctica and for his 2,500 mile aerial survey of the heart of ⁴²

Antarctica.
Despite the fact that several different lifesaving medals have been provided for over the years by ⁴³
law, Congress has still periodically expressed its own admiration for acts of heroism. In 1865,
Congress praised George F. Robinson for his heroic conduct in fighting off an assassin attempting ⁴⁴
to kill Secretary of State William H. Seward. Two American sea captains, Captain Edwin J.
Low, of the bark Kilby of Boston, and Captain George C. Stouffer, of the ship Antarctic of New
York, were recognized in 1866 for aiding in the rescue of some five hundred men from the wreck ⁴⁵
of the steamship San Francisco. Six years later, Congress lauded Captain Jared S. Crandall and
nine other men of Westerly, Rhode Island for manning a life-boat and a fishing boat to save the ⁴⁶
lives of 32 persons from the wreck of the steamer Metis on the waters of Long Island Sound. A
Gold Medal was awarded to John Horn, Jr., in 1874 for his heroic exploits in rescuing 110 men, ⁴⁷
women, and children from drowning in Detroit River. Congress in 1888 acknowledged the work
of Joseph Francis in the construction and perfection of life-saving appliances by which many ⁴⁸
thousands of lives have been saved.
In 1902, three members of the Revenue Cutter Service were praised for a nearly 2,000 mile
overland relief expedition to the American whaling fleet in the arctic region. At a March 1, 1913,
White House ceremony, Captain Arthur Henry Rostron, commander of the steamship Carpathia,
received a gold medal from President William Howard Taft for his prompt and heroic response in
rescuing 704 survivors from the wreck of the Titanic. The following March, Captain Paul H.
Kreibohm of the American steamer Kroonland, and four members of his crew, were awarded gold ⁴⁹
medals for rescuing 89 people from the burning steamer Volturno in the North Atlantic.
Rev. Francis X. Quinn, pastor of the Church of the Guardian Angel in New York City, was
honored in 1939 for risking his life in persuading an armed gunman holding an elderly couple

⁴²⁴⁶^Sta^t^.³⁷^{9; a}ⁿ^d⁴⁹^Sta^t^.²³^24.^S^e^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^{S. C}^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on N}^a^v^a^{l A}^f^f^a^ir^s^.^Auth^or^{izing the}
^Pr^e^s^eⁿ^tatio^{n o}^f^M^e^dals^t^o^t^h^e^O^ffi^c^e^r^s^{and M}^e^{n o}^f^t^h^e^By^r^d^Aⁿ^tar^c^tⁱ^c^Ex^pe^diti^on^,^S.R^e^p^t^{. 68}^{8, 71}^st^C^ong^.,²^nd^sess.
⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹³⁰⁾^{; U}^.^S.^C^ong^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on C}^o^ina^g^e^,^W^e^ig^hts^,^a^{nd Me}^a^s^ur^e^s^,^P^r^oposⁱⁿ^g^the^st^nd
^Pr^e^s^eⁿ^tatio^{n o}^f^M^e^dals^t^o^t^h^e^O^ffi^c^e^r^s^{and M}^e^{n o}^f^t^h^e^By^r^d^Aⁿ^tar^c^tⁱ^c^Ex^pe^diti^on^{, H}^.^R^e^p^t^{. 14}⁰²^,⁷¹^C^ong^{., 2}^sess.
⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹³⁰⁾^{; U}^.^S.^C^ong^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^on^C^o^m^m^e^r^c^e^,^Spe^cⁱ^{al G}^o^l^d^M^e^da^{l t}^o^Li^nc^ol^{n Ells}^w^o^r^t^h^,^th^nd
^S.R^e^{pt. 16}⁵⁸^,⁷⁴^Cong^.,²^s^e^s^s^{. (}^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹³⁶⁾^.
⁴³^F^o^{r exam}^p^l^{e see 1}⁸^S^t^at^.¹²⁷^;³³^S^t^at^.⁷⁴³^;⁷¹^S^t^at^.⁶⁹^.
⁴⁴^{16 Sta}^t^{. 70}^4.
⁴⁵¹⁴^S^t^at^.³⁶⁵^-³⁶⁶^;^an^{d 17}^S^t^at^.⁶³⁸^.^S^{ee al}^so^U.^S^.^C^oⁿ^g^ress,^Ho^u^s^e^Co^mmⁱ^t^t^{ee o}ⁿ^Co^mm^er^ce,^Ste^a^m^s^{hip Sa}ⁿ
^Fr^anc^is^c^o^{, H}^.^Re^pt.⁹⁷^{, 3}⁹^th^C^ong^.^,¹^st^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁸⁶⁶⁾^;^J^u^lⁱ^aⁿ^,^M^e^da^ls^of^the^Uⁿ^ite^d^S^t^ate^s^Mⁱ^nt^{, pp}^.
³²⁸^{, 3}³²^;^L^a^ba^tt,^T^h^e^M^e^dallic^Hi^story^{of t}^h^e^Unite^{d S}^t^ate^s^{, v}^o^l^.²^,^pp.⁴¹^2-⁴¹⁷^{. Se}^e^a^l^s^o^Ed^oua^r^d^A^.^Sta^c^k^pole^,^c^o^m^p^.,
^T^h^{e Wreck o}^f^t^h^{e St}^ea^{mer S}^aⁿ^F^r^aⁿ^cⁱ^s^co^(M^y^s^tⁱ^c^,^CT^:^T^h^{e M}^aⁱⁿ^{e Hi}^st^o^rⁱ^cal^S^o^ci^et^y^Asso^ci^atⁱ^oⁿ^,^Iⁿ^c.^,^Dece^m^b^er
¹⁹⁵⁴⁾^.
⁴⁶^{17 Sta}^t^{. 63}^8.
⁴⁷^{18 Sta}^t^{. 57}^3.
⁴⁸^{25 Sta}^t^{. 12}⁴⁹^.
⁴⁹³²^Sta^t^.⁴⁹^2;³⁷^Sta^t^,⁶³^{9; a}ⁿ^d³⁸^Sta^t^.⁷⁶^{9. Se}^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^{S. C}^ong^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on I}ⁿ^te^r^s^ta^te^a^{nd F}^o^r^e^igⁿ
^Co^mmerce,^M^e^dals^{to C}^e^r^t^ai^{n O}^f^fic^e^r^s^{in the}^Re^v^e^nue^Se^r^v^ic^e^{, H}^.^Re^{pt. 2}³³⁶^,⁵⁷^th^Co^ng^{., 1}^st^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,
¹⁹⁰²⁾^{; U}^.^{S. C}^ong^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on Me}^r^c^ha^nt^Ma^rⁱ^ne^s^aⁿ^{d Fis}^h^e^r^ie^s^,^C^a^p^t^{. Ar}^t^hur^H^e^nr^y^R^o^s^t^r^oⁿ^{, H}^.^Re^pt.^nd^nd
⁸³⁰^{, 6}²^Cong^.,²^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hi^ng^ton:^G^P^O^,¹⁹¹²⁾^.

hostage to surrender to police. The following January, a medal was authorized for William Sinnott
who had been wounded while guarding Franklin D. Roosevelt in Miami just prior to his first
inauguration. A year later, 11-old Roland Boucher of Burlington, Vermont, saved the lives of four
children who had broken through the ice on Lake Champlain near Juniper Island. Congress ⁵⁰
saluted Boucher’s bravery and heroism in 1943.
In 1900, Congress once again returned to the practice of recognizing distinguished military
service when it praised First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, commander of the revenue cutter
Hudson for rescuing the United States naval torpedo boat Winslow under a “most galling fire ⁵¹
from the enemy’s guns.” At the conclusion of World War II, the valor, bravery, and heroism of
Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King and General of the Army George C. Marshall, two of America’s
most able military leaders during the war, were recognized. Also in 1946, General John J.
Pershing was honored for his “heroic achievements” as Commander in Chief of the American
Expeditionary Forces in Europe in World War I and for his “unselfish devotion to the service of ⁵²
his country” during World War II. The four known surviving veterans of the Civil War received ⁵³
Congressional Gold Medals a decade later.
Rear Admiral Hyman George Rickover was applauded in 1958 for his achievements in “directing
the development and construction of the world’s first nuclear-powered ships and the first large-
scale nuclear power reactor devoted exclusively to the production of electricity.” A quarter of a
century later, Rickover was accorded a second gold medal for his contributions to the ⁵⁴
“development of safe nuclear energy and the defense of the United States.” Meanwhile, in 1962,
Congress authorized a Congressional Gold Medal for General Douglas MacArthur in recognition ⁵⁵
of his “gallant service” to the United States.
Three other military leaders were so acclaimed in the 1990s. General Matthew B. Ridgeway’s
more than 40 years of distinguished service as a military commander earned recognition at the
beginning of the decade. Following Operation Desert Storm, which culminated with the

⁵⁰⁵³^Sta^t^.¹⁵^33;⁵⁴^Sta^t^{. 1}²⁸³^{; a}ⁿ^d⁵⁶^Sta^t¹⁰⁹⁹^-¹¹⁰^0.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S.^C^ong^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on C}^o^ina^g^e^,
^W^e^ig^hts^,^a^{nd Me}^a^s^ur^e^s^,^R^ev.^F^r^an^ci^{s X}^.^Quiⁿⁿ^,^H^.^R^e^p^t^{. 133}^{8, 76}^th^C^ong^.¹^st^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^to^{n: G}^P^O^,¹⁹³⁹⁾^{; U}^.^S.^th^st
^C^ong^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on the}^Lⁱ^br^a^r^y^,^Pr^e^s^eⁿ^tatio^{n o}^f^a^M^e^{dal (}^R^olaⁿ^d^Bo^uc^he^r⁾^{, H}^.^Re^pt^{. 4}³¹^,⁷⁷^Co^ng^.,¹
^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^as^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,¹⁹⁴¹⁾^.
⁵¹³¹^Sta^t^.⁷¹^6.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S.^C^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on I}ⁿ^te^r^s^ta^te^a^{nd F}^o^r^e^ig^{n C}^o^m^m^e^r^c^e^,^Lie^u^{t. Fr}^ank^H^.
^Newco^m^b^,^Etc.^,^H^.^R^e^{pt. 30}^{2, 56}^th^Cong^.,¹^st^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁰⁰⁾^{; U}^.^S.^C^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^on^th^st
^Co^mmerce,^Lⁱ^eu^t^.^F^r^an^{k H.}^Newco^m^b^,^E^t^c.^{, S}^.^Re^pt.²⁹^{, 5}⁶^Cong^.,¹^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁰⁰⁾^.
⁵²⁶⁰^Sta^t^.¹¹^34;^aⁿ^d¹²⁹⁷^{. Se}^e^a^l^so^{U.S. C}^ong^re^{ss, Se}^na^te^Com^m^itte^e^on^Milita^ry^Af^fa^irs,^Te^nde^rⁱ^ng^t^h^e^Th^ank^s^o^f
^C^ongr^e^s^s^t^o^G^e^ne^r^a^l^{of t}^h^e^Ar^m^y^G^e^or^ge^C^a^tle^{tt M}^a^r^s^hall^a^{nd t}^o^F^l^e^e^t^Admⁱ^r^a^l^Er^ne^s^t^J^o^s^e^p^h^Kⁱⁿ^g^{, S.R}^e^{pt. 98}^{3, 79}^th^nd^th^nd
^C^ong^{., 2}^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^as^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,¹⁹⁴⁶⁾^{; I}^bⁱ^d^.,^M^e^{dal f}^o^r^G^e^ne^r^a^{l Pe}^r^s^hⁱⁿ^g^{, S}^.^R^e^p^t^.¹⁸³²^,⁷⁹^C^ong^.,²^sess.
⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁴⁶⁾^.
⁵³⁷⁰^Sta^t^.⁵⁷^7.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S.^C^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nkⁱⁿ^g^a^{nd C}^u^r^r^e^nc^y^,^Civ^{il W}^a^{r Ve}^te^ra^{ns M}^e^dals^,
^S.R^e^{pt. 24}²³^,⁸⁴^th^Cong^.,²^nd^s^e^s^s^{. (}^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁵⁶⁾^.
⁵⁴⁷²^Sta^t^.⁹⁸^5;⁹⁶^Sta^t^.¹²^6-¹²⁷^.^S^e^e^a^l^s^o^“^C^onf^e^r^rⁱ^ng^of^Me^da^{l on}^R^e^a^r^A^d^m^.^Hy^m^aⁿ^G^e^or^g^e^Rⁱ^ck^ov^e^r^{, U}ⁿ^ite^{d Sta}^t^e^s
^Nav^y^,^”^C^ongr^e^s^sⁱ^o^{nal Re}^c^o^r^d^{, v}^o^l^{. 1}^04,^A^u^g^u^s^t^18,¹⁹⁵⁸^,^pp.¹⁸¹⁰⁷^-¹⁸¹^{08; “}^R^e^a^r^A^d^m^.^Hy^m^a^{n G}^e^or^g^e^Rⁱ^c^k^ov^e^r^,”
^C^ongr^e^s^sⁱ^o^nal^Re^c^o^r^d^,^v^o^l.^{4, A}^u^g^u^s^t^18,¹⁹⁵⁸^,^pp.¹⁸³^45-¹⁸³⁵^5;^U^.^{S. C}^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^{ittee on B}^a^nk^ing^,
^Fina^nc^e^,^aⁿ^{d U}^r^ba^{n A}^f^f^a^ir^s^,^Subc^om^m^itte^e^{on C}^ons^um^e^r^A^f^f^a^ir^s^{and C}^o^ina^g^e^,^G^o^l^d^M^e^dal^for^Admⁱ^r^a^{l H}^y^m^{an G}^e^or^ge^th^nd
^Rⁱ^cko^ver^{, he}^a^r^ing^on^H^.^R^.⁵⁴^32,⁹⁷^Cong^.,²^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁸²⁾^.
⁵⁵⁷⁶^Sta^t^.⁷⁶^0.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S.^C^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nkⁱⁿ^g^a^{nd C}^u^r^r^e^nc^y^,^G^e^ne^r^a^{l of}^the^A^r^m^y^D^ougl^as
^M^a^c^A^r^t^hur^M^e^dal^,^S.R^e^{pt. 21}^16,⁸⁷^th^Cong^.,²^nd^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁶³⁾^.

successful liberation of the nation of Kuwait, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf and General
Colin L. Powell were honored. Schwarzkopf was cited for his “exemplary performance as a
military leader in coordinating the planning, strategy, and execution of the United States” and
coalition forces in liberating Kuwait. Powell was recognized for his “exemplary performance as a
military leader and advisor to the President in planning and coordinating the military response to ⁵⁶
the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.”
In 2000, Congress recognized the contribution of the original 29 Navajo Marine Corps Radio
Operators, known as the “Navajo Code Talkers,” who developed a code using their native
language to communicate military messages during World War II. The code developed by these
Native Americans proved to be unbreakable and was used extensively throughout the Pacific
theater. Military commanders credited use of the Navajo Code with “saving lives of countless
American soldiers and the success of the engagements of Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima, ⁵⁷
and Okinawa.” With the Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008, Congress recognized the
dedication and valor of Native American code talkers from other tribes for their contributions to ⁵⁸
United States victories in World War I and World War II.
General Henry H. Shelton, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (October 1997 -September

2001), was honored in 2001 for his leadership in coordinating the United States and NATO ⁵⁹

successful combat action throughout Operation Allied Force in the Balkans. In a unique action
early in 2006, Congress honored the Tuskegee Airmen collectively with a single congressional
gold medal in recognition of their unique military record, which inspired revolutionary reform in
the Armed Forces. The presentation ceremony was held in the Capitol Rotunda on Thursday,
March 29, 2007. Following presentation by the President, the medal was given to the Smithsonian ⁶⁰
Institution, where it is to be displayed.
Historic achievements in agriculture, science, and medicine also have been watched closely by
Congress. For discovering the cause and means of transmission of yellow fever, Major Walter
Reed and his 21 associates were recognized in 1928. Gold medals were subsequently authorized
for Mrs. Richard Aldrich and Anna Bouligny some four decades after their outstanding, unselfish,

⁵⁶^P^.^L^.¹⁰^1-⁵¹⁰^,¹⁰⁴^Sta^t^.¹⁷²⁰^-¹⁷²^1;^P^.^L^.¹⁰^2-³²^,¹⁰^{4 Sta}^t^.¹^75-¹⁷⁶^;^P^.^L^.¹^02-^33,¹⁰⁴^Sta^t^{. l}^77-¹⁷^8.
⁵⁷^P^.^L^.¹⁰^6-⁵⁵⁴^;¹¹⁴^Sta^t^.²⁷^63A^-³^11—²⁷⁶³^A^-³¹²^.
⁵⁸^P^.^L^.¹¹^0-4²⁰^;¹²²^Sta^t^.⁴⁷^74-⁴⁷^77.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^{: “}^C^o^d^e^T^a^lk^e^r^s^Rec^o^gⁿ^ition^A^c^{t of}²⁰⁰⁸^,”^C^o^ngr^e^s^sⁱ^o^{nal Re}^c^o^r^d^{, da}^ily
^e^d^itio^{n, v}^.¹⁵^{3 (Se}^p^t.^23,²⁰⁰⁸^),^p^p^{. H8}⁶⁹^6-H8⁶⁹^9.
⁵⁹^P^.^L^.¹⁰^7-¹²⁷^;¹¹⁵^Sta^t^.²⁴^05-²⁴^06.
⁶⁰¹²^{0 Sta}^t^{. 3}^22-³²^5.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^R^e^p.^C^h^a^r^le^s^B^.^R^a^ng^e^l^{, “}^T^he^T^u^s^k^eg^ee^Aⁱ^r^m^eⁿ^—^A^He^r^o^’^s^W^e^lc^o^m^e^,^”^C^ong^r^e^s^sⁱ^ona^l
^Re^c^o^{rd, da}^ily^e^d^itio^{n, v}^o^l^.¹⁵⁰^(J^uly^{13, 2}⁰⁰⁵^),^p.^E1⁴⁸^4-E1⁴⁸^{5; a}^{nd “}^A^uthor^iz^ing^the^Pre^s^ideⁿ^t^to^Awa^{rd a}
^C^ong^r^e^s^sⁱ^ona^{l G}^o^ld^Me^da^{l t}^o^t^h^e^T^u^s^k^eg^e^e^Aⁱ^r^m^eⁿ^,”^C^ongr^e^s^sⁱ^oⁿ^a^l^Re^c^o^r^d^,^da^ily^e^d^ition^,^v^o^l.¹⁵^{1 (}^F^e^b^rua^r^y^28,^th
²⁰⁰⁶⁾^,^p^p^{. H}⁴^07-^H⁴¹⁴^{. A}^u^th^or^izⁱⁿ^g^le^gⁱ^s^l^a^{tion, H}^.^R^.¹²⁵⁹^,¹⁰⁹^Coⁿ^g^.^,^b^{ecame P}^.^L^.¹⁰⁹^-²¹³^on^A^p^ri^l¹¹^,²⁰⁰⁶^.^U.^S^.
^P^r^esi^d^eⁿ^t^(G^eo^{rge W}^.^Bu^sh^),^{“Remarks o}ⁿ^P^r^esen^tⁱⁿ^g^t^h^{e C}^oⁿ^g^ressi^oⁿ^a^l^G^o^l^d^M^e^d^a^l^t^o^t^h^{e T}^u^skege^e^Aⁱ^r^m^en^,^M^a^rch
^{29, 20}⁰⁷^,”^Weekl^{y Co}^mpⁱ^l^a^tⁱ^oⁿ^o^f^P^r^esi^d^en^tⁱ^a^l^Do^cu^ment^s^{, v}^o^l.⁴³^,^no.¹³^{, A}^p^r^il^2,²⁰^07,^p^p^.³⁸^7-³⁸⁸
^http:^//f^r^w^e^b^g^a^te^.a^cc^e^s^s^.^g^po.g^o^v^/^c^g^i-^bin/^g^e^tdoc^.c^gⁱ^?^dbna^m^e⁼²⁰⁰⁷^_pr^e^s^ideⁿ^tia^l_^doc^um^eⁿ^ts^&^doc^id⁼^pd0^2a^p0^7_^tx^t-
^15.^pdf^{. I}ⁿ^f^o^r^m^a^{tion o}ⁿ^dⁱ^s^t^rⁱ^b^u^ti^oⁿ^of^the^br^oⁿ^z^e^du^plic^a^t^e^s^w^a^s^pr^ov^ide^d^by^R^{on B}^r^e^w^ing^t^on,^Publⁱ^c^R^e^la^tions
^O^f^fⁱ^ce^r^,^T^u^s^k^eg^e^e^Aⁱ^r^m^eⁿ^{, I}ⁿ^c^.,^Ma^y^{2, 200}^{7 (}³²³^-⁵^33-¹⁰³⁶⁾^.

and wholly voluntary service in establishing and operating “hospitals for the care and treatment of ⁶¹
military patients in Puerto Rico” during the War with Spain.
Thomas A. Edison was honored for the development and application of “inventions that have
revolutionized civilization.” Similar congressional tributes were subsequently extended to Dr.
Jonas E. Salk, for discovering a serum for the prevention of polio, to Dr. Thomas Anthony Dooley
III for his unselfish medical care among the underprivileged peoples of the world, particularly in
southeast Asia, and to Mary Lasker, whom some consider the first lady of medicine and science
in this country, for her “humanitarian contributions in the area of medical research and education,
urban beautification and the fine arts.” Congress recognized Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman E.
Borlaug, “whose accomplishments in terms of bringing radical change to world agriculture and
uplifting humanity are without parallel.” Internationally recognized physician and surgeon Dr.
Michael Ellis DeBakey was lauded for his pioneering work in the field of cardiovascular surgery, ⁶²
as well as for his innovative research into this and other fields of medicine.
The first politician to be honored with a gold medal was Vice President Alben W. Barkley in ⁶³
1949. Since that time, Congress has saluted the distinguished and dedicated public service of
Sam Rayburn, Robert F. Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, Harry S. Truman, former President Gerald
R. Ford and his wife Betty, and former President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy. Tribute was
also paid to Representative Leo J. Ryan, following his “untimely” assassination while performing ⁶⁴
his responsibilities as a Member of the House of Representatives in Guyana. Most recently,

⁶¹⁴⁵^Sta^t^.¹⁴^09-¹⁴^10;⁵²^Sta^t^{. 1}³⁶⁵^{. Se}^e^a^l^{so U.}^{S. C}^ong^re^{ss, Se}^na^te^Com^m^itte^e^{on Milita}^ry^Affa^irs,^T^o^R^eco^gnⁱ^z^{e t}^h^e
^Hⁱ^{gh P}^u^b^lic^Se^r^v^ic^e^Re^nde^r^e^d^by^M^a^jor^W^a^lte^r^Re^e^d^an^{d T}^hos^e^As^s^o^cⁱ^ate^d^wⁱ^{th H}ⁱ^m^{in t}^h^e^Dⁱ^s^c^ov^e^r^y^{of t}^h^e^C^aus^e^th^nd
^aⁿ^d^Meaⁿ^s^o^f^T^r^aⁿ^s^mi^ssi^on^of^Y^e^l^l^o^w^F^ever^{, S.Re}^pt^{. 1}⁹¹²^,⁷⁰^Co^ng^{., 2}^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹²⁹⁾^{; I}^bⁱ^d^.,
^Auth^or^izⁱⁿ^{g t}^h^e^Pr^e^s^ideⁿ^t^to^Pr^e^s^eⁿ^{t G}^o^l^d^M^e^dals^t^o^M^r^s^.^R^obe^r^t^A^l^dr^ic^h^an^{d P}^o^s^t^hum^ous^ly^t^o^Aⁿⁿ^a^Bouli^gny^{, S}^.^R^e^pt^.^th^rd
¹⁷⁴^{5, 75}^Co^ng^.,³^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,¹⁹³⁸⁾^.
⁶²⁴⁵^Sta^t^.¹⁰^12;⁶⁹^Sta^t^{. 5}^89;⁷⁵^St^a^t^{. 87}^{; 1}⁰¹^Sta^t^.¹⁴^41;^P^.^L^.¹^09-³^95;¹²^{0 s}^t^a^t^.²⁷^08-²⁷¹⁰^;^P^.^L^.¹¹⁰^-^95;¹²^{1 S}^t^a^t^.
¹⁰⁰^8-¹⁰^10.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S.^C^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on C}^oⁱⁿ^a^g^e^,^W^e^ig^hts^,^a^{nd Me}^a^s^ur^e^s^,^A^u^th^orⁱ^z^ing^{a G}^o^l^d^M^e^da^l^th^st
ⁱⁿ^Co^mmemo^ratⁱ^oⁿ^of^t^h^{e A}^c^hⁱ^evemen^t^s^o^f^T^h^o^m^a^s^A^.^E^dⁱ^s^on^{, S.R}^e^pt.¹²⁸⁵^{, 70}^Co^ng^{., 1}^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,^th
¹⁹²⁸⁾^{; U}^.^{S. C}^ong^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nk^ing^aⁿ^d^C^u^r^r^e^nc^y^,^Me^da^{l f}^o^r^D^r^{. J}^onas^E.^Sa^lk^{, H}^.^R^e^pt.¹³^51,⁸⁴^st
^C^ong^{., 1}^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁵⁵⁾^{; U}^.^S.^C^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nk^ing^a^{nd C}^u^r^r^e^nc^y^,^Me^{dal for}^D^r^.^th^st
^Thom^as^An^th^ony^D^o^ole^y^I^I^I^,^S^.^R^e^{pt. 25}^{7, 87}^Cong^.,¹^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^to^{n: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁶¹⁾^;^U^.^S^.^C^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e
^Com^m^itte^e^{on Ba}^nk^ing^,^Fina^nc^e^,^a^{nd Urba}^{n A}^ffa^{irs, Subc}^om^m^itte^e^{on C}^ons^um^e^r^Aff^a^{irs a}^{nd Coina}^g^e^,^{Gold M}^e^d^a^{l f}^o^r^th^st
^Ma^{ry L}^a^sker⁽^H^.R^{. 39}⁰⁾^,^he^a^r^ing^s^{on H}^.^R^.³⁹^0,¹⁰⁰^Cong^.,¹^s^e^s^s^{., Se}^pte^m^be^r^15,¹⁹⁸⁷⁽^W^a^s^hing^t^{on: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁸⁷⁾^.
⁶³⁶³^Sta^t^.⁵⁹^{9; Se}^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^{S. C}^ong^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nk^ing^a^{nd C}^u^r^r^e^nc^y^,^Med^a^l^f^o^{r V}ⁱ^ce^P^r^esi^d^en^t^A^l^b^eⁿ
^W.^B^a^rkl^e^y^{, S.R}^e^pt.⁷^42,⁸¹^st^Coⁿ^g^{., 1}^st^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁴⁹⁾^.
⁶⁴⁷⁶^Sta^t^.⁶⁰^5;⁹²^Sta^t^.²¹^42;⁹³^St^a^t^{. 46}^{; 9}⁷^Sta^t^{. 9}^92;⁹⁸^Sta^t^{. 1}^73-¹⁷⁵^{; 1}¹²^Sta^t^.²⁶^81-⁵⁹^8;¹¹^{4 S}^t^a^t^{. 62}^4-⁶²^{5. Se}^e
^a^l^s^o^U^.^{S. C}^ong^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nk^ing^a^{nd C}^u^r^r^e^nc^y^,^Sam^R^a^y^bur^{n M}^e^dal^{, S.Re}^pt.²⁰²¹^{, 8}⁷^th^Cong^.,²^nd
^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^as^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,¹⁹⁶²⁾^{; I}^b^id.^,^A^u^th^orizin^{g t}^h^e^Pre^s^ideⁿ^t^of^the^Unite^d^St^ate^s^to^Pre^s^eⁿ^{t a}^Go^{ld M}^e^dal^to^the^th^nd
^Wⁱ^dow^o^f^Ro^be^r^t^F.^K^e^nne^dy^,^S.R^e^{pt. 9}⁵^-¹³¹^6,⁹⁵^Co^ng^{., 2}^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁷⁸⁾^;^I^b^id^.,^Aut^hor^izⁱ^{ng t}^h^e^th^st
^I^s^s^uanc^e^of^{a G}^o^ld^M^e^{dal t}^o^t^h^e^Wⁱ^dow^o^f^H^u^be^r^t^H^.^H^u^m^phr^e^y^,^S^.^R^e^{pt. 96-}¹⁰^{9, 96}^Cong^.,¹^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^ton:
^G^P^{O, 19}⁷⁹⁾^{; U.S.}^Co^ng^re^{ss, Hou}^s^e^Com^m^itte^e^{on Ba}^nk^ing^,^Fina^nc^e^,^a^{nd Ur}^ba^{n A}^f^f^a^{irs, Subc}^om^m^itt^e^e^{on Co}^nsum^e^r
^Aff^aⁱ^r^{s an}^d^Coⁱⁿ^age,^G^o^ld^M^e^dal^s^{to t}^h^e^D^a^u^g^h^t^e^r^{of H}^a^r^r^y^{S. Tr}^u^m^an;^L^ady^Bir^d^J^o^hns^on;^a^{nd t}^h^e^Wⁱ^dow^{of R}^o^y^th^nd
^W^ilk^ins^{, he}^a^r^ing^s^oⁿ^H^.^R^.³⁶¹⁴^,^H^.^J^.^R^e^s^.³⁹^{4, a}ⁿ^{d H}^.^R^.³²⁴⁰^,⁹⁸^Cong^.,²^s^e^s^s^{., Ma}^r^c^{h 6,}¹⁹⁸⁴⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,
¹⁹⁸⁴⁾^{; U}^.^{S. C}^ong^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nk^ing^,^H^o^us^ing^,^aⁿ^{d U}^r^baⁿ^A^f^f^a^ir^s^,^Aw^ar^din^g^a^C^oⁿ^g^r^e^s^sⁱ^onal^G^o^l^d
^M^e^{dal to}^For^m^e^r^Pr^e^s^ideⁿ^t^Ro^nal^{d Re}^a^g^aⁿ^aⁿ^d^For^m^e^r^Fir^s^t^L^ady^N^anc^y^Re^a^g^aⁿ^:^Re^p^o^r^t^t^o^Ac^c^o^m^pany^S.²⁴⁵⁹^,^th^nd
^S.R^e^{pt. 10}^6-³⁵⁷^,¹⁰⁶^Co^ng^{., 2}^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^as^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,²⁰⁰⁰⁾^;^U^.^{S. C}^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^C^o^m^m^{ittee on B}^a^nk^ing^,
^Fina^nc^e^,^aⁿ^{d U}^r^ba^{n A}^f^f^a^ir^s^,^Subc^om^m^itte^e^{on C}^ons^um^e^r^A^f^f^a^ir^s^{and C}^o^ina^g^e^,^To^P^r^e^s^eⁿ^t^{a G}^o^ld^Me^d^a^l^to^th^e^F^a^mⁱ^l^y
⁽^c^onti^nue^d.^..)

former Senator Edward William Brooke III, of Massachusetts, the first African American elected
by popular vote to the U.S. Senate, was recognized for his unprecedented and enduring service to ⁶⁵
our Nation.
Athletes so recognized have been baseball hall of famers Roberto Clemente and Jackie Robinson,
heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, track and field star Jesse Owens, and golfer Byron
Nelson. Clemente was also praised for his “civil, charitable, and humanitarian contributions,”
Robinson for “many contributions to the nation,” Louis for bolstering the “spirit of American
people during one of the most critical times in American history,” Owens for his “humanitarian
contributions to public service, civil rights, and international goodwill,” and Nelson “for his ⁶⁶
significant contributions... as a teacher, and a commentator.”
A lifelong commitment to the principles of freedom, equality, justice, and peace earned civil
rights worker Roy Wilkins acclaim on Capitol Hill. The Little Rock Nine—Jean Brown Trickey,
Carlotta Walls LaNier, Melba Patillo Beals, Terrence Roberts, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Thelma
Mothershed Wair, Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, and Jefferson Thomas—were recognized for
the selfless heroism they exhibited “in the cause of civil rights by integrating Central High School
in Little Rock Arkansas.” Rosa Parks, the “First Lady of Civil Rights,” was honored for her
“quiet dignity,” which “ignited the most significant social movement in the history of the United
States.” Praise was bestowed on Dr. Dorothy Height’s for her contribution “as one of the
preeminent social and civil rights activists of her time, particularly in the struggle for equality,
social justice, and human rights for all people.” Reverend Joseph A. DeLaine, Harry and Eliza
Briggs, and Levi Pearson were saluted “for their contributions to the Nation as pioneers in the
effort to desegregate public schools that led directly to the landmark desegregation case of Brown
et al. v. the Board of Education of Topeka et al.” Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., and
his wife Coretta Scott King, were lauded for their contribution “to the Nation on behalf of the ⁶⁷
civil rights movement.”
Sustained efforts to preserve the beauty of our nation prompted praise for Lady Bird Johnson and
Laurence Spelman Rockefeller. Lady Bird was applauded for her “outstanding contributions to
the improvement and beautification of America,” and Rockefeller for his “leadership on behalf of ⁶⁸
natural resource conservation and historic preservation.

^(...c^on^tin^ue^d)
^{of t}^h^e^Late^H^oⁿ^o^r^a^ble^Le^{o J}^.^Ry^aⁿ^...^,^h^earⁱⁿ^{gs o}ⁿ^H.^R^.³³⁴⁸^and^H.^R^.³³²¹^,⁹⁸^th^Cong^.,¹^st^s^e^s^s^{., S}^e^pte^m^be^r^{20, 1}⁹⁸³
⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁸³⁾^.
⁶⁵¹²^{2 Sta}^t^{. 2}⁴³³^-²⁴³^5.
⁶⁶⁸⁷^Sta^t^.^71;⁹⁶^Sta^t^{. 3}^15;¹⁰²^Sta^t^{. 1}⁷¹⁷^;¹¹^{7 Sta}^t^.¹¹⁹⁵^-¹¹⁹^{7; a}ⁿ^d¹²^{0 Sta}^t^{. 2}⁰⁴⁴^-²⁰⁴^6.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^{S. C}^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,
^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nk^ing^,^H^ous^ing^,^a^{nd U}^r^ba^{n A}^f^f^a^ir^s^;^Robe^r^t^{o W}^a^lk^e^r^C^l^e^m^eⁿ^te^M^e^dal^{, S.R}^e^{pt. 93-}¹³^{3, 93}^rd^st
^C^ong^{., l}^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^ton^:^G^P^O^,¹⁹⁷³⁾^{; “}^G^{old Me}^da^{l B}ⁱ^ll,”^C^o^ngr^e^s^sⁱ^on^{al Re}^c^o^r^d^{, v}^o^l^.¹^28,^A^u^g^u^s^t^2,¹⁹^82,^p^p^.
¹⁸⁷⁹⁰^-¹⁸⁷⁹^{3; U}^.^{S. C}^ong^r^e^s^s^,^H^o^us^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nk^ing^,^Fi^na^nc^e^,^a^{nd U}^r^ba^{n A}^f^f^a^ir^s^,^Subc^om^m^itte^e^{on C}^ons^um^e^r
^Aff^aⁱ^r^{s an}^d^Coⁱⁿ^age,^Go^{ld Med}^a^l^fo^{r Jesse Owen}^s^—H^{.R. 12}⁷⁰^,^G^o^{ld M}^e^dal^for^A^ndr^e^w^W^y^e^t^h^—^H^.^R^{. 59}^3,^he^a^r^ing^s^,^th^nd
¹⁰⁰^Co^ng^.,²^s^e^s^s^{., J}^u^ly^{12, 19}^{88 (}^W^a^s^hing^to^{n: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁸⁸⁾^.
⁶⁷^{98 Sta}^t^{. 17}^3-¹^74;¹^{12 Sta}^t^{. 26}^81-⁵⁹⁷^;¹¹³^Sta^t^{. 50-}⁵¹^;¹¹⁷^Sta^t^.²⁰^17-²⁰^19;¹¹^{7 S}^t^a^t^{. 2}⁶⁴⁵^-²⁶⁴^7;¹¹^{8 Sta}^t^.¹⁷⁴⁶^-
¹⁷⁴^{8. Se}^e^a^l^s^o^G^o^l^d^M^e^dals^to^th^e^D^aug^hte^r^of^H^a^r^r^y^S.^Tr^um^aⁿ^;^Lady^Bⁱ^r^d^J^o^hns^on;^an^{d t}^h^e^Wⁱ^do^w^{of R}^o^y^W^ilk^ins^,
^{pp. 11}^-¹^08.
⁶⁸⁹⁸^Sta^t^.¹⁷^3-¹⁷⁴^,¹^86;¹⁰⁴^Sta^t^.¹⁹⁷^-¹^99.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^G^o^l^d^M^e^dals^to^the^D^a^ug^hte^r^of^H^a^r^r^y^S.^Tr^um^aⁿ^;^L^ady^Bir^d
^J^ohns^on;^an^{d t}^h^e^Wⁱ^dow^of^Roy^W^ilk^ins^{, p}^p^.^11-¹⁰^8.

It is humanitarian efforts, however, that have dominated the contributions commemorated during ^rd^th
the past six years. Twelve of the 53 gold medals awarded by the 103 -106 Congresses were
given to individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of others. Rabbi Menachem
Mendel Schneerson, the leader of the Lubavitch movement for more than four decades, was
recognized for his “outstanding and enduring contributions toward world education, morality, and
acts of charity.” Billy Graham, “America’s most respected and admired evangelical leader for the
past half century,” and his wife Ruth, were honored for “their outstanding and enduring ⁶⁹
contributions toward faith, morality, and charity.”
Former President Gerald Ford and his wife Betty were honored “their dedicated public service ⁷⁰
and outstanding humanitarian contributions to the people of the United States.”
Mother Teresa of Calcutta was acclaimed for her nearly 70 years of “selfless dedication to
humanity and charitable works.” Ecumenical Patrick Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of 300
million Orthodox Christians around the world, was lauded for “outstanding and enduring
contributions to religious understanding and peace.” Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was
memorialized for his “lifelong dedication to the abolition of apartheid and promotion of ⁷¹
reconciliation among the people of the Republic of South Africa.”
Congress honored Father Theodore M. Hesburg, former President of the University of Notre
Dame from 1952 until 1987, for his “outstanding and enduring contributions to civil rights, higher
education, the Catholic Church, the Nation, and the global community.” John Cardinal O’Connor,
Archbishop of New York, was recognized for “his accomplishments as a priest, a Navy chaplain,
and a humanitarian.” Tribute was paid to Pope Paul II for “his many and enduring contributions ⁷²
to peace and religious understanding.”
Enduring and outstanding contributions to peace, non-violence, human rights, and religion won
acclaim for Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. Recognition was bestowed on Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi for “her courageous and unwavering commitment to peace, nonviolence, human ⁷³
rights, and democracy in Burma.”
These recent awards are not without precedent, since the first and only Gold Medal given to an
organization honored the American Red Cross in 1979 for “unselfish and humanitarian service to ⁷⁴
the people of the United States.”

Twenty-nine of the Congressional Gold Medals authorized through January 2008 have gone to
non-Americans. In 1847, 10 officers and men belonging to or attached to French, British, and
Spanish ships-of-war in the harbor of Vera Cruz captured congressional attention for aiding in the

⁶⁹¹⁰^{8 Sta}^t^{. 4}⁷⁹⁹^-⁴⁸⁰^0;¹¹^{0 Sta}^t^{. 7}^72-⁷⁷^7.
⁷⁰¹¹^{2 Sta}^t^{. 2}⁶⁸¹^-⁵⁹⁸^.
⁷¹¹¹^{1 Sta}^t^{. 3}⁵^-³^6,¹¹^70-¹¹^71;¹¹²^Sta^t^{. 8}^95-⁸⁹^6.
⁷²¹¹^{3 Sta}^t^{. 1}⁷³³^-¹⁷³^4;¹¹^{4 Sta}^t^{. 2}⁰^-²^{1; 1}¹⁴^Sta^t^.⁶²^2-⁶³³^.
⁷³¹²^{0 Sta}^t^{. 1}²³¹^-¹²³^2;¹²^{2 Sta}^t^{. 7}^21-⁷²^2.
⁷⁴⁹³^Sta^t^.¹⁰⁶³^{. Se}^e^a^l^{so U.}^{S. C}^oⁿ^g^r^e^{ss, Se}^na^te^Com^m^itte^e^{on Ba}^nk^ing^,^Housiⁿ^g^,^aⁿ^{d Urba}ⁿ^A^ffa^irs,^Auth^orizin^{g t}^h^e
^I^s^s^uanc^e^of^{a G}^o^ld^M^e^{dal t}^o^t^h^e^Am^e^r^ic^{an Re}^{d C}^r^os^s^{, S.R}^e^p^t^.^96-⁴²⁹^{, 9}⁶^th^Cong^.,¹^st^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁷⁹⁾^.

rescue of officers and crew of the United States brig Somers.⁷⁵ Eight years after Congress paid ⁷⁶
tribute to Dr. Frederick A. Rose of the British Navy in 1858, Captain Robert Creighton, of the
British ship Three Bells, won acclaim for aiding in the rescue of survivors from the steamship San ⁷⁷
Francisco.
Gold medals were also given to Señor Domicio da Gama, Señor Rómulo S. Naón, and Señor
Eduardo Suárez, the diplomatic representatives of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile who acted as ⁷⁸
mediators between the United States and Mexico in 1914; and to Norwegian explorer Roald
Amundsen and Italian explorer Umberto Nobile for their participation in American explorer ⁷⁹
Lincoln Ellsworth ‘s polar flight of 1925 and his 1926 transpolar flight.
In 1969, President Nixon was authorized to present a gold medal in the name of the United States ⁸⁰
and in the name of Congress to the widow of the late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
Canadian Ambassador to Iran Kenneth Taylor was honored in March 1980 for his efforts in ⁸¹
securing the safe return of six American Embassy officials in their escape from Tehran.
Congress recognized Simon Wiesenthal of Austria in 1980 for his dedicated action in bringing to ⁸²
justice Nazi war criminals who had gone into hiding at the end of World War II. Early in 1982,
Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was awarded a gold medal in recognition of the
bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic and commercial relations between her country and the ⁸³
United States. Natan (Anatoly) and Avital Shcharansky of the former Soviet Union were
applauded in 1986 for their “supreme dedication and total commitment to the cause of individual ⁸⁴
human rights and freedoms.”
During the 105^th Congress, the President was authorized to award gold medals to three additional
foreign recipients—Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, a Turkish

⁷⁵⁹^S^t^at.²⁰^8.
⁷⁶^{11 Sta}^t^{. 36}^{9. Se}^e^a^l^s^o^L^a^ba^tt,^Th^e^M^e^dallic^History^o^f^the^Uⁿ^ite^d^State^s^,^vo^l.^2,^pp^.³⁶²^-³⁶^9.
⁷⁷¹⁴^S^t^at^.³⁶⁵^-³⁶⁶^;^an^{d 17}^S^t^at^.⁶³⁸^.^S^{ee al}^so^U.^S^.^C^oⁿ^g^ress,^Ho^u^s^e^Co^mmⁱ^t^t^{ee o}ⁿ^Co^mm^er^ce,^Ste^a^m^s^{hip Sa}ⁿ
^Fr^anc^is^c^o^{, H}^.^Re^pt.⁹⁷^{, 3}⁹^th^C^ong^.^,¹^st^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁸⁶⁶⁾^;^J^u^lⁱ^aⁿ^,^M^e^da^ls^of^the^Uⁿ^ite^d^S^t^ate^s^Mⁱ^nt^{, pp}^.
³²⁸^{, 3}³²^;^L^a^ba^tt,^T^h^e^M^e^dallic^Hi^story^{of t}^h^e^Unite^{d S}^t^ate^s^{, v}^o^l^.²^,^pp.⁴¹^2-⁴¹⁷^{. Se}^e^a^l^s^o^Ed^oua^r^d^A^.^Sta^c^k^pole^,^c^o^m^p^.,
^T^h^{e Wreck o}^f^t^h^{e St}^ea^{mer S}^aⁿ^F^r^aⁿ^cⁱ^s^co^(M^y^s^tⁱ^c^,^CT^:^T^h^{e M}^aⁱⁿ^{e Hi}^st^o^rⁱ^cal^S^o^ci^et^y^Asso^ci^atⁱ^oⁿ^,^Iⁿ^c.^,^Dece^m^b^er
¹⁹⁵⁴⁾^.
⁷⁸^{38 Sta}^t^{. 12}²⁸^.
⁷⁹⁴⁵^Sta^t^.²⁰^26-²⁰²⁷^{. Se}^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S^.^C^ong^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on C}^o^m^m^e^r^c^e^,^{A M}^e^{dal of H}^oⁿ^o^r^to^Linc^olⁿ
^Ellsworth^,^S.R^e^p^t^{. 83}^{1, 70}^th^Cong^{., 1}^st^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,¹⁹²⁸⁾^.
⁸⁰⁸³^Sta^t^.^8-⁹^.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^{S. C}^ong^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nkⁱⁿ^g^a^{nd C}^u^r^r^e^nc^y^,^The^Wⁱ^nst^{on C}^h^u^r^c^h^{ill M}^e^dal^,
^S.R^e^{pt. 91-}⁹⁵^,⁹¹^st^Co^ng^{., 1}^st^s^e^s^s^{. (}^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁶⁹⁾^.
⁸¹⁹⁴^Sta^t^.⁷⁹^{. Se}^e^a^l^{so U.}^{S. C}^ong^re^{ss, House}^Com^m^itte^e^on^Ba^nk^ing^,^Fina^nc^e^,^aⁿ^d^Urba^{n A}^f^f^a^{irs, Sub}^c^om^m^itte^e^on
^C^ons^um^e^r^A^f^f^a^ir^s^a^{nd C}^oⁱⁿ^a^g^e^,^L^e^gis^l^ati^on^Aut^hor^izⁱ^{ng I}^s^s^u^aⁿ^c^e^o^f^G^o^ld^M^e^dals^t^o^C^a^na^di^an^Am^ba^s^s^ador^K^eⁿⁿ^e^t^h
^Tay^l^or^;^Sim^o^{n W}ⁱ^s^e^nth^a^l;^G^e^r^a^l^d^{F. S}^p^ie^s^s^;^C^o^m^m^e^m^o^r^a^tiv^e^M^e^da^ls^for^t^h^e^Uⁿ^ite^d^St^ate^s^C^a^pit^o^{l H}ⁱ^s^t^or^ic^al^Soc^ie^ty^,^th^nd
^h^eariⁿ^gs,⁹⁶^Co^ng^{., 2}^s^e^s^s^{., Fe}^br^ua^r^y^{8, 19}⁸⁰⁽^W^a^s^hing^ton:^G^P^O^,¹⁹⁸⁰⁾^{, p}^p^.^1-³^,¹¹^-³^9.
⁸²⁹⁴^Sta^t^.¹⁰^1.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^U^.^S.^C^o^ng^r^e^s^s^,^Se^na^te^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nkⁱⁿ^g^,^H^ous^ing^,^aⁿ^{d U}^r^ba^{n A}^f^f^a^ir^s^,^A^u^th^orizin^{g the}
^I^s^s^uanc^e^of^{a G}^o^ld^M^e^{dal t}^o^Sim^o^{n W}ⁱ^e^s^eⁿ^thal^,^S.R^e^{pt. 96-}⁴³^{5, 96}^th^Cong^{., 1}^st^s^e^s^s^.⁽^W^a^s^hing^{ton: G}^P^O^,¹⁹⁸⁰⁾^.
⁸³⁹⁶^S^t^at^.¹⁸^-¹⁹^.^S^{ee al}^so^“G^o^l^d^Med^a^l^f^o^{r Qu}^een^Beat^ri^x,^”^Co^ng^ressioⁿ^a^{l Reco}^rd^{, v}^o^l.¹²^8,^Ma^r^c^{h 2}^,¹⁹^82,^p^p^.²⁷^30-
²⁷³²^;^aⁿ^d^“S^eⁿ^at^{e Jo}ⁱⁿ^t^Reso^l^u^tⁱ^oⁿ¹⁵⁷^—^A^w^a^rdⁱⁿ^{g o}^f^{a S}^p^eci^al^Go^l^d^M^e^d^a^l^t^o^{Her M}^a^j^e^st^y^Qu^een^Beat^ri^x,^”
^C^ongr^e^s^sⁱ^o^nal^Re^c^o^r^d^,^v^o^l.¹²^{8 (}^M^a^r^c^h^4,¹⁹⁸²⁾^{, p}^p^.³²^80-³²⁸¹^.
⁸⁴¹⁰^{0 Sta}^t^{. 4}^32-⁴³^3.^Se^e^a^l^s^o^To^P^r^ov^ide^G^o^l^d^M^e^dals^H^oⁿ^o^rⁱⁿ^g^t^h^e^Fam^ily^{of H}^a^r^r^y^C^h^api^n;^Aⁿ^a^t^ol^y^and^Av^ita^l
^Shc^h^a^r^a^ns^k^y^{, pp.}⁴⁵^-⁶^2.

Citizen, and Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela of the Republic of South Africa.⁸⁵ In 106^th Congress, ⁸⁶
Pope John Paul II was cited. British Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2003 became the first Briton ⁸⁷
since Winston Churchill to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Three years later, Tenzin ⁸⁸
Gyatso, Tenzin, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, earned recognition. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi of ⁸⁹
Burma won acclaim in 2008.

After a Congressional Gold Medal bill has been approved by both houses of Congress and signed
into law by the President, officials of the United States Mint meet with the sponsors of the
legislation and members of the honoree’s family to discuss possible designs for the medal.
Photographs of the honoree are also examined during this meeting. Mint engravers then prepare a
series of sketches of possible designs for consideration and comment by the Commission of Fine ⁹⁰
Arts and subsequently the Secretary of the Treasury, who makes the final decision on the
medal’s design. Once the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the honoree’s family, has
made a selection, the design is sculptured, a dye is made, and the medal is struck at the
Philadelphia Mint. The Mint then notifies the White House and arrangements are made for a ⁹¹
formal presentation by the President.
The cost of issuing a Congressional Gold Medal, generally about $30,000, is charged against the
Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund. Congress established this revolving fund “in the Treasury of
the United States... to be available to the Secretary for numismatic operations and programs of the ⁹²
United States Mint without fiscal year limitations.” The authorizing legislation in each case
typically includes a provision stating that the “Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze
of the gold medal struck... at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals (including labor, ⁹³
materials, dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses) and the cost of the gold medal.”

⁸⁵¹¹^{1 Sta}^t^{. 3}⁵^-³^6,¹¹^70-¹¹^71;¹¹²^Sta^t^{. 8}^95-⁸⁹^6.
⁸⁶¹¹^{4 Sta}^t^{. 6}^22-⁶²^3.
⁸⁷¹¹^{7 Sta}^t^{. 8}⁶²^.
⁸⁸¹²^{0 Sta}^t^{. 1}²³¹^-¹²³^2.
⁸⁹¹²^{2 Sta}^t^{. 7}^21-⁷²^2.
⁹⁰^Aⁿ^e^x^ec^utiv^e^or^de^r⁽^E^.O^.³⁵²⁴⁾^sⁱ^gⁿ^e^d^by^P^r^e^s^ideⁿ^{t W}^a^r^r^e^{n G}^.^H^a^r^d^ing^oⁿ^J^u^ly^{28, 1}⁹²¹^,^pr^ovⁱ^d^e^d^“^t^ha^{t e}^s^s^e^ntia^l
^m^a^tte^rs^re^la^ting^{to the}^de^sⁱ^gⁿ^of^m^e^da^ls^{, ins}ⁱ^gⁿ^ia^aⁿ^d^c^oⁱⁿ^s^,^pr^od^u^c^e^d^by^the^e^x^e^c^u^tiv^e^de^pa^rt^m^e^nts^{... s}^h^a^l^l^be
^subm^itte^{d to t}^h^e^Com^mⁱ^s^s^{ion of}^Fⁱ^ne^A^r^{ts f}^o^{r a}^d^vⁱ^c^e^a^s^{to th}^e^m^e^rit^s^of^suc^h^de^sigⁿ^s”^be^f^o^re^the^Se^c^r^e^t^a^r^y^of^the
^T^r^e^a^s^u^r^y^a^ppr^ov^e^s^the^m^{. For}^c^u^r^r^eⁿ^{t la}^ng^ua^g^e^{, s}^e^e^{45 C}^.^F.R^.²¹⁰¹^.¹⁽^d⁾^,^a^nd²¹⁰²^.1^1.
⁹¹^P^r^esi^d^en^t^s^d^oⁿ^o^t^,^h^o^w^ever,^al^w^a^ys^m^a^{ke t}^h^{e p}^r^esen^t^a^tⁱ^oⁿ^s^.^Vⁱ^ce^P^r^esi^d^en^t^G^e^o^r^{ge H.}^W^.^Bu^sh^p^r^esen^t^e^d^t^h^{e Re}^d
^C^r^os^s^G^o^{ld Me}^da^{l t}^o^boa^r^d^c^h^aⁱ^r^m^aⁿ^J^e^r^o^m^e^H^.^H^o^lla^{nd a}^t^C^o^ns^ti^tutio^{n H}^a^{ll i}ⁿ^W^a^s^h^ing^t^oⁿ^on^Ma^y^{21, 19}^81.
^“^P^e^r^so^na^litie^s,”^W^a^s^hⁱ^ngt^{on Pos}^t^,^Ma^y^{22, 19}⁸¹^{, p}^.^F²^.^Se^n.^Str^o^m^T^hur^m^{ond pr}^e^s^eⁿ^te^{d A}^d^mⁱ^r^a^{l Hy}^m^a^{n J}^.^Rⁱ^c^k^ov^e^r^’^s
^s^e^c^{ond g}^o^l^d^m^e^da^{l to Mr}^.^Rⁱ^c^k^ov^e^r^{in t}^h^e^C^a^pito^l’^s^Sta^t^ua^r^y^H^a^{ll on N}^o^v^e^m^b^e^r^{1, 19}⁸³^{. Eliz}^a^b^e^t^{h K}^a^s^t^or^{, “}^M^e^d^a^l^f^o^r
^Milita^ry^Ma^v^e^ric^k^,”^Wa^shⁱⁿ^g^t^on^Po^st^{, N}^o^v^e^m^b^e^r^{2, 1}⁹⁸³^,^pp^{. B1}^,^{B8. Se}ⁿ^.^P^a^tric^k^J^.^L^e^a^h^y^pre^s^eⁿ^t^e^{d the}^H^a^rry
^Ch^apⁱⁿ^G^o^l^d^M^e^d^a^l^t^o^C^h^apⁱⁿ^’s^wⁱ^d^o^w^at^Carn^egi^e^Hal^lⁱⁿ^New^Yo^{rk o}ⁿ^Decem^b^e^{r 7}^,¹⁹⁸⁷^.^{Barbara Jae}^f^er,^“^T^ri^b^u^t^e
^t^o^{a Ben}^e^vo^l^eⁿ^t^Voⁱ^ce,^”^B^e^rg^en^R^eco^rd^,^Dece^m^b^{er 8}^,¹⁹⁸⁷^,^p^.^C¹^.^Rep^.^Jo^{e S}^e^rrano^p^r^esen^t^e^d^t^h^e^F^r^an^{k S}ⁱⁿ^a^t^r^{a G}^o^l^d
^Me^da^{l to}^Sina^tra^’^s^da^ug^hte^r^Na^nc^y^Sina^tra^{in his Ca}^p^ito^l^Hill^of^fⁱ^c^e^{on J}^une^5,¹⁹^98.^Ric^h^a^r^d^Sisk^{, “}^C^ong^re^{ss Ha}^ils
^F^r^an^k,^”^{New Yo}^{rk Da}^{ily News}^{, J}^u^ne^6,¹⁹⁹⁸^{, p}^.⁸^.
⁹²³¹^U^.^S^.^C^.⁵¹³⁴⁽^b⁾^.
⁹³^Se^e^f^o^r^e^x^am^ple^P^.^L^.¹⁰^5-²⁵¹^,¹¹⁴^Sta^t^.⁶²^4-⁶^25.

Monies received from the sales of the bronze duplicates are deposited in the Numismatic Public ⁹⁴
Enterprise Fund.

In the 110^th Congress, Rule 3(f)(1)(A) of the House Committee on Financial Services stipulates
that the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology
will not hold a hearing on Congressional Gold Medal legislation unless it is cosponsored by at
least two-thirds (290) of the Members of the House. Rule 3(f)(1)(C) requires the subcommittee to
apply the following standards in considering legislation authorizing Congressional Gold Medals:
• the recipient shall be a natural person;
• the recipient shall have performed an achievement that has an impact on
American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major
achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement;
• the recipient shall not have received a medal previously for the same or
substantially the same achievement;
• the recipient shall be living or, if deceased, shall have been deceased for not less
than five years and not more than 25 years; and
• the achievements were performed in the recipient’s field of endeavor, and
represent either a lifetime of continuous superior achievements or a single
achievement so significant that the recipient is recognized and acclaimed by
others in the same field, as evidenced by the recipient having received the highest ⁹⁵
honors in the field.
The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee in the 109^th Congress requires that
at least 67 Senators cosponsor any Congressional Gold Medal bill or resolution before the ⁹⁶
committee will consider it.

⁹⁴^Coⁿ^g^ressi^oⁿ^a^l^G^o^l^d^M^e^d^a^l^s^gen^e^ral^l^y^ar^{e t}^h^{ree i}ⁿ^ch^{es i}ⁿ^dⁱ^am^et^er^an^d^con^t^aiⁿ^a^p^p^r^o^xⁱ^m^at^el^{y 1}⁵^oun^{ces o}^f^go^l^d^,
^de^pe^nd^ing^oⁿ^t^h^e^he^ig^ht^of^the^de^sⁱ^gⁿ^r^e^lie^f^.^D^u^rⁱ^ng^the^A^d^mⁱ^nis^t^r^a^tion^of^P^r^e^s^ideⁿ^{t J}ⁱ^m^m^y^C^a^r^t^e^r^,^w^h^eⁿ^g^o^l^d^w^a^s
^quite^e^x^pe^ns^iv^e^,^t^h^e^sⁱ^z^e^a^{nd t}^h^e^w^eⁱ^g^{ht of}^the^m^e^da^ls^w^e^r^e^r^e^duc^{ed to}^1½ⁱⁿ^c^h^e^sⁱⁿ^dia^m^e^t^e^r^a^{nd c}^o^ntaⁱ^ne^d^1½^t^o^tw^o
^ounc^e^s^of^g^o^ld^{. S}^ubs^e^q^ue^ntly^{, w}^h^eⁿ^the^pr^ic^e^of^g^o^ld^dr^o^ppe^d^a^f^te^r^P^r^e^s^ideⁿ^{t R}^ona^ld^R^e^a^g^aⁿ^took^of^fⁱ^c^e^,^the^f^o^r^m^e^r
^dⁱ^m^eⁿ^sⁱ^oⁿ^an^{d w}^eⁱ^g^h^t^{were rest}^o^r^ed^.^T^h^{ree i}ⁿ^ch^b^r^on^{ze d}^u^p^lⁱ^cat^es^an^d¹^½ⁱⁿ^{ch b}^r^oⁿ^{ze rep}^lⁱ^{cas o}^f^t^h^{e each}^m^e^d^a^l^are
^so^l^d^b^y^t^h^{e M}ⁱⁿ^t^t^o^h^e^l^p^reco^{ver t}^h^{e co}^st^o^f^st^ri^kiⁿ^g^{a go}^l^d^m^e^d^a^l^.^M^aⁿ^u^f^act^u^rⁱⁿ^{g an}^d^m^a^t^e^ri^al^co^st^{s d}ⁱ^ct^at^{e t}^h^e^p^rⁱ^{ce o}^f
^the^r^e^pr^o^duc^ti^ons^.
⁹⁵^“^P^ubl^ic^a^tion^of^the^Ru^le^{s of}^the^Com^m^itte^e^{on Fina}^nc^ia^l^Se^rv^ic^e^s^,¹¹⁰^th^C^ong^r^e^s^s^,^H^ous^e^of^R^e^pr^e^s^eⁿ^ta^tiv^e^s^{, Fir}^s^t
^S^e^ssioⁿ^,^”^C^o^ngr^e^s^sⁱ^o^nal^Re^c^o^r^d^,^da^ily^e^d^{ition, v}^o^l^.¹⁵^{3 (}^F^e^b^r^u^a^r^y^27,²⁰⁰⁷⁾^,^p^.^H¹⁹³^6.
⁹⁶^“^R^ule^s^of^P^r^oc^e^dur^e^f^o^r^t^h^e^C^o^m^m^itte^e^{on B}^a^nk^ing^,^H^ousⁱⁿ^g^,^aⁿ^d^U^r^ba^{n A}^f^f^a^ir^s^,^[^A^dopte^dⁱⁿ^e^x^e^c^u^tiv^e^s^e^s^sⁱ^on,
^J^a^nua^r^y^{31, 20}⁰⁷^]^,^”^C^o^ng^ressioⁿ^a^l^Reco^rd^{, da}^ily^e^d^itio^{n, v}^o^l^.¹⁵³^(Ma^r^c^h^7,²⁰⁰⁷^),^pp.^S2⁷⁹^1-S²⁷⁹³^.

As of this writing, there have been no proposals in the 110^th Congress to change the procedures or ^th
criteria for awarding congressional gold medals. During the 109 Congress, however, on January
26, 2005, the House, by a vote of 231 to 173, approved H.R. 54, the Congressional Gold Medal
Enhancement Act of 2005, sponsored by Representative Michael N. Castle. The bill would have
amended Section 5111 of Title 31 of the United States Code by adding the following new
subsection:
(e) Congressional Gold Medal Standards—
^{(1) MA}^{XIMUM NU}^MB^ER^—^B^egⁱⁿⁿⁱⁿ^g^oⁿ^t^h^{e date of}^t^h^{e e}ⁿ^act^m^eⁿ^t^of^t^h^e^C^ong^res^sⁱ^oⁿ^al
^G^o^l^d^Medal^Enh^aⁿ^c^e^m^eⁿ^t^A^c^t^of^{2005, t}^h^e^S^ecret^ar^y^o^f^t^h^e^T^r^eas^u^r^y^m^a^y^s^t^ri^k^eⁿ^o^t^m^o^re
^th^an²^coⁿ^g^r^e^ssioⁿ^{al g}^o^ld^m^e^d^a^{ls f}^o^r^p^r^esen^tatioⁿ^p^u^r^s^u^aⁿ^t^to^an^A^c^{t o}^f^th^{e Co}ⁿ^g^r^e^{ss i}ⁿ^an^y
^calen^{dar y}^ear.
⁽²⁾^P^R^OGR^A^M^R^E^QUI^R^E^M^E^NT^S—T^h^{e Secretary}^m^a^y^s^t^rik^e^con^g^r^e^s^sⁱ^on^a^l^g^o^ld^m^e^dals
^on^l^yⁱⁿ^accordan^ce^w^ith^t^h^e^f^o^llo^wⁱ^ng^requ^ire^m^eⁿ^t^s^:
^(A^{) R}^E^C^I^P^I^ENT^S^—On^l^y^aⁿⁱⁿ^divⁱ^d^u^al^m^a^y^{be a recipien}^{t of a con}^g^r^es^sⁱ^on^al^g^o^ld
^me^d^a^l^.
^(B)^TIMIN^G^—^N^o^g^o^l^d^m^e^dal^m^a^y^{be pres}^en^t^e^{d pos}^t^hum^o^u^s^l^y^on^beh^a^l^f^of^aⁿ^y
ⁱⁿ^divⁱ^d^u^{al ex}^{cept du}^riⁿ^g^t^h^{e 20-y}^{ear period beg}ⁱⁿⁿⁱ^ng^{5 y}^ears^af^{ter th}^{e death}^of^t^h^e
ⁱⁿ^di^vⁱ^d^u^al⁽^u^nl^es^{s t}^h^e^A^c^t^{of Con}^g^r^ess^a^u^t^h^ori^zⁱⁿ^g^t^h^e^s^t^ri^ki^ng^o^f^su^c^h^m^e^dal^w^a^s
^en^{acted bef}^o^{re th}^{e death}^of^s^u^chⁱⁿ^di^vⁱ^du^al).
During House debate on H.R. 54, Representative Castle emphasized that his measure sought “to
maintain the prestige of the medal by limiting the number that may be awarded each year,” and to
“clarify that recipients are individuals and not groups.” Passage of the measure, he argued, “will
ensure the future integrity and true honor of the award. It is my goal that every recipient,
[P]resident, civil rights leader, military hero, inventor, or noted healer, who receives the
Congressional Gold Medal will remain part of a unique honor bestowed by the United States ⁹⁷
Congress.”
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Michael G. Oxley characterized the proposed
legislation as a “commonsense effort to maintain the prestige of this award.” By limiting the
number of medals that can be struck each year, and by “limiting the recipients to individuals
rather than groups, maintains the prestige and honor of receiving a Congressional Gold Medal.
Combined with the requirement of a minimum co-sponsorship level of two-thirds of the House is ⁹⁸
the best way to preserve the integrity of the gold medal.”
Representative Joseph Crowley in opposing the legislation told his House colleagues, “We are
rushing to act on an issue that does not represent a problem.” “Who that received this medal in
the past,” he asked, “was not worthy of it?” He also expressed dismay “that the Committee on

⁹⁷^“^C^ong^r^e^s^sⁱ^ona^{l G}^o^ld^Me^da^{l E}ⁿ^h^a^nc^em^eⁿ^{t A}^c^{t of}²⁰⁰^5,”^C^o^ngr^e^s^sⁱ^on^{al Re}^c^o^r^d^{, da}^ily^e^d^itio^{n, v}^o^l^.¹^{51 (Ja}ⁿ^ua^ry^26,
²⁰⁰⁴⁾^,^p^p^{. H}²⁰⁷^{. Se}^e^a^l^s^o^“^L^im^it^s^Ma^y^B^e^I^m^pos^e^d^{on H}^o^nor^Me^da^ls^,”^W^a^s^hⁱⁿ^gt^{on P}^o^s^t^{, J}^aⁿ^u^a^r^y^27,²⁰⁰⁵^{, p}^.^A^17.
⁹⁸^“^C^ong^r^e^s^sⁱ^ona^{l G}^o^ld^Me^da^{l E}ⁿ^h^a^nc^em^eⁿ^{t A}^c^{t of}²⁰⁰^5,”^C^o^ngr^e^s^sⁱ^on^{al Re}^c^o^r^d^{, da}^ily^e^d^itio^{n, v}^o^l^.¹^{51 (Ja}ⁿ^ua^ry^26,
²⁰⁰⁴⁾^,^p^p^{. H}²⁰⁶^.

Rules refused to allow consideration of a key amendment that would strike a section of bill that
only permits the granting of Congressional Gold Medals to individuals.” Although Crowley
tended “to agree with the notion that distributing what is an exceptional honor to too many
individuals could devalue the symbolic worth of a gold medal, there are occasions when more
than one person is justified to receive the medal for their honorable actions in tandem with
others.” He continued by emphasizing that had this bill already been law, “Congress would not
have been able to issue” a Congressional Gold Medal “to the Little Rock Nine,” to “President and ⁹⁹
Mrs. Reagan,” or to “Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King.”
The House adopted by voice vote an amendment to H.R. 54 offered by Representative Oxley that
would make the legislation effective immediately upon passage, instead of the original effective
date of January 1, 2006. Two amendments offered by Representative Crowley, both of which
were defeated, would have (1) raised the number of Gold Medals that could be approved from
two per calendar year to six per Congress, or an overall increase of two medals per Congress; and
(2) required that there be an equitable distribution of Gold Medals approved between those ¹⁰⁰
sponsored by the majority and minority parties.
Later the same day, H.R. 54 was received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Senate
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. There was no further action on the bill.

⁹⁹^I^bⁱ^d^.^,^p^p^.^H2⁰⁶^-^H²⁰^7,^H20⁹^.
¹⁰⁰^Ibid^.,^pp.^H²¹¹^{, H}²¹³^{, H}²¹⁵^-H²^16.

George Washington. In recognition of the “wise and spirited conduct” of George Washington,
and the officers and soldiers under his command, in the siege and acquisition of Boston.
Approved March 25, 1776 (U.S. Continental Congress, Journal of the Continental Congress

1774-1789, 34 viols. (Washington: GPO, 1906, vol. 4, p. 234).

Major General Horatio Gates. In recognition of the “brave and successful efforts” of Major
General Horatio Gates, commander in chief in the northern department, and Major General
Benjamin Lincoln and Major General Benedict Arnold, and the other officers and troops under
his command, “in support of the independence of their country at Saratoga.” Approved November

4, 1777 (Journal of the Continental Congress 1774-1789, vol. 9, pp. 861-862).

Major General Anthony Wayne. In recognition of the “good conduct, coolness, discipline, and
firm intrepidity” of Major General Anthony Wayne, and the officers and soldiers under his
command, in the assault of the enemy’s works at Stony Point. Approved July 26, 1779 (Journal of
the Continental Congress 1774-1789, vol. 14, p. 890).
Major Henry Lee. In recognition of the “remarkable prudence, address and bravery” exhibited
by Major Henry Lee, and the non-commissioned officers and soldiers under his command, for
their surprise raid of Pawles (Paulus) Hook, New Jersey, in August 1779. Approved September

24, 1779 (Journal of the Continental Congress 1774-1789, vol. 15, pp. 1099-1102).

Brigadier General Daniel Morgan. In recognition of the “fortitude and good conduct” displayed
by Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, and the officers and men under his command, in the action
at Cowpens, in the State of South Carolina on January 17, 1781. Approved March 9, 1781
(Journal of the Continental Congress 1774-1789, vol. 19, pp. 246-247).
Major General Nathaniel Greene. In recognition of Major General Nathaniel Greene’s “wise,
decisive and magnanimous conduct in the action” of September 8, 1781, “near Eutaw Springs, in
South Carolina; in which, with a force inferior in number to that of the enemy, he obtained a most
signal victory.” Approved October 29, 1781 (Journal of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789,
vol. 21, pp. 1083-1084).
John Paul Jones. In recognition of the “valor and brilliant services” of John Paul Jones in
commanding a “squadron of French and American ships under the flag and commission of the
United States off the coast of Great Britain.” Approved October 16, 1787 (Journal of the
Continental Congress 1774-1789, vol. 33, p. 687).
Captain Thomas Truxtun. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct” of Captain
Thomas Truxtun in the action between the United States frigate Constellation and the French ship
of war La Vengeance. Approved March 29, 1800 (2 Stat. 87).
Commodore Edward Preble. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct” displayed by
Captain Edward Preble, and the officers, petty officers, seamen and marines attached to the
squadron under his command, in the several attacks on the town, batteries, and naval force of
Tripoli in 1804. Approved March 3, 1805 (2 Stat. 346-347).

Captain Isaac Hull, Captain Stephen Decatur, and Captain Jacob Jones. In recognition of the
“gallantry, good conduct, and services” of Captain Isaac Hull of the frigate Constitution, Captain
Stephen Decatur of the frigate United States, and Captain Jacob Jones of the sloop-of-war Wasp,
in their respective conflicts with the British frigates the Guerriere and the Macedonian, and
sloop-of-war Frolic. Approved January 29, 1813 (2 Stat. 830).
Captain William Bainbridge. In recognition of the “gallantry, good conduct and services of
Captain William Bainbridge,” and the officers and crew of the frigate Constitution, in the capture
of the British frigate Java, after a “brave and skillful combat.” Approved March 3, 1813 (2 Stat.

831).

Captain Oliver Hazard Perry and Captain Jesse D. Elliott. In recognition of the “decisive and
glorious victory gained on Lake Erie” by Captain Oliver Hazard Perry and Captain Jesse D.
Elliott, on September 10, 1813. Approved January 6, 1814 (3 Stat. 141).
Lieutenant William Burrows and Lieutenant Edward R. M’Call. In recognition of the
“gallantry and good conduct” of Lieutenant William Burrows and Lieutenant Edward R. M’Call
of the brig Enterprise, in the conflict with the British sloop Boxer on September 4, 1813.
Approved January 6, 1814 (3 Stat. 141-142).
Captain James Lawrence. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct” of Captain James
Lawrence, and the officers and crew of the sloop-of-war Hornet, in the capture of the British
vessel of war, the Peacock. Approved January 11, 1814 (3 Stat. 142).
Captain Thomas MacDonough, Captain Robert Henly, and Lieutenant Stephen Cassin. In
recognition of the “decisive and splendid victory” of Captain Thomas MacDonough and
Lieutenant Stephen Cassin, gained on Lake Champlain on September 11, 1814. Approved
October 20, 1814 (3 Stat. 245-246).
Captain Lewis Warrington. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct” of Captain
Lewis Warrington, and the officers and crew of the sloop-of-war Peacock in the action with the
British brig Epervier on April 29, 1814. Approved October 21, 1814 (3 Stat. 246).
Captain Johnston Blakely. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct” of Captain
Johnston Blakely, and the officers and crew of the sloop Wasp in the action with the British sloop-
of-war Reindeer on June 28, 1814. Approved November 3, 1814 (3 Stat. 246-247).
Major General Jacob Brown. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct” of Major
General Jacob Brown, and the “officers and men, of the regular army, and of the militia under his
command... in the successive battles of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie, in Upper Canada, in which
British veteran soldiers were beaten and repulsed by equal and inferior numbers.” Approved
November 3, 1814 (3 Stat. 247).
Major General Winfield Scott. In recognition of the “uniform gallantry and good conduct” of
Major General Winfield Scott “in the successive conflicts of Chippewa and Niagara.” Approved
November 3, 1814 (3 Stat. 247).
Brigadier General Eleazar W. Ripley, Brigadier General James Miller, and Major General
Peter B. Porter. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct” of Brigadier General Eleazar
W. Ripley, Brigadier General James Miller, and Major General Peter B. Porter “in the several
conflicts of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie. Approved November 3, 1814 (3 Stat. 247).

Major General Edmund P. Gaines. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct” of
General Edmund P. Gaines, and the officers and men under his command, in defeating the British
army at Erie on August 15, 1814. Approved November 3, 1814 (3 Stat. 247).
Major General Alexander Macomb. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct” of
Major General Alexander Macomb, and the officers and men under his command, in defeating a
veteran British army at Plattsburg on September 11, 1814. Approved November 3, 1814 (3 Stat.

247).

Major General Andrew Jackson. In recognition of the “valor, skill and good conduct” of Major
General Andrew Jackson, and the officers and soldiers of the regular army, of the militia, and of
the volunteers under his command, which was conspicuously displayed against the British army
at New Orleans on January 8, 1815. Approved February 27, 1815 (3 Stat. 249).
Captain Charles Stewart. In recognition of the “gallantry, good conduct and services” of
Captain Charles Stewart, and the officers and crew, of the frigate Constitution, in capturing the
British vessels of war, the Cyane and the Levant, after a brave and skillful combat. Approved
February 22, 1816 (3 Stat. 341).
Captain James Biddle. In recognition of the “gallantry, good conduct and services” of Captain
James Biddle, and the officers and crew, of the sloop-of-war Hornet, in capturing the British
sloop-of-war Penguin, after a brave and skillful combat. Approved February 22, 1816 (3 Stat.

341).

Major General William Henry Harrison and Governor Isaac Shelby. In recognition of the
“gallantry and good behavior” of Major William Henry Harrison and Governor Isaac Shelby, and
the officers and men under their command, “in defeating the combined British and Indian forces
under Major General Proctor, on the Thames, in Upper Canada, on October 5, 1813, and in
capturing the British army with their baggage, camp equipage and artillery.” Approved April 4,

1818 (3 Stat. 476).

Colonel George Croghan. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct” of Colonel George
Croghan in the defense of Fort Stephenson in 1813. Approved February 13, 1835 (4 Stat. 792).
Major General Zachary Taylor. In recognition of the “fortitude, skill, enterprise, and courage”
of Major General Zachary Taylor, and his officers and men, which distinguished the brilliant
operations on the Rio Grande. Approved July 16, 1846 (9 Stat. 111).
Major General Zachary Taylor. In recognition of the “fortitude, skill, enterprise, and courage”
of Major General Zachary Taylor, and his officers and men, which distinguished the brilliant
military operations at Monterey. Approved March 2, 1847 (9 Stat. 206).
Rescuers of the Officers and Crew of the U. S. Brig Somers. In recognition of the “officers and
men belonging or attached to the French, British, and Spanish ships-of-war in the harbor of Vera
Cruz, who so gallantly, and at the imminent peril of their lives, aided rescuing from a watery
grave many of the officers and crew of the United States brig Somers.” The records of the United
States Mint indicate that 10 gold medals were struck in commemoration of the gallant effort of
the Somers. Approved March 3, 1847 (9 Stat. 208).
Major General Winfield Scott. In recognition of the “uniform gallantry and good conduct” of
Major General Winfield Scott, and the officers and men of the regular and volunteer corps under

him, “conspicuously displayed at the siege and capture of the city of Vera Cruz and castle of San
Juan de Ulloa,” on March 29, 1847; in the successive battles of Cerro Gordo on April 18, San
Antonio and Churubusco on August 19 and 20; in the “victories achieved in front of the city of
Mexico” on September 8 and 11-13; and for the capture of the metropolis on September 14, “in
which the Mexican troops, greatly superior in numbers, and with every advantage of position,
were in every conflict signally defeated by the American arms.” Approved March 9, 1848 (9 Stat.

333).

Major General Zachary Taylor. In recognition of the “valor, skill, and good conduct” of Major
General Zachary Taylor, and the officers and soldiers of the regular army and of the volunteers
under his command, “conspicuously displayed” on February 22 and 23, 1848, in the battle of
Buena Vista, in “defeating a Mexican army under the command of General Santa Anna of more
than four times their number.” Approved May 9, 1848 (9 Stat. 334-335).
Commander Duncan N. Ingraham. In recognition of the “gallant and judicious conduct” of
Commander Duncan N. Ingraham “in extending protection to Martin Koszta, by rescuing him
from illegal seizure and imprisonment on board the Austrian war-brig Hussar.” Approved August

4, 1854 (10 Stat. 594-595).

Frederick A. Rose. In recognition of “Assistant-Surgeon Frederick A. Rose, of the British navy,
who volunteered, with the permission of his commanding officer, to join the Susquehannah,” at a
time when many of its crew had yellow fever, “at imminent personal risk, devoted himself, on the
voyage from Jamaica to New York, to care for the sick remaining on board.” Approved May 11,

1858 (11 Stat. 369).

Major General Ulysses S. Grant. In recognition of “gallantry and good conduct” of Ulysses S.
Grant, and the officers and men who fought under his command during the Civil War, in the
battles in which they engaged. Approved December 17, 1863 (13 Stat. 399).
Cornelius Vanderbilt. In recognition of Cornelius Vanderbilt’s “gift to his imperiled country” of
the steamship Vanderbilt, which was “actively employed in the service of the Republic against the
rebel devastations of her commerce.” Approved January 28, 1864 (13 Stat. 401).
Captains Robert Creighton, Edwin J. Low, and George C. Stouffer. In recognition of the
“gallant conduct” of Captain Robert Creighton, of the ship Three Bells, of Glasgow; Captain
Edwin J. Low, of the bark Kilby, of Boston; and Captain George C. Stouffer, of the ship Antarctic,
in rescuing about 500 men from the wreck of the steamer San Francisco. Approved July 26, 1866
(14 Stat. 365-366).
Cyrus W. Field. In recognition of the “foresight, courage, and determination” of Cyrus W. Field
“in establishing telegraphic communications by means of the Atlantic cable traversing mid-ocean
and connecting the Old World with the New.” Approved March 2, 1867 (14 Stat. 574).
George Peabody. In recognition of George Peabody’s “great and peculiar beneficence” in giving
$2 million “for the promotion of education in the most destitute portions of the southern and
southwestern States.” Approved March 16, 1867 (15 Stat. 20).
George F. Robinson. In recognition of the “heroic conduct” of George F. Robinson in saving the
life of Secretary of State William H. Seward on April 14, 1865. Approved March 1, 1871 (16 Stat.

704).

Captain Jared S. Crandall, and Others. In recognition of the services of Captain Jared S.
Crandall, Albert Crandall, Daniel F. Larkin, Frank Larkin, Bryon Green, John D. Harvey,
Courtland Gavitt, Eugene Nash, Edwin Nash, and William Nash of Westerly, Rhode Island, who
“so gallantly volunteered to man a life-boat and a fishing-boat, and saved the lives of thirty-two
persons from the wreck of the steamer Metis on the waters of the Long Island sound,” on August

31, 1872. Approved February 24, 1873 (17 Stat. 638).

John Horn, Jr. In recognition and commemoration of the “heroic and humane exploits” of John
Horn, Jr., in rescuing 110 men, women, and children from drowning in the Detroit River.
Approved June 20, 1874 (18 Stat. 573).
On April 28, 1904, Congress authorized and directed the Secretary of the Treasury to strike off
and present to John Horn, Jr., a duplicate of the medal voted by Congress to him in 1874, which
was stolen from him in October 1901. Approved April 28, 1904 (33 Stat. 1684-1685).
John F. Slater. In recognition of John F. Slater’s contribution of $1 million for the purpose of
“uplifting the lately emancipated population of the Southern States and their prosperity, by
conferring on them the blessings of Christian education.” Approved February 5, 1883 (22 Stat.

636).

Joseph Francis. In recognition of Joseph Francis’ “life-long services to humanity and to his
country... in the construction and perfection of life-saving appliances by which thousands of lives
have been saved.” Approved August 27, 1888 (25 Stat. 1249).
Chief Engineer George Wallace Melville and Others. In recognition of the “meritorious
service” of Chief Engineer George Wallace Melville, United States Navy, “in successfully
directing the party under his command after the wreck of the Arctic exploring steamer Jeannette,
and of his persistent efforts through dangers and hardships to find and assist his commanding
officer and other members of the expedition before he himself was out of peril.” This act does not
specifically indicate what type of medal was to be presented to Chief Engineer Melville and the
officers and men of the Jeannette “as an expression of the high esteem Congress [held] their
services.” The records of the United States Mint, however, indicate that eight gold medals were
struck in commemoration of the perils encountered by the Jeannette expedition. Approved
September 30, 1890 (26 Stat. 552-553).
First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb. In recognition of the “intrepid and heroic gallantry” of
First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, commander of the revenue cutter Hudson, and the officers
and men under his command, “in action at Cardenas, Cuba,” on May 18, 1898, “when the Hudson
rescued the United States naval torpedo boat Winslow in the face of a most galling fire from the
enemy’s guns, the Winslow being disabled, her captain wounded, her only other officer and half
her crew killed.” Approved May 3, 1900 (31 Stat. 717).
First Lieutenant David H. Jarvis, Second Lieutenant Ellsworth P. Bertholf, and Dr. Samuel
J. Call. In recognition of the “heroic service” rendered by First Lieutenant David H. Jarvis,
Second Lieutenant Ellsworth P. Bertholf, and Dr. Samuel J. Call, all of the Revenue-Cutter
Service and members of the overland expedition of 1897-1898, in providing relief to the whaling
fleet in arctic regions. Approved June 28, 1902 (32 Stat. 492).
Wright Brothers. In recognition and appreciation of the “great service” Orville and Wilbur
Wright of Ohio, “rendered the science of aerial navigation in the invention of the Wright

aeroplane, and for their ability, courage, and success in navigating the air.” Approved March 4,

1909 (35 Stat. 1627).

Captain Arthur Henry Rostron. In recognition of Captain Henry Rostron, and the officers and
crew of the steamship Carpathia, “for promptly going to the relief of the steamship Titanic and
heroically saving the lives of seven hundred and four people who had been shipwrecked in the
North Atlantic Ocean.” Approved July 6, 1912 (37 Stat. 639).
Captain Paul H. Kreibohm and Others. In recognition of the heroic rescue of 89 people by
Captain Paul H. Kreibohm and the officers and crew of the American steamer Kroonland from the
burning steamer Volturno in the North Atlantic. The records of the United States Mint indicate
that four gold medals were struck in commemoration of the actions of the Kroonland. Approved
March 19, 1914 (38 Stat. 769).
Señor Domicio da Gama, Señor Rómulo S. Naón, and Señor Eduardo Suárez. In recognition
of the “generous services” of Señor Domicio da Gama, Señor Rómulo S. Naón, and Señor
Eduardo Suárez, “as mediators in the controversy between the Government of the United States
and the leaders of the warring parties in the Republic of Mexico.” Approved March 4, 1915 (38
Stat. 1228).
Charles A. Lindbergh. In recognition of the “achievements” of Charles A. Lindbergh. Approved
May 4, 1928 (45 Stat. 490).
Lincoln Ellsworth, Roald Amundsen, and Umberto Nobile. In recognition of the “conspicuous
courage, sagacity, and perseverance” Lincoln Ellsworth exhibited during his famous polar flight
of 1925 and his transpolar flight of 1926; and the contributions of Roald Amundsen, the
distinguished Norwegian explorer, and Umberto Nobile, the distinguished Italian explorer, who
participated with Ellsworth in the transpolar flight of 1926. Approved May 29, 1928 (45 Stat.

2026-2027).

Thomas A. Edison. In recognition of the “achievements” of Thomas A. Edison “in illumining the
path of progress through the development and application of inventions that have revolutionized
civilization in the last century.” Approved May 29, 1928 (45 Stat. 1012).
First Successful Trans-Atlantic Flight. In recognition of Commander John H. Tower’s
“extraordinary achievement” in conceiving, organizing, and commanding the first trans-Atlantic
flight; and Lieutenant Commander Albert C. Read, United States Navy, commanding officer;
Lieutenant Elmer F. Stone, United States Coast Guard, pilot; Lieutenant Walter Hinton, United
States Navy, pilot; Lieutenant H. C. Rodd, United States Navy, radio operator; Lieutenant J. L.
Breese, United States Naval Reserve Force, engineer; and Machinist’s Mate Eugene Rhodes,
United States Navy, engineer, “in making the first successful trans-Atlantic flight, in the United
States naval flying boat NC-4, in May 1919.” Approved February 9, 1929 (45 Stat. 1158).
Major Walter Reed and Associates for Yellow Fever Experimentations in Cuba. In
recognition of the “high public service rendered and disabilities contracted” by Major Walter
Reed, James Caroll, Jesse W. Lazear, Aristides Agramonte, James A. Andrus, John R. Bullard, A.
W. Covington, William H. Dean, Wallace W. Forbes, Levi E. Folk, Paul Hamann, James F.
Hanberry, Warren G. Jernegan, John R. Kissinger, John J. Moran, William Olsen, Charles G.
Sonntag, Clyde L. West, Dr. R. P. Cooke, Thomas M. England, James Hildebrand, and Edward
Weatherwalks “in the interest of humanity and science as voluntary subjects for the

experimentation during the yellow-fever investigations in Cuba.” Approved February 28, 1929
(45 Stat. 1409-1410).
This act was subsequently amended on July 2, 1956, and September 2, 1958, to include the names
of Gustaf E. Lambert and Roger P. Ames (70 Stat. 484; and 72 Stat. 1702).
Officers and Men of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition. In recognition of the “high admiration in
which Congress and the American people hold [the] heroic and undaunted services [connected]
with the scientific investigations and extraordinary aerial expeditions of the Antarctic Continent,
under the personal direction of Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd.” The records of the United States
Mint indicate that 67 gold medals were struck in commemoration of the Byrd Antarctic
Expedition. Approved May 23, 1930 (46 Stat. 379).
Lincoln Ellsworth. In recognition of Lincoln Ellsworth “claiming on behalf of the United States
approximately three-hundred-fifty-thousand square miles of land in the Antarctic between the
eightieth and one hundred and twentieth meridians west of Greenwich, representing the last
unclaimed territory in the world, and for his exceptionally meritorious services to science and
aeronautics in making a two-thousand-five-hundred mile aerial survey of the heart of Antarctica,
thus paving the way for more detailed studies of geological, meteorological, and geographical
questions of world-wide importance and benefit.” Approved June 16, 1936 (49 Stat. 2324).
George M. Cohan. In recognition of the public service of George M. Cohan during the World
War in composing the patriotic songs “Over There” and “A Grand Old Flag.” Approved June 29,

1936 (49 Stat. 2371).

Mrs. Richard Aldrich and Anna Bouligny. In recognition of Mrs. Richard Aldrich and Anna
Bouligny “who, during the War with Spain, voluntarily went to Puerto Rico and there rendered
service of inestimable value to the Army of the United States in the establishment and operation
of hospitals for the care and treatment of military patients in Puerto Rico.” Approved June 20,

1938 (52 Stat. 1365).

Howard Hughes. In recognition of the “achievements” of Howard Hughes in “advancing the
science of aviation and thus bringing great credit to his country throughout the world.” Approved
August 7, 1939 (53 Stat. 1525).
Reverend Francis X. Quinn. In recognition of the “valor of Reverend Francis X. Quinn, pastor
of the Church of the Guardian Angel, New York City, who risked his life by entering the room
when an armed desperado held two elderly persons as hostages, and who by successfully
disarming this criminal and saving the lives of two innocent persons distinguished himself
conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of his
duty.” Approved August 10, 1939 (53 Stat. 1533).
William Sinnott. In recognition of action of “William Sinnott, a detective, who in guarding
Franklin D. Roosevelt, then President-elect of the United States, at Miami, Florida, on February

15, 1933, was shot and wounded by Guiseppe Zangara, who attempted to assassinate” Mr.

Roosevelt. Approved June 15, 1940 (54 Stat. 1283).
Roland Boucher. In recognition of the “valor, bravery, and heroism of Roland Boucher, of
Burlington, Vermont, age 11, who on February 12, 1941, risked his life in rescuing five children
who had broken through the ice on Lake Champlain near Juniper Island, saving the lives of four,

and who in so doing displayed unusual bravery and the presence of mind extraordinary in one of
his age.” Approved January 20, 1942 (56 Stat. 1099-1100).
General of the Army George Catlett Marshall and Fleet Admiral Ernest Joseph King. In
recognition of General of the Army George C. Marshall’s “distinguished leadership, as Chief of
Staff of the Army and as a member of the Combined Chiefs of Staff of the United Nations, in
planning the expansion, equipment, training and deployment of the great Army of the United
States and in formulating and executing the global strategy that led to victory in World War II,”
and the “members of the Army of the United States who served under his direction with such
heroic devotion, and personal sacrifice.”
In recognition also of Admiral Ernest J. King’s “distinguished leadership as Commander in Chief
of the United States Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations and as a member of the Combined
Chiefs of Staff of the United Nations, in planning the expansion, equipment, training, and
operation of the United States Navy and in formulating and executing the global strategy that led
to victory in World War II,” and the “members of the United States Navy, the United States
Marine Corps and the United States Coast Guard,” and the “members of the Reserve Forces who
served under his direction with such heroic devotion and personal sacrifice.” Approved March 22,

1946 (60 Stat. 1134-1135).

General of the Armies of the United States John J. Pershing. In recognition of General John J.
Pershing’s “peerless leadership, heroic achievements, and great military victories, as Commander
in Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe in World War I, and for his gallant and
unselfish devotion to the service of his country in preparation for, and the prosecution of World
War II.” Approved August 7, 1946 (60 Stat. 1297-1298).
Brigadier General William Mitchell. In recognition of the “outstanding pioneer service and
foresight of General William Mitchell in the field of American military aviation.” Approved
August 8, 1946 (60 Stat. 1319).
Vice President Alben W. Barkley. In recognition of Vice President Alben W. Barkley’s
“distinguished public service and outstanding contribution to the general welfare.” Approved
August 12, 1949 (P.L. 81-221, 63 Stat. 599).
Irving Berlin. In recognition of Irvin Berlin’s “services in composing many patriotic songs,
including God Bless America, which became popular during World War II.” Approved July 16,

1954 (P.L. 83-536, 68 Stat. A120).

Doctor Jonas E. Salk. “In recognition of the great achievement of Doctor Jonas E. Salk in the
field of medicine by his discovery of a serum for the prevention of poliomyelitis.” Approved
August 9, 1955 (P.L. 84-297, 69 Stat. 589).
Surviving Veterans of the War Between the States. “In honor of the last [four] surviving
veterans of the War Between the States who served in the Union or the Confederate forces.”
Approved July 18, 1956 (P.L. 84-730, 70 Stat. 577).
Rear Admiral Hyman George Rickover. “In recognition of the achievements of Rear Admiral
Hyman George Rickover, United States Navy, in successfully directing the development and
construction of the world’s first nuclear-powered ships and the first large-scale nuclear power

reactor devoted exclusively to the production of electricity.” Approved August 28, 1958 (P.L. 85-

826, 72 Stat. 985).

Doctor Robert H. Goddard. In recognition of the “great, creative achievements of Doctor
Robert H. Goddard, and his historic pioneering research on space rockets, missiles, and jet
propulsion.” Approved September 16, 1959 (P.L. 86-277, 73 Stat. 562-563).
Robert Frost. In recognition of Robert Frost’s “poetry, which has enriched the culture of the
United States and the philosophy of the world.” Approved September 13, 1960 (P.L. 86-747, 74
Stat. 883).
Doctor Thomas Anthony Dooley III. “In recognition of the gallant and unselfish public service
rendered by Doctor Thomas Anthony Dooley III in serving the medical needs of the people of
Laos living in the remote areas of the Laotian jungles, and the peoples in other newly developing
countries.” Approved May 27, 1961 (P.L. 87-42, 75 Stat. 87).
Bob Hope. In recognition of Bob Hope’s outstanding “service to his country and the cause of
peace.” Approved June 8, 1962 (P.L. 87-478, 76 Stat. 93).
Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the House of Representatives. In recognition of Sam Rayburn’s
“distinguished public service and outstanding contribution to the general welfare.” Approved
September 26, 1962 (P.L. 87-702, 76 Stat. 605).
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. “In recognition of the gallant service rendered by
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur to his country.” Approved October 9, 1962 (P.L. 87-

760, 76 Stat. 760).

Walt Disney. In recognition of Walt Disney’s “distinguished public service and outstanding
contributions to the United States and the world.” Approved May 24, 1968 (P.L. 90-316, 82 Stat.

130-131).

Winston Churchill. In recognition of Winston Churchill, on the occasion of the dedication of the
Winston Churchill Memorial and Library at Westminister College in Fulton, Missouri, in May

1969. Approved May 7, 1969 (P.L. 91-12, 83 Stat. 8-9).

Roberto Walker Clemente. In recognition of Roberto Clemente’s “outstanding athletic, civil,
charitable, and humanitarian contributions.” Approved May 14, 1973 (P.L. 93-33, 87 Stat. 71).
Marian Anderson. “In recognition of the highly distinguished and impressive career of Miss
Marian Anderson for a period of more than a half a century during which she has been the
recipient of the highest awards from a score of foreign countries, for her untiring and unselfish
devotion to the promotion of the arts in this country and throughout the world including the
establishment of scholarships for young people, for her strong and imaginative support to
humanitarian causes at home, for her contributions to the cause of world peace through her work
as United States delegate to the United Nations and her performances and recordings which have
reached an estimated seven million people throughout the world, and her unstinting efforts on
behalf of the brotherhood of man, and the many treasured moments she has bought to us with
enormous demand on her time, talent, and energy.” Approved March 8, 1977 (P.L. 95-9, 91 Stat.

19).

Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker. In recognition of Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker’s
“distinguished career as an aviation pioneer and Air Force leader.” Approved October 10, 1978
(P.L. 95-438, 92 Stat. 1060).
Robert F. Kennedy. In recognition of the “distinguished and dedicated service” Robert Kennedy
“gave to the Government and to the people of the United States.” Approved November 1, 1978
(P.L. 95-560, 92 Stat. 2142).
John Wayne. In recognition of John Wayne’s “distinguished career as an actor and his service to
the Nation.” Approved May 26, 1979 (P.L. 96-15, 93 Stat. 32).
Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman. In recognition of the “distinguished feat”
of transatlantic balloonists Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman “as aviation
pioneers.” Approved June 13, 1979 (P.L. 96-20, 93 Stat. 45).
Hubert H. Humphrey. In recognition of Hubert H. Humphrey’s “distinguished and dedicated
service” to the Government and to the people of the United States. Approved June 13, 1979 (P.L.

96-91, 93 Stat. 46).

American Red Cross. In recognition of the “unselfish and humanitarian service” of the
American Red Cross to the people of the United States. Approved December 12, 1979 (P.L. 96-

138, 93 Stat. 1063).

Ambassador Kenneth Taylor. In recognition of Canadian Ambassador to Iran Kenneth Taylor’s
“valiant efforts to secure the safe return of six American Embassy officials in Tehran.” Approved
March 6, 1980 (P.L. 96-201, 94 Stat. 79).
Simon Wiesenthal. In recognition of Simon Wisenthal’s “contribution to international justice
through the documentation and location of war criminals from World War II.” Approved March

17, 1980 (P.L. 96-211, 94 Stat. 101).

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. In recognition of the “two hundredth anniversary, in 1982, of
the establishment of diplomatic and commercial relations between the Governments of the United
States and the Netherlands.” Approved March 22, 1982 (P.L. 97-158, 96 Stat. 18-19).
Admiral Hyman George Rickover. In recognition of Admiral Hyman George Rickover’s
“distinguished service and for his unique world-renowned contributions to the development of
safe nuclear energy and to the defense of the United States.” Approved June 23, 1982 (P.L. 97-

201, 96 Stat. 126-127).

Fred Waring. In recognition of Fred Waring’s “contribution to enriching American life.”
Approved August 26, 1982 (P.L. 97-246, 96 Stat. 315-316).
Joe Louis. In recognition of Joe Louis’s “accomplishments which did so much to bolster the
spirit of the American people during one of the most crucial times in American history and which
have endured throughout the years as a symbol of strength for the Nation.” Approved August 26,

1982 (P.L. 97-246, 96 Stat. 315-316).

Louis L’Amour. In recognition of Louis L’Amour’s “distinguished career as an author and his
contributions to the Nation through his historically based works.” Approved August 26, 1982
(P.L. 97-246, 96 Stat. 315-316).

Leo J. Ryan. In recognition of Leo J. Ryan’s “distinguished service as a Member of Congress
and the fact of his untimely death by assassination while performing his responsibilities as a
Member of the United States House of Representatives.” Approved November 18, 1983 (P.L. 98-

159, 97 Stat. 992).

Danny Thomas. In recognition of Danny Thomas’ “humanitarian efforts and his outstanding
work as an American.” Approved November 29, 1983 (P.L. 98-172, 97 Stat. 1119-1120).
Harry S. Truman. In recognition of the “life-time of outstanding public service which... Harry S.
Truman, gave to the United States, and in commemoration of his one hundredth birthday which
was celebrated on May 8, 1984.” Approved May 8, 1984 (P.L. 98-278, 98 Stat. 173-175).
Lady Bird Johnson. In recognition of Lady Bird Johnson’s “humanitarian efforts and
outstanding contributions to the improvement and beautification of America.” Approved May 8,

1984 (P.L. 98-278, 98 Stat. 173-175).

Elie Wiesel. In recognition of Elie Wiesel’s “humanitarian efforts and outstanding contributions
to world literature and human rights.” Approved May 8, 1984 (P.L. 98-278, 98 Stat. 173-175).
Roy Wilkins. In recognition of the “incomparable contribution of Roy Wilkins to the struggle for
civil rights and equality for all Americans.” Approved May 17, 1984 (P.L. 98-285, 98 Stat. 186).
George and Ira Gershwin. In recognition of “George and Ira Gershwin’s outstanding and
invaluable contributions to American music, theatre and culture.” Approved August 9, 1985 (P.L.

99-86, 99 Stat. 288-289).

Natan (Anatoly) and Avital Shcharansky. In recognition of the “supreme dedication and total
commitment” of Natan (Anatoly) and Avital Shcharansky “to the cause of individual human
rights and freedoms.” Approved May 13, 1986 (P.L. 99-298, 100 Stat. 432-433).
Harry Chapin. In recognition of “Harry Chapin’s efforts to address issues of hunger around the
world.” Approved May 20, 1986 (P.L. 99-311, 100 Stat. 464).
Aaron Copland. In recognition of Aaron Copland’s “contribution to American musical
composition.” Approved September 23, 1986 (P.L. 99-418, 100 Stat. 952-953).
Mary Lasker. In recognition of Mary Lasker’s “humanitarian contributions in the areas of
medical research and education, urban beautification and the fine arts.” Approved December 24,

1987 (P.L. 100-210, 101 Stat. 1441).

Jesse Owens. In recognition of “Jesse Owens’ athletic achievements and humanitarian
contributions to public service, civil rights and international goodwill.” Approved September 20,

1988 (P.L. 100-437, 102 Stat. 1717).

Andrew Wyeth. In recognition of Andrew Wyeth’s “outstanding and invaluable contributions to
American art and culture.” Approved November 9, 1988 (P.L. 100-639, 102 Stat. 3331-3332).
Laurence Spelman Rockefeller. In recognition of Laurence Spelman Rockefeller’s “leadership
on behalf of natural resource conservation and historic preservation.” Approved May 17, 1990
(P.L. 101-296, 104 Stat. 197-199).

General Matthew B. Ridgeway. In recognition of General Matthew B. Ridgeway’s
“distinguished service to the Nation” during World War II and the Korean War. Approved
November 5, 1990 (P.L. 101-510; 104 Stat. 1720-1721).
General H. Norman Schwarzkopf. In recognition of General H. Norman Schwarzkopf’s
“exemplary performance as a military leader in coordinating the planning, strategy, and execution
of the U.S. combat action and his invaluable contributions to the United States and to the
liberation of Kuwait as Commander-in-Chief, United States Central Command.” Approved April

23, 1991 (P.L. 102-32; 105 Stat. 175-176).

General Colin Powell. In recognition of General Colin Powell’s “exemplary performance as a
military leader and advisor to the President in planning and coordinating the military response of
the United States to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the ultimate retreat of Iraqi forces and Iraqi
acceptance of all United Nations Resolutions relating to Kuwait.” Approved April 23, 1991 (P.L.

102-33; 105 Stat. 177-178).

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. In recognition of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson
‘s “outstanding and enduring contributions toward world education, morality, and acts of charity.”
Approved November 2, 1994 (P.L. 103-457; 108 Stat. 4799-4800).
Ruth and Billy Graham. In recognition of Ruth and Billy Graham’s “outstanding and lasting
contributions to morality, racial equality, family, philanthropy, and religion.” Approved February

13, 1996 (P.L. 104-111; 110 Stat. 772-773).

Francis Albert “Frank” Sinatra. In recognition of Frank Sinatra’s “outstanding and enduring
contributions through his entertainment career and humanitarian activities.” Approved May 14,

1997 (P.L. 105-14, 111 Stat. 32-33).

Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In recognition of Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s “outstanding and
enduring contributions through humanitarian and charitable activities.” Approved June 2, 1997
(P.L. 105-16, 111 Stat. 35-36).
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. In recognition of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s
“outstanding and enduring contributions toward religious understanding and peace.” Approved
October 6, 1997 (P.L. 105-51, 111 Stat. 1170-1171).
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. In recognition of Nelson Rolihlahla’s “life-long dedication to the
abolition of apartheid and the promotion of reconciliation among the people of the Republic of
South Africa.” Approved July 29, 1998 (P.L. 105-215, 112 Stat. 895-896).
Little Rock Nine. In recognition of the “selfless heroism” Jean Brown Trickey, Carlotta Walls
LaNier, Melba Patillo Beals, Terrence Roberts, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Thelma Mothershed Wair,
Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, and Jefferson Thomas “exhibited and the pain they suffered in
the cause of civil rights by integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.” Approved
October 21, 1998 (P.L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681-597).
Gerald R. and Betty Ford. In recognition of Gerald R. and Betty Ford’s “dedicated public
service and outstanding humanitarian contributions to the people of the United States.” Approved
October 21, 1998 (P.L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681-598).

Rosa Parks. In recognition of Rosa Parks’ “contributions to the Nation” as the “first lady of civil
rights” and “mother of the freedom movement,” and whose “quiet dignity ignited the most
significant social movement in the history of the United States.” Approved May 4, 1999 (P.L.

106-26; 113 Stat. 50-51).

Theodore M. Hesburgh. In recognition of Theodore M. Hesburgh’s “outstanding and enduring
contributions to civil rights, higher education, the Catholic Church, the Nation, and the global
community.” Approved December 9, 1999 (P.L. 106-153; 113 Stat. 1733-1734).
John Cardinal O’Connor, Archbishop of New York. In recognition of John Cardinal
O’Connor’s “accomplishments as a priest, a chaplain, and a humanitarian.” Approved March 3,

2000 (P.L. 106-175; 114 Stat. 20-21).

Charles M. Schulz. In recognition of Charles M. Schulz’s “lasting artistic contributions to the
Nation and the world.” Approved June 20, 2000 (P.L. 106-225; 114 Stat. 457-458).
Pope John Paul II. In recognition of Pope John Paul II’s “many and enduring contributions to
peace and religious understanding.” Approved July 27, 2000 (P.L. 106-250; 114 Stat. 622-623).
Ronald and Nancy Reagan. In recognition of Ronald and Nancy Reagan’s “service to the
Nation.” Approved July 27, 2000 (P.L. 106-251; 114 Stat. 624-625).
Navajo Code Talkers. In recognition of the contribution of the original 29 Navajo Marine Corps
Radio Operators, known as the Navajo Code Talkers, “who distinguished themselves in
performing a unique, highly successful communications operation that greatly assisted in saving
countless lives and hastening the end of World War II in the Pacific.” (Silver medals were
awarded to each person who qualified as a Navajo Code Talker (MOS 642).) Approved December

21, 2000 (P.L. 106-554; 114 Stat. 2763A-311—2763A-312).

General Henry H. Shelton. In recognition of the performance of General Henry H. Shelton “as a
military leader in coordinating the planning, strategy, and execution of the United States and
NATO combat action and his invaluable contributions to the United States and to the successful
return to peace in the Balkans as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.” Approved January 16,

2002 (P.L. 107-127; 115 Stat. 2405-2406).

Prime Minister Tony Blair. In recognition of the “outstanding and enduring contributions” of
Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom “to maintaining the security of all freedom-
loving nations.” Approved July 17, 2003 (P.L. 108-60; 117 Stat. 862).
Jackie Robinson. In recognition of Jackie Robinson’s “legacy and personal achievements,” and
“many contribution to the nation.” Approved October 29, 2003 (P.L. 108-101; 117 Stat. 1195-

1197).

Dr. Dorothy Height. In recognition of Dr. Dorothy Height’s contribution “as one of the
preeminent social and civil rights activists of her time, particularly in the struggle for equality,
social justice, and human rights for all people.” Approved December 6, 2003 (P.L. 108-162; 117
Stat. 2017-2019).
Reverend Joseph DeLaine, Harry and Eliza Briggs, and Levi Pearson. In recognition of the
contributions of Reverend Joseph A. DeLaine, Harry and Eliza Briggs, and Levi Pearson “to the
Nation as pioneers in the effort to desegregate public schools that led directly to the landmark

desegregation case of Brown et al. v. the Board of Education of Topeka et al.” Approved
December 15, 2003 (P.L. 108-180; 117 Stat. 2645-2647).
Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. In recognition of the of the
contributions of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King “to the Nation
on behalf of the civil rights movement.” Approved October 25, 2004 (P.L. 108-368; 118 Stat.

1746-1748).

Tuskegee Airmen. In recognition of the “unique military record” of the Tuskegee Airman,
“which inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.” Approved April 11, 2006 (P.L. 109-

213; 120 Stat. 322-325).

Gyatso, Tenzin, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. In recognition of the “many enduring and
outstanding contributions of Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, “to peace, non-violence,
human rights, and religious understanding.” Approved September 27, 2006 (P.L. 109-287; 120
Stat. 1231-1232).
Byron Nelson. In recognition of Byron Nelson’s “significant contributions to the game of golf as
a player, a teacher, and a commentator.” Approved October 16, 2006 (P.L. 109-357; 120 Stat.

2044-2046).

Dr. Norman E. Borlaug. In recognition of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug’s “enduring contribution to
the United States and the World.” Approved December 14, 2006 (P.L. 109-395; 120 Stat. 2708-

2710).

Dr. Michael Ellis DeBakey. In recognition of Dr. Michael Ellis DeBakey’s “many outstanding
contributions to the Nation.” Approved October 16, 2007 (P.L. 110-95; 121 Stat. 1008-1010).
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. In recognition of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s “courageous and
unwavering commitment to peace, nonviolence, human rights and democracy in Burma.”
Approved May 6, 2008 (P.L. 110-209; 122 Stat. 721-722).
Constantino Brumidi. In recognition of his contributions to the nation as a designer and
decorator of the U.S. Capitol. Approved July 1, 2008 (P.L. 110-259; 122 Stat. 2430-2432).
Edward William Brooke, III. In “recognition of his unprecedented and enduring service to our
Nation.” Approved July 1, 2008 (P.L. 110-260; 122 Stat. 2433-2435).
Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008. In recognition of the service of all Native American
code talkers during World War I and World War II. Approved October 15, 2008 (P.L. 110-420;

122 Stat. 4774-4777).

During the 110^th Congress, a number of bills to award congressional gold medals have been
introduced and are currently under consideration.

Abruzzo, Ben 9, 32
Agramonte, Aristides 28
Aldrich, Mrs. Richard 13, 29
American Red Cross 1, 16, 32
Ames, Roger P. 28
Amundsen, Roald 9, 17, 28
Anderson, Marian 7, 31
Anderson, Maxie 9, 32
Andrus, James A. 28
Bainbridge, William 23
Barkley, Alben W. 13, 30
Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch 15, 18, 35
Beals, Melba Patillo 15, 35
Berlin, Irving 7, 30
Bertholf, Ellsworth P. 27
Biddle, James 4, 24
Blair, Tony 18, 36
Blakely, Johnston 23
Borlaug, Dr. Norman E. 13, 37
Boucher, Roland 10, 29
Bouligny, Anna 13, 29
Breese, J. L. 28
Briggs, Harry and Eliza 15, 36
Brooke, Edward William, III 14, 37
Brown, Jacob 24
Brumidi, Constantino 8, 37
Bullard, John R. 28
Burrows, William 23
Byrd Antarctic Expedition 9, 29
Byrd, Richard E. 9, 29
Call, Samuel J. 27
Caroll, James 28

Cassin, Stephen 23
Chapin, Harry 7, 33
Churchill, Winston 17, 31
Clemente, Roberto 14, 31
Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008 12, 37
Cohan, George M. 7, 29
Cooke, R. P. 28
Copland, Aaron 7, 34
Covington, A. W. 28
Crandall, Albert 26
Crandall, Jared S. 10, 26
Creighton, Robert 16, 26
Croghan, George 25
da Gama, Domicio 28
Dean, William H. 28
DeBakey, Dr. Michael Ellis 3, 13, 37
Decatur, Stephen 23
DeLaine, Joseph A., Reverend 15, 36
Diplomatic representatives of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile 17, 28
Disney, Walt 7, 31
Dooley III, Thomas Anthony 13, 31
Eaker, Ira C. 9, 32
Eckford, Elizabeth 15, 35
Edison, Thomas A. 13, 28
Elliott, Jesse D. 23
Ellsworth, Lincoln 9, 17, 28, 29
England, Thomas M. 28
Field, Cyrus W. 5, 26
Folk, Levi E. 28
Forbes, Wallace W. 28
Ford, Gerald R. and Betty 14, 15, 35
Francis, Joseph 6, 10, 27
Frost, Robert 1, 7, 31
Gaines, Edmund P. 24

Gates, Horatio 2, 22
Gavitt, Courtland 26
Gershwin, George 7, 33
Gershwin, Ira 7, 33
Goddard, Robert H. 8, 31
Graham, Billy and Ruth 15, 34
Grant, Ulysses S. 5, 26
Green, Byron 26
Green, Ernest 15, 35
Greene, Nathaniel 2, 22
Gyatso, Tenzin, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama 16, 18, 37
Hamann, Paul 28
Hanberry, James F. 28
Harrison, William Henry 24
Harvey, John D. 26
Height, Dorothy, Dr. 15, 36
Henly, Robert 23
Hesburg, Theodore M. 16, 35
Hildebrand, James 28
Hinton, Walter 28
Hope, Bob 1, 7, 31
Horn, John, Jr. 6, 10, 26
Hughes, Howard 8, 29
Hull, Isaac 23
Humphrey, Hubert 14, 32
Ingraham, Duncan N. 4, 25
Jackson, Andrew 24
Jarvis, David H. 27
Jernegan, Warren G. 28
Johnson, Lady Bird 15, 33
Jones, Jacob 23
Jones, John Paul 22
Karlmark, Gloria Ray 15, 35
Kennedy, Robert F. 14, 32

King, Coretta Scott 15, 36
King, Ernest J. 11, 30
King, Reverent Doctor Martin Luther, Jr. 15, 36
Kissinger, John R. 28
Kreibohm, Paul H. 10, 27
L’Amour, Louis 7, 33
Lambert, Gustaf E. 28
LaNier, Carlotta Walls 15, 35
Larkin, Daniel F. 26
Larkin, Frank 26
Lasker, Mary 13, 34
Lawrence, James 23
Lazear, Jesse W. 28
Lee, Henry 2, 3, 22
Lindbergh, Charles A. 8, 28
Little Rock Nine 15, 35
Louis, Joe 1, 14, 33
Low, Edwin J. 9, 26
M’Call, Edward R. 23
MacArthur, Douglas 11, 31
MacDonough, Thomas 23
Macomb, Alexander 24
Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla 16, 18, 35
Marshall, George C. 11, 30
Melville, George Wallace 6, 27
Miller, James 24
Mitchell, William (Billy) 8, 30
Moran, John J. 28
Morgan, Daniel 2, 22
Mother Teresa of Calcutta 1, 15, 18, 35
Naon, Romulo S. 16, 28
Nash, Edwin 26
Nash, Eugene 26
Nash, William 26

Navajo Code Talkers 12, 36
Navajo Marine Corps Radio Operators 12, 36
Nelson, Byron 14, 37
Newcomb, Frank H. 11, 27
Newman, Larry 9, 32
Nobile, Umberto 9, 17, 28
O’Connor, John Cardinal 16, 35
Olsen, William 28
Owens, Jesse 14, 34
Parks, Rosa 15, 35
Peabody, George 6, 26
Pearson, Levi 15, 36
Perry, Oliver Hazard 23
Pershing, John J. 11, 30
Pope John Paul II 16, 18, 36
Porter, Peter B. 24
Powell, Colin L. 12, 34
Preble, Edward 3, 23
Prime Minister Tony Blair 18, 36
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands 17, 32
Quinn, Francis X. 10, 29
Rayburn, Sam 14, 31
Read, Albert C. 28
Reagan, Ronald and Nancy 14, 36
Reed, Walter 13, 28
Rescuers of the Officers and Crew of the U. S. Brig Somers 4, 25
Rhodes, Eugene 28
Rickover, Hyman George 11, 31, 32
Ridgeway, Matthew B. 11, 34
Ripley, Eleazar W. 24
Roberts, Terrence 15, 35
Robinson, George F. 5, 9, 26
Robinson, Jackie 14, 36
Rockefeller, Laurence S. 14, 15, 34

Rodd, H. C. 28
Rose, Frederick A. 4, 16, 25
Rostron, Arthur Henry 10, 27
Ryan, Leo J. 14, 33
Salk, Jonas E. 13, 30
Schneerson, Rabbi Menachem Mendel 15, 34
Schulz, Charles M. 8, 35
Schwarzkopf, H. Norman 12, 34
Scott, Winfield 4, 24, 25
Shcharansky, Avital 17, 33
Shcharansky, Natan (Anatoly) 17, 33
Shelby, Isaac 24
Shelton, Henry H. 12, 36
Sinatra, Francis Albert (Frank) 1, 8, 35
Sinnott, William 10, 29
Slater, John F. 6, 26
Sonntag, Charles G. 28
Stewart, Charles 24
Stone, Elmer F. 28
Stouffer, George C. 9, 26
Suarez, Eduardo 17, 28
Surviving Veterans of the War Between the States 11, 30
Suu Kyi, Daw Aung San 16, 18, 37
Taylor, Kenneth 17, 32
Taylor, Zachary 4, 25
Thomas, Danny 7, 33
Thomas, Jefferson 15, 35
Towers, John H. 28
Trickey, Jean Brown 15, 35
Truman, Harry S. 14, 33
Truxtun, Thomas 3, 22
Tuskegee Airmen 37
Vanderbilt, Cornelius 4, 26
Wair, Thelma Mothershed 15, 35

Waring, Fred 7, 33
Warrington, Lewis 23
Washington, George 1-3, 22
Wayne, Anthony 2, 22
Wayne, John 7, 32
Weatherwalks, Edward 28
West, Clyde L. 28
Wiesel, Elie 7, 33
Wiesenthal, Simon 17, 32
Wilkins, Roy 15, 33
Wright, Orville 1, 8, 27
Wright, Wilbur 1, 8, 27
Wyeth, Andrew 8, 34
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