Difference between revisions of "Congressional Gold Medal" - New World Encyclopedia
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While the Continental Congress was prompt in approving each of these medals, those responsible for carrying out the wishes of Congress were not so prompt. 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 were transmitted by the former | While the Continental Congress was prompt in approving each of these medals, those responsible for carrying out the wishes of Congress were not so prompt. 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 were transmitted by the former | ||
| − | President to the various recipients. The gold medal conferred upon Major Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee | + | President to the various recipients. The gold medal conferred upon Major Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee was the first to be struck in this country.<ref name=senate> |
Since the American Revolution Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Each medal honors a particular individual, institution, or event. While the first recipients included citizens who participated in the [[American Revolution]], the [[War of 1812]] and the [[Mexican-American War]], Congress broadened the scope of the medal to include [[actor]]s, [[author]]s, entertainers, musicians, pioneers in [[aeronautics]] and space, explorers, lifesavers, notables in [[science]] and [[medicine]], athletes, humanitarians, public servants, and foreign recipients.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/house_history/goldMedal.html Congressional Gold Medal Recipients]</ref> | Since the American Revolution Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Each medal honors a particular individual, institution, or event. While the first recipients included citizens who participated in the [[American Revolution]], the [[War of 1812]] and the [[Mexican-American War]], Congress broadened the scope of the medal to include [[actor]]s, [[author]]s, entertainers, musicians, pioneers in [[aeronautics]] and space, explorers, lifesavers, notables in [[science]] and [[medicine]], athletes, humanitarians, public servants, and foreign recipients.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/house_history/goldMedal.html Congressional Gold Medal Recipients]</ref> | ||
Revision as of 03:18, 26 January 2009
A Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by the United States Congress and is, along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. The decoration is awarded to an individual who performs an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States. American citizenship is not a requirement.
The Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom are generally considered to carry the same level of prestige (though significantly fewer Gold Medals have been awarded). The chief difference between the two is that the Medal of Freedom is personally awarded by the President of the United States (executive branch), and Congressional Gold Medals are awarded by acts of the Congress (legislative branch).
Per committee rules, legislation bestowing a Congressional Gold Medal upon a recipient must be co-sponsored by two-thirds of the membership of both the House of Representatives and the Senate before their respective committees will consider it.
A Congressional Gold Medal is a completely separate decoration from the Medal of Honor, which is a military award for extreme bravery in action. Another similarly named decoration is the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, presented by NASA for extraordinary accomplishment to the mission of United States space exploration.
History
On March 25, 1776, George Washington, commander of the Continental Army, was awarded the first Congressional Gold Medal from The Second Continental Congress for his "wise and spirited conduct" in bringing about British 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 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" in capturing the Serapis.[1]
While the Continental Congress was prompt in approving each of these medals, those responsible for carrying out the wishes of Congress were not so prompt. 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 were transmitted by the former
President to the various recipients. The gold medal conferred upon Major Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee was the first to be struck in this country.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag
Multiple winners
Major General Winfield Scott (1814, 1848) and John Horn, Jr. (1874, 1904) won the award twice while Major General Zachary Taylor was awarded this special distinction three times: in 1846, 1847, and 1848.[2]
Design
A Congressional Gold Medal is created by the United States Mint to specifically commemorate the person and achievement for which the medal is awarded. Each medal is therefore different in appearance, and there is no standard design for a Congressional Gold Medal. Congressional Gold Medals are also considered "non-portable", meaning that they are not meant to be worn on a uniform or other clothing, but rather displayed much like a trophy. Often, bronze versions of the medals are struck for sale.
Among the award’s non-American recipients are Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Russian dissident and Israeli Cabinet member Natan Sharansky.
Notes
- ↑ CRS Report for Congress Senate.gov. Retrieved January 25, 2009.
- ↑ Official Site Congressionalgoldmedal.com. Retrieved January 26, 2009.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Stathis, Stephen W. 2002. Congressional Gold Medals, 1776-2002. New York: Novinka Books. ISBN 1590335147
External links
- Official Site Congressionalgoldmedal.com.
- CRS Report for Congress Senate.gov.
- List of recipients
Credits
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