Awarded to Washington "and the officers and soldiers under his command" in honor of the liberation of Boston, first major city liberated from British occupation. Later led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783). Presented to Washington March 21, 1790 and currently resides at the Boston Public Library.[1] See also:Washington Before Boston Medal
Commander at the Battle of Cowpens. In 1836 Congress (5 Stat. 66) authorized a duplicate be struck to replace the lost original, and be presented to Morgan Neville, his lineal heir
"For his 'valor and brilliant services' during the Battle of Flamborough Head eight years earlier. Jones became the first and only Continental Navy officer to receive this distinction for his service during the American Revolution."[2]
Commander of the USS Constitution during her capture of HMS Java. Silver duplicates awarded to his commissioned officers on board. The medal is currently possessed by the USS Constitution Museum.
For rescue operations involving the steamer Metis. Statute does not specifically call for gold medals to the ten individuals cited (including Crandall), instead leaves it to the discretion of the President. Unclear if any were gold.
Noted lifesaver. 1904 medal was a re-issue of the earlier award, which Horn claimed had been stolen. Customarily, the Secretary of the Treasury had issued duplicate medals upon the submission of absolute proof that showed the originals had been irrecoverably lost or destroyed. Since such proof was absent in Horn's case, congressional approval was necessary before the medal could be replaced.[5]
To commemorate the perils encountered during the Jeannette Expedition. 8 gold and 25 silver medals were struck, in decoration form, suspended from a ribbon.[6][7]
For heroism as commanding officer of USRC Hudson during the Battle of Cardenas, 1898. The officers and men of Hudson received silver and bronze versions of the gold medal.
In recognition of the valuable services of these distinguished statesmen as mediators in the controversy between the government of the United States of America and the leaders of the warring parties in the Republic of Mexico.
81 people connected with the expedition were awarded the Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal: 65 were awarded gold, seven received silver medals, and nine received bronze.[8]
"Gold medals were given to Mrs. Richard Aldrich and Anna Bouligny some four decades after they served wounded soldiers in Puerto Rico. As part of their 'outstanding, unselfish, and wholly voluntary service,' they set up and worked in hospitals 'for the care and treatment of military patients in Puerto Rico' during the War with Spain. Mrs. Aldrich and Ms. Bouligny '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.'"[9] May have been the first women awarded this medal.
Pastor of the Church of the Guardian Angel in New York City. Honored for risking his life in persuading a gunman holding an elderly couple hostage to surrender to police.[10]
11-year-old Roland L. Boucher (1929–1978) of Burlington, Vermont made national headlines in February 1941 when he saved five playmates who fell through the ice of Lake Champlain. (One died while being treated after being pulled from the water.) No one else of his age had been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal until the young victims of the 16th Street Baptist church bombing were honored in 2013.[11]
"The Secretary of the Navy is authorized and directed to cause to be made at the United States mint such number of gold, silver, and bronze medals of appropriate design as he may deem appropriate and necessary, to be presented to members of the United States Antarctic Expedition of 1939–1941, in recognition of their valuable services to the Nation in the field of polar exploration and science." — P.L. 79-185[N 1]See also:United States Antarctic Expedition Medal
In recognition of their leadership in developing the U.S. strategy for fighting in World War II, overseeing the expansion of the Army and Navy to carry it out, and successfully implementing it
"This medal was awarded about 90 years after the Civil War ended. At the time, there were only four veterans of that war known to still be alive. The medal honored the last surviving veterans 'who served in the Union or the Confederate forces.'"[12]
"In recognition of 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" — P.L. 85-826
The United States has honored several famous sports figures with Congressional Gold Medals among them baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, a native of Puerto Rico.
"Marian Anderson was a world-famous singer who was often treated unfairly. The medal honors her 'highly distinguished and impressive career.' She helped the arts to advance in this country and throughout the world, helped world peace through her performances, her recordings, and her work as United States delegate to the United Nations."[13]
Presented to Mrs. Hubert H. Humphrey, "in recognition of the distinguished and dedicated service which her late husband gave to the Government and to the people of the United States."
Canadian Ambassador to Iran who was instrumental in the rescue of American diplomatic staff during the Iran Hostage Crisis, this event became commonly known as the Canadian Caper; he is also a recipient of the Order of Canada.
To recognize the athletes of the 1980 US Summer Olympic team, who forfeited the Moscow games due to the United States boycott to protest the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Because of the high volume of medals needed, Congress authorized the U.S. Mint to forge gold-plated medals in lieu of standard solid gold medals.[14] The medals' status as official Congressional Gold Medals was unclear until confirmed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives in 2007.[15]
On November 18, 1978, Congressman Ryan was murdered in Guyana while on a mission to investigate allegations of abuse at an American camp of cult leader Jim Jones. He was awarded the medal posthumously five years later. Ryan is the only U.S. Member of Congress killed in the line of duty.[16]
In recognition of the late Jesse Owens' athletic achievements and humanitarian contributions to public service, civil rights, and international goodwill.--PL 100-437 (awarded posthumously)
"To Jean Brown Trickey, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Melba Patillo Beals, Terrence Roberts, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Thelma Mothershed Wair, Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, and Jefferson Thoma...in recognition of the selfless heroism such individuals exhibited and the pain they suffered in the cause of civil rights by integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas." — P.L. 105-277
"Our country owes Charles Schulz a great deal. His comic art has changed American culture and brightened the lives of millions of Americans. This ceremony today offers one tangible way for our country to express thanks to a truly great American." — United States Senator Dianne Feinstein, sponsor of the bill.[17]
"I am sure that each and every one of you have your own special memory of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. I know I do. Many Americans remember how the Reagan's [sic] sparked a renewal of hope and optimism in a nation that was beginning to lose faith in the American dream. This renewed patriotism will always remain one of their most enduring legacies. Ronald and Nancy Reagan shared a remarkable grace, a rare charm that set both the American public and world leaders at ease." — U.S. Rep. Jim Gibbons, Republican of Nevada, statement made at award ceremony at Rotunda on Capitol Hill.[19]
"Today, we marked a moment of shared history and shared victory. We recall a story that all Americans can celebrate and every America should know. It is a story of ancient people called to serve in a modern war. It is a story of one unbreakable oral code of the Second World War, messages traveling by field radio on Iwo Jima in the very language heard across the Colorado plateau centuries ago." — statement by President George W. Bush when presenting the award on July 26, 2001, at the Capitol Rotunda to four of the five living original 29 American Navajo code talkers, and relatives of the 24 others.[20]
A gold medal was authorized for each of the original 29 Navajo code talkers or a surviving family member. Silver medals were authorized for anyone who qualified as a Navajo code talker (300+), or a surviving family member.
"Throughout his 38 years of service to his country, his ascent through the ranks of the Army, two tours in Vietnam and duty in Operation Desert Storm, Gen. Shelton has carried with him the North Carolina values of service, sacrifice, love of family, faith in God and devotion to country." — U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, who helped write the legislation honoring Shelton.[21]
"America has many allies, but as we have seen in recent months, we can count on Great Britain to fulfill the duties of a true friend in tough times. I applaud Tony Blair's extraordinary leadership and his continued support of the United States." — U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, sponsor of the bill in the United States House of Representatives.[22]
"His story is one that shows what one person can do to hold America to account to its founding promise of freedom and equality. It's a lesson for people coming up to see. One person can make a big difference in setting the tone of this country." — President George W. Bush, on presenting the award to Robinson's widow Rachel Robinson.[23]
"She's a woman of enormous accomplishment. She's a friend of first ladies like Eleanor Roosevelt, Hillary Rodham Clinton. She's known every president since Dwight David Eisenhower. She's told every president what she thinks since Dwight David Eisenhower. Truth of the matter is, she was the giant of the civil rights movement." — President George W. Bush, on presenting Height with the award.[24]
The four filed lawsuits in South Carolina which helped lead to Brown v. Board of Education. "These were ordinary citizens who did an extraordinary thing. Their courage and commitment to fight for a better education for their children in Clarendon County, South Carolina, has benefited generations of children nationwide." — Jim Clyburn, Democratic Congressman, helped push the legislation through along with Democratic Senator Ernest Hollings, both of South Carolina.[25]
"Dr. King had a dream of peace and equality and dedicated his life to achieving that dream. Throughout his brief but remarkable life, Dr. King stood for the causes of freedom, justice and equality." — Carl Levin, Democratic Senator from Michigan, pushed through bill in United States Senate.[26]
"The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of 994 African American pilots who gained fame during WWII for their heroism escorting American bombers in raids over Europe and North Africa. Their distinguished service is credited with influencing President Truman to desegregate the U.S. military." — Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Press Release.[27]
A single gold medal was struck, to be retained by the Smithsonian Institution.
In recognition of the Dalai Lama's: "many enduring and outstanding contributions to peace, non-violence, human rights and religious understanding". — (Pub.L. 109-287)[28][29]
"The Congressional Gold Medal is given to individuals who exemplify the American spirit by serving their community and helping those less fortunate, which is what Byron Nelson devoted his life to doing. The lives of countless Americans were touched because of the compassion, dedication and generosity of this great Texan." — John Cornyn, Republican Senator from Texas.[30]
"The most fitting tribute we can offer this good man is to renew ourselves to his life's work, and lead a second Green Revolution that feeds the world, and today we'll make a pledge to do so." — President George W. Bush, statement at Capitol Rotunda ceremony.[31]
"Dr. DeBakey's medical advances have contributed so much to our country and the world. Not only did he perfect the heart transplant procedure which has saved so many lives, but he also invented the M.A.S.H. unit. As a veteran of World War II, he saw our young men dying on the battlefield and was determined to improve medical care to save lives. Dr. DeBakey will receive the Congressional Gold Medal for these lasting contributions." — Kay Bailey Hutchison Republican Senator who introduced the legislation.[32]
"This is a well-deserved honor for a remarkable woman who has led the struggle for freedom and democracy in her country". — Mitch McConnell, then-leader of Republican United States Senators and sponsor of effort to award the medal to Suu Kyi.[33]
Presented on July 11, 2012 (posthumously). "'An answer to a prayer' is how the curator for the Architect of the Capitol has described Brumid's arrival in this city at the end of 1854. And rightly so...today the Capitol stands, in my view, as the finest gallery of art in the country. The art here doesn't sit idle on display – every day, it summons the building to life and replenishes the soul of the Congress." — John Boehner, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, excerpt of remarks made at presentation ceremony at the Rayburn Room of the Capitol.[34]
To recognize all Native American code talkers not previously awarded on December 21, 2000, a gold medal of individual design to be struck for every tribe that had members who were code talkers in World War I and World War II. The gold medal representing the tribe to be retained by the Smithsonian Institution, with silver duplicates to each individual code talker.
On November 20, 2013, at a ceremony held at Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, 25 tribes were honored with medals, with an additional 8 tribes honored whose medals had not yet been struck, for a total of 33 tribes that have been so far identified.[35]
"Their motives for wanting to fly airplanes all those years ago wasn't for fame or glory or recognition. They simply had a passion to take what gifts they had and use them to help defend not only America, but the entire free world, from tyranny. And they let no one get in their way." — Lt. Col. Nicole Malachowski, first female pilot in the USAF Thunderbirds, remarks made at presentation ceremony on March 10, 2010 in Emancipation Hall of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.[36]
A single gold medal was struck, to be retained by the Smithsonian Institution. At the ceremony, every attending WASP and a family member of a deceased WASP received a bronze duplicate (bronze duplicates are typically made available for sale through the U.S. Mint) financed through donations.[37]
In recognition of their significant contributions to society.
"We stand on the shoulders of the extraordinary men we recognize today...Those of us who have had the privilege to fly in space followed the trail they forged...When, 50 years ago this year, President Kennedy challenged the nation to reach the moon, to 'take longer strides' toward a 'great new American enterprise,' these men were the human face of those words...From Mercury and Gemini, on through our landings on the Moon in the Apollo Program, their actions unfolded the will of a nation for the greater achievement of humankind." — Charles F. Bolden Jr., Administrator of NASA, excerpt of remarks made at presentation ceremony November 16, 2011, at the Rotunda on Capitol Hill.[38]
In recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship.
"Arnold Palmer is a legend both on and off the golf course...His impact on players, tournaments, fans, sponsors, sports television, volunteers and perhaps most importantly on communities where he worked, lived and competed cannot be measured but is deeply felt and will continue have a tremendous impact for generations." — PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem.[39]
"Professor Yunus set out to do what may be the biggest thing of all, and that is liberating people to seek a better life. And not just any people, but men and women who had only known misery, who had been told they were no good." — John Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives, excerpt of remarks made at presentation ceremony April 17, 2013, at the Rotunda on Capitol Hill.[40]
In recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.
A single gold medal was struck, and it was first presented collectively at a ceremony at the U.S Capitol Visitor Center on November 2, 2011. The medal will tour various museums in conjunction with further presentation ceremonies and then be put on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institution.[41]
In recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country.
A single gold medal was struck, and was presented collectively on June 27, 2012, in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. The following day, in a ceremony at Marine Barracks, every attending Montford Point Marine and a family member of a deceased Montford Point Marine was presented with a bronze duplicate (bronze duplicates are typically available for sale through the U.S. Mint) financed through donations.[42]
Three gold medals to be struck, one medal shall be given to each of the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York, and the Pentagon Memorial at the Pentagon, with the understanding that each medal is to be put on permanent, appropriate display.
"To award a Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members of the "Doolittle Tokyo Raiders", for outstanding heroism, valor, skill, and service to the United States in conducting the bombings of Tokyo."
"To award a Congressional Gold Medal to the American Fighter Aces, collectively, in recognition of their heroic military service and defense of our country's freedom throughout the history of aviation warfare."
"Shimon Peres has honorably served Israel for over 70 years, during which he has significantly contributed to United States interests and has played a pivotal role in forging the strong and unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel."[45]
"Monuments Men" aka members of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives Section under the Allied Armies
"In recognition of their heroic role in the preservation, protection, and restitution of monuments, works of art, and artifacts of cultural importance during and following World War II."
"To the Foot Soldiers who participated in Bloody Sunday, Turnaround Tuesday, or the final Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March in March of 1965, which served as a catalyst for the Voting Rights Act of 1965."
In commemoration to the members of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), in recognition of their superior service and major contributions during World War II.--PL 114-269
To award the Congressional Gold Medal to Anwar Sadat in recognition of his heroic achievements and courageous contributions to peace in the Middle East.
In recognition of their perseverance, bravery, and service to the United States. To be given to the Indiana War Memorial Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana for appropriate display.
"Following his diagnosis, Steve, with the loving support of his wife, Michel, began a mission to show that patients can not only live but thrive after a diagnosis of ALS and established The Gleason Initiative Foundation also known simply as 'Team Gleason'."
Gleason is the first NFL player to receive the award.[49]
In recognition of all the women who served as computers, mathematicians, and engineers at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) between the 1930s and the 1970s.
" to the women in the United States who joined the workforce during World War II, providing the aircraft, vehicles, weaponry, ammunition and other material to win the war, that were referred to as 'Rosie the Riveter', in recognition of their contributions to the United States and the inspiration they have provided to ensuing generations."
In recognition for going above and beyond the call of duty to protect citizens of the United States and our allies to ensure they are brought to safety in an extremely dangerous situation as the Taliban regained control over Afghanistan and exemplified extreme bravery and valor against armed enemy combatants. Servicemembers listed: Maxton Soviak, Kareem Nikoui, David Espinoza, Rylee McCollum, Jared Schmitz, Hunter Lopez, Taylor Hoover, Daegan William-Tyeler Page, Nicole Gee, Humberto Sanchez, Dylan Merola, Johanny Rosario Pichardo, and Ryan Knauss.
The "Ghost Army," a 1,100-man WW II U.S. Army tactical deception unit officially known as the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, saved between 20,000 and 30,000 Allied lives.[50] Their activity was kept secret for more than 40-years, until it was declassified in 1996.[51]
The Merchant Mariners who delivered 15 million tons of goods in war materials to five continents and who served as part of the U.S. Military to deliver supplies and personnel to foreign countries engulfed in the war. A higher proportion of Merchant Mariners lost their lives between 1939 and 1945 than any military branch.
In recognition of his service to the United States and the international community during the post-World War II Nuremberg trials and his lifelong advocacy for international criminal justice and the rule of law.[53]
To "honor the legacy of Emmett Till and the incredible suffering and equally incredible courage, resilience, and efforts of Mamie Till-Mobley that led to the civil rights movement that began in the 1950s."[54]
^It is unclear if the gold version is considered a Congressional Gold Medal, as this award is not listed on the artandhistory.house.gov webpage for recipients, nor is it listed in the Congressional Research Service report (see "Sources"). Compare to 1930 awards of 1st Byrd Expedition.
^It is unclear if the medal was ever struck, or if Blair ever received it.
^"President Signs H.R. 866, H.R. 2808, S. 1773 and S. 2784". 2016-05-06. Archived from the original on 6 May 2016. Retrieved 2020-01-03. S. 2784, the "Fourteenth Dalai Lama Congressional Gold Medal Act," which provides for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the Dalai Lama.
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