Thanks of Congress facts for kids

The Thanks of Congress is a special way the United States Congress says "thank you" to people who have done amazing things for the country. It's like a big, official shout-out from the government. This honor is usually given to military leaders and their troops for important wins or brave actions.

This tradition started way back during the American Revolutionary War. It became very popular during the American Civil War. The Confederate Congress, which was the government of the Southern states during the Civil War, also had its own way of thanking brave individuals or military groups.

Early Thanks

During the American Revolution, the original Congress, called the Continental Congress, often gave out a special gold or silver medal along with their thanks. Some famous people who received this honor included George Washington, Horatio Gates, and Baron von Steuben.

In the early years of the United States, other heroes were also thanked. This included everyone who fought in the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. During the War of 1812, brave leaders like Alexander Macomb, Oliver Hazard Perry, and James Lawrence were honored. Later, Andrew Jackson and Zachary Taylor also received the Thanks of Congress.

The Civil War Years

During the American Civil War, the Thanks of Congress became official laws passed by Congress. These laws were published to honor officers who achieved big victories or performed impressive actions. This happened from late 1861 to May 1866.

A total of 30 officers were honored during the war. Fifteen were from the Union Army and fifteen were from the Union Navy. Two Navy officers, John L. Worden of USS Monitor and William B. Cushing, were even promoted right after getting this award.

Because the Thanks of Congress was only for officers, the Medal of Honor was created during this time. This medal was for regular soldiers in the Army. More than 1,500 men received the Medal of Honor by the end of the war. Only one officer, General Ulysses S. Grant, received both the Thanks of Congress and a Congressional Gold Medal during the Civil War.

The very first Thanks of Congress during the Civil War honored "the brave and patriotic services of the late Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, and the officers and soldiers under his command" at the Battle of Wilson's Creek in 1861. Admiral David Dixon Porter received this honor more than anyone else, four times!

Who Was Thanked During the Civil War?

Many brave individuals and their teams were recognized during the Civil War. Here are some examples:

• Nathaniel Lyon and his troops were thanked for their actions at Wilson's Creek in 1861.
• Naval officers like Samuel F. Dupont and Andrew H. Foote were honored for their victories at places like Port Royal and Fort Henry.
• David Farragut and his crew received thanks for their success at Forts Jackson and St. Philip.
• The crew of the USS Monitor and their commander, John L. Worden, were recognized for their part in the Battle of Hampton Roads.
• General Ulysses S. Grant was thanked in 1863 for his leadership during the entire rebellion.
• General William T. Sherman and his soldiers received thanks for their victories at Chattanooga and for their famous "March to the Sea."
• Philip H. Sheridan was honored for his actions at Cedar Creek in 1864.
• David Dixon Porter and Alfred H. Terry were thanked for their roles in the Second Battle of Fort Fisher in 1865.

Other Notable Honorees

After the Civil War, other important people continued to receive the Thanks of Congress.

• Admiral of the Navy George Dewey was honored in 1898.
• Captain Arthur Rostron received thanks in 1914 for his leadership of the SS Kroonland.
• In 1914, three diplomats from Latin American countries – Domício da Gama, Rómulo Sebastián Naón, and Eduardo Suárez Mujica – were thanked. They helped prevent a war with Mexico at the Niagara Falls peace conference.
• The members of the Isthmian Canal Commission, who helped build the Panama Canal, were honored in 1915.
• General of the Armies John J. Pershing was thanked in 1919 for his service.
• In 1962, General of the Army Douglas MacArthur also received the Thanks of Congress.