Congressional Gold Medal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Congressional Gold Medal
Etching of medal awarded to John Paul Jones, the only Continental Navy officer to be awarded a gold medal
Country	United States of America
Type	Civilian award
Awarded for	"National appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions".

The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian awards in the United States, alongside the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is given by a vote of the United States Congress and then approved by the President. This medal shows the nation's highest thanks for amazing achievements and contributions by individuals or groups.

Congress started giving these gold medals to honor people during the American Revolution. At first, they were mostly for military heroes. But soon, the award was given to people from all different jobs. By the late 20th century, groups could also receive it. The Congressional Gold Medal honors those who have made a big difference in American history and culture. These are achievements that will be remembered for a long time.

There isn't one single rule for how these medals are created. Instead, Congress passes a special law for each medal. To even start thinking about a medal, many members of both the House and the Senate must agree. Each medal is specially designed and made of gold by the United States Mint. This means fewer Gold Medals are given out compared to other awards. You don't have to be a U.S. citizen to receive one. As of late 2023, 184 people, events, or groups have been honored with a Congressional Gold Medal.

The Story of the Congressional Gold Medal

Since the American Revolution, Congress has used gold medals as its highest way to show national thanks for important achievements. The very first medal was given in 1776 to General George Washington by the Second Continental Congress.

At first, it honored military heroes from wars like the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Mexican–American War. But over time, Congress started giving it to many different kinds of people. This included actors, writers, musicians, space pioneers, explorers, scientists, athletes, and even people from other countries. It also honors those who help others and serve the public. In 1979, the American Red Cross became the first group to receive this special medal.

By 2021, several people had received more than one gold medal. These included Winfield Scott (for the War of 1812 and the Mexican–American War) and Zachary Taylor (three times for the Mexican–American War). Other multiple recipients include Lincoln Ellsworth for polar exploration, Hyman G. Rickover for his work with the "Nuclear Navy," and Staff Sergeant Warner Katz, Ranger Randall Ching, and Ranger Raymond Lee for their service in World War II.

How the Medal is Awarded

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is chosen by the President. But for a Congressional Gold Medal, Congress must pass a special law, which then becomes official.

To even start the process, two-thirds of the members in both the House of Representatives and the Senate must support the idea. Then, special committees in each house will review it.

Medal awarded to Charles A. Lindbergh in 1930

The United States Mint designs each medal uniquely. This means every Congressional Gold Medal looks different, created just for the person or group it honors. These medals are usually meant for display, not to be worn on clothes or uniforms.

However, in a few special cases, smaller versions have been made that can be worn on uniforms with a ribbon. For example, medals for the Jeannette Expedition and the first Byrd Antarctic expedition were sometimes worn this way.

The U.S. Mint often sells bronze copies of these medals to the public. These copies come in different sizes.

It's important to know that the Congressional Gold Medal is different from the Medal of Honor, which is a military award for extreme bravery. It's also different from the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, given by NASA for amazing achievements in space.

Who Has Received This Honor?

See also

In Spanish: Medalla de Oro del Congreso de los Estados Unidos para niños

• Awards and decorations of the United States government
• Congressional Silver Medal
• Congressional Bronze Medal
• Thanks of Congress