Congressional Gold Medal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Congressional Gold Medal |
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Etching of medal awarded to John Paul Jones, the only Continental Navy officer to be awarded a gold medal
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| 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 a very special award in the United States. It is one of the highest honors a civilian can receive. The United States Congress gives out this medal. It shows the country's huge thanks for amazing things people or groups have done. These achievements must have made a big difference to American history and culture.
This award is very old. Congress started giving out gold medals during the American Revolution. At first, they honored military heroes. But soon, they started giving them to people from all walks of life. Later, groups and organizations could also receive this special medal.
Each Congressional Gold Medal is unique. Congress creates a new law for each medal given. This means there are not many of them. The United States Mint designs and makes each medal from gold. You don't have to be a U.S. citizen to get one. As of late 2023, 184 people, events, or groups have received this medal.
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What is the Congressional Gold Medal?
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest award given by the U.S. Congress. It is a way for the country to say "thank you" for great achievements. These achievements must have a lasting impact on American history.
A Look at Its History
Congress has given out gold medals since the American Revolution. The very first medal went to General George Washington in 1776. At first, only military heroes received them. This included those from the War of 1812 and the Mexican–American War.
Over time, the award grew to include many different kinds of people. These included actors, writers, musicians, and explorers. Scientists, doctors, athletes, and humanitarians also received them. Even public servants and people from other countries have been honored. In 1979, the American Red Cross became the first organization to get a gold medal.
Who Received More Than One Medal?
As of 2021, a few people have received more than one Congressional Gold Medal.
- Winfield Scott received two medals. One was for the War of 1812 and another for the Mexican–American War.
- Zachary Taylor earned three medals for his service in the Mexican–American War.
- Lincoln Ellsworth received two medals for his polar explorations.
- Hyman G. Rickover was honored twice for his work with the "Nuclear Navy."
- Staff Sergeant Warner Katz, Ranger Randall Ching, and Ranger Raymond Lee also received multiple medals for their service.
How Someone Gets the Medal
The Congressional Gold Medal is different from the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The President decides who gets the Presidential Medal. But for a Congressional Gold Medal, Congress must pass a special law. This law must be approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The Approval Process
To even start thinking about a medal, a special bill needs many supporters. Two-thirds of the members in both the House and the Senate must agree to support it. Only then will special committees consider the idea. These committees are the House Committee on Financial Services and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Designing the Medal
Each Congressional Gold Medal is custom-made. The United States Mint designs it to honor the specific person or achievement. This means no two medals look exactly alike. They are meant to be displayed, not worn on a uniform.
In very rare cases, smaller versions have been made to be worn. Examples include medals for the Jeannette expedition and the Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal for the first Byrd expedition.
Bronze Versions for Sale
Often, the U.S. Mint also makes bronze copies of the medals. These are sold to the public. They come in different sizes. Sometimes, people have bought these bronze copies and then had them covered in gold. They then sold them for a lot more money.
Not to Be Confused With Other Medals
The Congressional Gold Medal is not the same as the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is a military award for extreme bravery in battle. It is also different from the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. That medal is given by NASA for amazing achievements in space exploration.
Recipients
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
