Order Code RL30076
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Congressional Gold Medals 1776-1999
Updated August 9, 1999
Stephen W. Stathis
Specialist in American National Government
Government and Finance Division
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

ABSTRACT
Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest
expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. These
medals should not be confused with the Medal of Honor, which is presented “in the name of
the Congress of the United States,” and is often referred to as the Congressional Medal of
Honor. Regulations for the Medal of Honor are established by the armed services.
Congressional Gold Medals, conversely, can only be approved by Congress. Each medal in
this series is individually struck to honor a particular individual, institution, or event.
Members of Congress and their staff frequently ask questions concerning the nature, history,
and contemporary application of the process. This report provides a response to such
inquiries and includes a historical examination and chronological list of these awards intended
to assist Members of Congress in their consideration of future proposals to award
Congressional Gold Medals. It will be updated annually.

Congressional Gold Medals 1776-1999
Summary
Senators and Representatives are frequently asked to support or sponsor
proposals recognizing historic events, and outstanding achievements by individuals
or institutions. Among the various forms of recognition that Congress bestows, the
Congressional Gold Medal is often considered the most distinguished. Through this
venerable tradition, the occasional commissioning of individually struck gold medals
in its name, Congress has expressed public gratitude on behalf of the nation for
distinguished contributions for more than two centuries. Since 1776, this award,
which initially was bestowed on military leaders, has also been given to such diverse
individuals as Sir Winston Churchill and Bob Hope, George Washington and Robert
Frost, Joe Louis and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
Members of Congress and their staff frequently ask questions concerning the
nature, history, and contemporary application of the process for awarding Gold
Medals. This report responds to congressional inquiries concerning this process, and
includes a historical examination and chronological list of these awards. It is intended
to assist Members of Congress and staff in their consideration of future Gold Medal
proposals, and will be updated annually.

Contents
Practices Adopted During the American Revolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
First Medals Were Struck in Paris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Recipients in the Nineteenth Century . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
War of 1812 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Mexican War . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Congress Broadens the Scope of Its Gold Medal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Recipients in the Twentieth Century . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Actors, Authors, Entertainers, and Musicians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Aeronautical and Space Pioneers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Antarctic Explorers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Acclaimed Lifesavers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Military Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Notables in Science and Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Awards for Athletic Prowess, Humanitarian
Contributions, and Public Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Foreign Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Design and Casting of Gold Medals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Current Legislative Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Appendix: Recipients of Congressional Gold Medals 1776-1998
A Chronological List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Name Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Congressional Gold Medals 1776-1999
George Washington, Bob Hope, Joe Louis, the Wright Brothers, Robert Frost,
Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta share a common bond
in American history. These notable personages, together with some 250 other
individuals and the American Red Cross, have been accorded the unique distinction
of being awarded a Congressional Gold Medal. Through these awards, Congress has
expressed public gratitude for distinguished contributions, dramatized the virtues of
patriotism, and perpetuated the remembrance of great events. This tradition, of
authorizing individually struck gold medals bearing the portraits of those so honored
or images of events in which they participated, is rich with history.
Although Congress has approved legislation stipulating specific requirements for
numerous other awards and decorations, there ar
1
e no permanent statutory provisions
specifically relating to the creation of Congressional Gold Medals. When such an
award has been deemed appropriate, Congress has, by special action, provided for the
creation of a personalized medal to be given in its name, which would in each instance
truly record the approbation of a grateful country.
Practices Adopted During the American Revolution
Congress from the outset was "imbued with the conviction that only the very
highest achievements [were] entitled to such a distinction, and that the value of a
reward is enhanced by its rarity!"2 Instituting such a tradition was considered "both
a legitimate function and powerful instrument of nationality." "Few inventions,
3
"
Colonel David Humphrey wrote in 1787, "could be more happily calculated to diffuse
the knowledge and preserve the memory of illustrious characters and splendid events
than medals—whether we take into consideration the imperishable nature of the
substance whence they are formed, the facility of multiplying copies, or the practice
of depositing them in the cabinets of the curious."4 With these words, Humphrey,5

1 See "Decorations, Medals, and Badges," in the general index of the United States Code:
1994 Edition
(Washington: GPO, 1995).
2 J.F. Loubat, The Medallic History of the United States of America, 1776-1876, 2 vols.
(New York: Printed by Author, 1878), vol. 1, p. viii.

3 Julian P. Boyd and Charles Cullen, e’s., The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, 27 viols. to date
(Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1950- ), vol. 16, p. 53.
4 David Humphrey to Matthew Carey (Printer of the American Museum), Nov. 1787, in
Labatt, The Medellin History of the United States, vol. 1, p. xxiv.

5 Humphrey "succeeded in securing the cooperation of the Academe d’Insciptions et Belles-
(continued...)

CRS-2
who had the responsibility for having the first gold medals struck in Paris, captured
the essence of the feelings which inspired the Continental Congress to choose medals
as its highest distinction and expression of national appreciation.
Following a long standing historical practice, Congress commissioned gold
medals as tributes for what were considered to be the most distinguished
achievements. Silver and bronze medals, and ceremonial swords, were awarded for
less eminent, but still notable, accomplishments.6 Of these, only the gold medal has
been continuously awarded to the present day.
The Continental Congress had not yet proclaimed its independence from Great
Britain when, on March 25, 1776, George Washington, commander of the Continental
Army, was tendered the first Congressional Gold Medal for his “wise and spirited
conduct” in bringing about British evacuation of Boston. During the next 12 years,
7
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.8
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. In recognition of his “valor and brilliant
services” in capturing the Serapis, John Paul Jones was similarly honored in 1787.9
(...continued)
5
Lettres in Paris and this learned institution nominated a committee of four among its members
who worked very expeditiously in devising designs and inscriptions" for the medals the
Continental Congress had authorized. Vladimir Clain-Stefanelli and Elvira Clain-Stefanelli,
Medals Commemorating Battles of the American Revolution (Washington: The National
Museum of History and Technology, Smithsonian Institution, 1973), p. 1.
T. Bailey Meyers, "Our National Medals,"
6
Magazine of American History, vol. 2, Sept.
1878, pp. 529-532. Altogether Congress authorized a total of 15 medals and 10 ceremonial
swords during the Confederation period. Boyd, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 16, pp.
54-55.
7 U.S. Continental Congress, Journals of the Continental Congress: 1774-1789, vol. 4,
March 25, 1776, p. 234. Brief histories of George Washington’s gold medal are found in
Georgia Stamm Chamberlain, American Medals and Medalists (Annandale, VA: Designed
and Lithographed by the Turnpike Press, Inc., 1963), pp. 16-17; R.W. Julian, Medals of the
United States Mint: The First Century 1792-1892
(El Cajon, CA: The Token and Medal
Society, Inc., 1977), pp. 114-115.

8 Journals of the Continental Congress, vol. 9, Nov. 4, 1777, pp. 861-862; vol. 14, July 26,
1779, p. 890.

9 Ibid., vol. 15, Sept. 24, 1779, p. 1099; vol. 19, Jan. 17, 1781, pp. 246-247; vol. 21, Oct. 19,
1781, pp. 1083-1085; vol. 33, Oct. 16, 1787, p. 687. For discussions of these medals, see:
(continued...)

CRS-3
First Medals Were Struck in Paris
While the Continental Congress was prompt in approving each of these medals,
those responsible for carrying out the wishes of Congress were far less expeditious.
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 Henr
10
y
“Light Horse Harry” Lee for his “remarkable prudence” and “bravery” during the
surprise raid of Paulus Hook, New Jersey, was the first to be struck in this country.11
Recipients in the Nineteenth Century
Following the ratification of the Constitution, the first gold medal authorized by
the Congress of the United States was given to Captain Thomas Truxtun in 1800 for
his gallant effort during the action between the United States frigate Constellation and
the French ship La Vengeance. In 1805, Commodore Edward Preble received a gold
medal for gallantry and good conduct during the War with Tripoli.12
War of 1812
Subsequently, Congress commissioned 27 gold medals for notable victories and
achievements in the War of 1812. This was more than four times as many as it had
(...continued)
Theodore T. Belote, "War Medals of the American Revolution," Daughters of the American
Revolution Magazine
, vol. 55, Sept. 1921, pp. 487-499; Boyd, The Papers of Thomas
Jefferson
, vol. 16, pp. xxxv-xli, 53-66; Julian, Medals of the United States Mint, pp. 114-
117, 120, 122, 149; Labatt, The Medellin History of the United States, vol. 1, pp. 1-21, 29-
36, 40-45, 50-56, 97-112; Martha L. Turner, "Commemorative Medals of the American
Revolution and the War of 1812," Numismatist, vol. 88, Jan. 1975, pp. 6-15.
10 Boyd, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 16, pp. xxxv, 66, 288-289n; and John C.
Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington, 39 viols. (Washington: GPO, 1931-
1944), vol. 31, p. 27n.
Julian,
11
Medals of the United States Mint, p. xviii.

12 2 Stat. 87, 346-347. See also Theodore T. Belote, "Naval War Medals of the United States
1800-1815, Part III," Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine, vol. 56, Jan. 1922,
pp. 77-93; Julian, Medals of the United States Mint, p. 150; Labatt, The Medellin History
of the United States
, vol. 1, pp. 128-132.

CRS-4
given during the American Revolution. "Scarcely a victory of any consequence was
overlooked."
13 The gold medal Congress approved on February 22, 1816, honoring
Captain James Biddle’s “gallantry” in capturing the British sloop-of-war Penguin was
the final naval award of this character awarded by Congress until World War II.14
Mexican War
Gold medals would continue to be awarded for military achievements until the
Civil War, but with far less frequency. In part this is explained by the fact that in the
War with Mexico naval operations were negligible and military operations were
principally confined to two expeditions led, respectively, by Major General Zachary
Taylor and Major General Winfield Scott.
Taylor’s heroics against the Mexicans earned him gold medals on three different
occasions.
15 Scott, for his efforts, was accorded a gold medal in 1848.16 Gold medals
were also given to 10 officers and seamen belonging or attached to the French,
British, and Spanish ships-of-war, who on December 10, 1846, gallantly rescued 37
of the officers and crew from the wreck of the United States brig Somers in Vera
Cruz harbor.17
Heroic action of a very different type in 1854 prompted Congress to praise
Commander Duncan N. Ingraham of the U.S.S. St. Louis for his efforts in rescuing
Martin Koszta from illegal seizure and imprisonment aboard the Austrian war-brig
Hussar.
18
Congress Broadens the Scope of Its Gold Medal
Soon after the Hussar episode, Congress broke with its tradition of only
honoring heroism associated with the actions of American military or naval personnel.
In 1858, Dr. Frederick A. Rose, an assistant-surgeon in the British Navy, was
recognized for his kindness and humanity to sick American seamen aboard the U.S.
steamer Susquehannah whose crew had been stricken with yellow fever. At th
19
e
13 Theodore T. Belote, "Military and Naval Medals of the War of 1812-1815, Part II,"
Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine, vol. 55, Nov. 1921, p. 639.

14 3 Stat. 341. See also Belote, "Naval War Medals of the United States 1800-1815, Part III,"
pp. 92-93; Julian, Medals of the United States Mint, p. 153; Labatt, The Medellin History
of the United States
, vol. 1, pp. 249-252.
9 Stat. 111, 206, 334-335.
15
See also Chamberlain, American Medals and Medalists, pp.
75-93.

16 9 Stat. 333. See also Theodore T. Belote, "Military Medals of the War with Mexico and
the Civil War," Numismatist, vol. 56, May 1922, pp. 280-281; Julian, Medals of the United
States Mint
, p. 138.
9 Stat. 208.
17
10 Stat. 594-595.
18
11 Stat. 369. See also Labatt,
19
The Medellin History of the United States, vol. 2, pp.
(continued...)

CRS-5
behest of President Abraham Lincoln, Congress applauded Cornelius Vanderbilt in
1864 for his patriotic gift to the imperiled nation of a steamship which bore the
donor’s name. Three years later, Cyrus W. Field was praised for his work in th
20
e
laying of the transatlantic cable. Tribute was similarly paid to Private George F
21
.
Robinson for his “heroic conduct” in saving Secretary of State William H. Seward
from an assassin’s knife on April 14, 1865.22
At the same time, Congress established the first permanent American military
decoration with creation of the Medal of Honor. This award, which was conceived
in the early 1860s, marked the beginning of a formalized policy by the United States
of awarding military decorations. Although this medal was also to be presented in the
name of the Congress of the United States and today is often referred to as the
Congressional Medal of Honor, the regulations for awarding the Medal of Honor have
from the beginning been the responsibility of the armed services. There is a clea
23
r
distinction between the Medal of Honor, which is a military award, and Congressional
Gold Medals, which are authorized by Congress to honor particular individuals and
events.
During the Civil War, more than 1,500 Americans were awarded the Medal of
Honor, but only one individual—Ulysses S. Grant—received a Congressional Gold
Medal.
24 Thirty-five years were to pass before Congress would bestow the award on
another American military leader.
(...continued)
362-369.

20 13 Stat. 401-402. See also U.S. President, 1861-1865 (Lincoln), Message of the President
of the United States Recommending That Some Suitable Acknowledgment Be Made to
Cornelius Vanderbilt for the Valuable Present to the United States of the Steamer
"Vanderbilt,"
S. Ex. Doc. 71, 37th Cong., 2 sess. (Washington: GPO, 1862), p. 1.
nd

21 14 Stat. 574. See also U.S. President, 1865-1869 (A. Johnson), Gold Medal Presented to
Cyrus W. Field. Message From the President in Relation to the Gold Medal Presented to
Mr. Cyrus W. Field
, H. Ex. Doc. 89, 40th Cong., 3 sess. (Washington: GPO, 1869).
rd
16 Stat. 704. See also
22
U.S. Congress, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, George F.
Robinson, report to accompany H.Res. 501, H.Rept. 33, 41st Cong., 3 sess. (Washington:
rd
GPO, 1874).

23 12 Stat. 330, 623-624. See also U.S. Library of Congress, Congressional Research
Service, Medal of Honor: History and Issues, by David Burrelli, CRS Report 95-519 F
(Washington: Dec. 15, 1998); Above and Beyond: A History of the Medal of Honor From
the Civil War to Vietnam
(Boston: Boston Publishing Co., 1985); E. Kerrigan, American War
Medals and Decorations
(New York: The Viking Press), 1964, pp. 3-11; George Lang,
Medal of Honor Recipients, 1863-1994, 2 viols. (New York: Facts on File, 1995); U.S.
Congress, Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Medal of Honor Recipients 1863-1978,
committee print no. 3, 96th Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO, 1979); Mendel L. Peterson,
"The Navy Medal of Honor," Numismatist, vol. 63, June 1950, pp. 305-312; Ibid., "The
Army Medal of Honor," Numismatist, vol. 63, Sept. 1950, pp. 557-565.
24 13 Stat. 399. See also Belote, "Military Medals of the War with Mexico and the Civil
War," p. 282; Julian, Medals of the United States Mint, p. 140.

CRS-6
On five occasions, in the interim, Congress expressed its gratitude for lifesaving
contributions. In 1866 three merchant sea captains were recognized with gold medals
for rescuing some 500 men from the wreck of the steamship San Francisco more than
a decade earlier. In 1873, Congress expressed its admiration for the 10 men from
Westerly, Rhode Island, who saved the lives of 32 persons from the wrecked steamer
Metis, in the waters of Long Island Sound.
25
The following year, the heroics of John Horn, Jr., who during an 11-year period
had rescued 110 men, women, and children from drowning in the Detroit River,
captured the attention of Congress. Joseph Francis was thanked in 1888 for hi
26
s
“life-long service to humanity” in the construction and perfection of lifesaving
appliances, which had been instrumental in saving several hundreds of lives. I
27
n
1890, George Wallace Melville, chief engineer aboard the Arctic exploring steamer
Jeannette, and seven of his shipmates were praised for their persistent efforts to find
and assist their commanding officer after they became shipwrecked.28
Nineteenth century contributions of a far different nature prompted expressions
of gratitude to philanthropists George Peabody of Massachusetts and John F. Slater
of Connecticut for their substantial financial support for education of the
underprivileged in the South and Southwest.29
25 14 Stat. 365-366; and 17 Stat. 638. See also U.S. Congress, House Committee on
Commerce, Steamship San Francisco, H.Rept. 97, 39th Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO,
1866); Julian, Medals of the United States Mint, pp. 328, 332; Labatt, The Medellin History
of the United States
, vol. 2, pp. 412-417.

26 18 Stat. 573. A lengthy account of Horn’s heroics is found in "John Horn, Jr., of Detroit:
The Man to Whom Congress Voted a Gold Medal for His Exertions in Saving Life," New
York Times
, June 28, l874, p. 9. On April 28, 1904, Congress authorized and directed the
Secretary of the Treasury to strike and present to John Horn, Jr., a duplicate of the medal
voted by Congress to him in 1874, which had been stolen from him in October 1901. 33 Stat.
1684-1685. See also Julian, Medals of the United States Mint, p. 331.

27 25 Stat. 1249. See also U.S. Congress, House Committee on Commerce, Joseph Francis,
H.Rept. 529, 49th Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO, 1886).

28 26 Stat. 552-553. See also U.S. Congress, House Committee on Naval Affairs, Officers
and Men of the Jeannette Arctic Expedition
, H.Rept. 3183, 51st Cong., lst sess. (Washington:
GPO, 1891).

29 15 Stat. 20; 22 Stat. 636. See also U.S. President, 1865-1869 (A. Johnson), Gold Medal
to George Peabody: Message From the President of the United States in Relation to the
Gold Medal Presented to George Peabody
, H. Exec. Doc. 53, 40th Cong., 3 sess
rd
.
(Washington: GPO, 1869); U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Education and Labor, In
the Senate of the United States
(Report on John F. Slater), H.Rept. 935, 47th Cong., 2 sess.
nd
(Washington: GPO, 1883); U.S. Congress, Joint Committee on the Library, John F. Slater,
H.Rept. 869, 49th Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO, 1886).

CRS-7
Recipients in the Twentieth Century
In the twentieth century, Congress has broadened the scope of such honors to
include recognition of excellence in such varied fields as the arts, athletics, aviation,
diplomacy, exploration, politics, religion, medicine, science, and entertainment.
Actors, Authors, Entertainers, and Musicians
Seventeen Americans from the arts and the world of entertainment have received
Congressional Gold Medals to date. Composer George M. Cohan was the first to be
so acclaimed, in 1936, for his patriotic songs “Over There” and “A Grand Old Flag.”
Some eighteen years later, in recognition of Irving Berlin’s brilliance in composing
“God Bless America” and other patriotic songs, Congress bestowed its second gold
medal on an American song writer.30
During the 1960s, poet Robert Frost was praised for enriching the culture of the
world; comedian Bob Hope was honored for outstanding “service to his country and
the cause of peace,” and filmmaker Walt Disney was singled out for his “outstanding
contributions to the United States and the world.” Opera singer and humanitarian
31
Marian Anderson and actor John Wayne were similarly decorated for their
distinguished careers and contributions to the nation and world in the late 1970s.32
Since 1980, author Louis L’Amour, choral music conductor Fred Waring;
entertainer and humanitarian Danny Thomas; and author Elie Wiesel, one of the
foremost spokesman of the victims of the Holocaust, were so honored.33 Singer
Harry Chapin was recognized for his efforts to address issues of hunger around the

30 49 Stat. 2371; 68 Stat. A120. See also U.S. Congress, House Committee on the Library,
To Authorize the President to Present a Gold Medal to George M. Cohan in Recognition of
His Patriotic Service
, H.Rept. 2868, 74th Cong., 2 sess. (Washington: GPO, 1936); an
nd
d
U.S. Congress, House Committee on Banking and Currency, The Irving Berlin Medal,
H.Rept. 1999, 83 Cong., 2
rd
sess. (Washington: GPO, 1954).
nd
31 74 Stat. 883; 76 Stat. 93; and 82 Stat. 130-131. See also U.S. Congress, Senate
Committee on Banking and Currency, Robert Frost Medal, S.Rept. 1572, 86th Cong., 2nd
sess. (Washington: GPO, 1960); U.S. Congress, House Committee on Banking and Currency,
Authorizing the Issuance of a Gold Medal to Bob Hope, H.Rept. 1716, 87th Cong., 2 sess.
nd
(Washington: GPO, 1962); Ibid., Walt Disney Commemorative Medals, H.Rept. 1342, 90th
Cong., 2 sess. (Washington: GPO, 1968).
nd

32 91 Stat. 19; 93 Stat. 32. See also U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing,
and Urban Affairs, Authorizing the Issuance of a Gold Medal to John Wayne. S.Rept.
96-110, 96th Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO, 1979).

33 96 Stat. 315-316; 97 Stat. 1119-1120; 98 Stat. 173-175. See also U.S. Congress, House
Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs, Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and
Coinage, Gold Medal for Fred Waring, hearings on H.J.Res. 223, 97th Cong., lst sess., July
22, 1981 (Washington: GPO, 1981); Ibid., To Present a Gold Medal to Danny Thomas,
hearings on H.J.Res. 93, 98th Cong., lst sess., Oct. 18, 1983 (Washington: GPO, 1983);
"Authorizing Awarding of Special Congressional Gold Medals to Daughter of Harry S.
Truman, Lady Bird Johnson, and Elie Wiesel," Congressional Record, vol. 130, April 26,
1984, pp. 10223-10225.

CRS-8
world.
34 In addition, Congress has memorialized the contributions of George and Ira
Gershwin to American music, theater, and culture, Aaron Copland’s to American
music composition; Andrew Wyeth’s to American art, and Frank Sinatra's to the
entertainment industry through his endeavors as a producer, director, actor, and
vocalist.35
Aeronautical and Space Pioneers
Gold medals for outstanding contributions in air and space exploration have
covered a broad spectrum of accomplishments. In a public ceremony at Dayton,
Ohio, on June 18, 1909, Wilbur and Orville Wright were presented Congressional
Gold Medals for their achievements in demonstrating to the world the potential of
aerial navigation.
36
Congress recognized Charles A. Lindbergh for his aeronautical achievements in
1928. A year later, the seven officers and men who conceived, organized, an
37
d
commanded the first trans-Atlantic flight in the United States naval flying boat NC-4
were honored. Howard Hughes was praised in 1939 for “advancing the science of
aviation.” At the close of World War II, Congress authorized a gold medal for
American military aviation pioneer Brigadier General William (Billy) Mitchell.38

34 100 Stat 464. See also U.S. Congress, House Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban
Affairs, Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and Coinage, To Provide Gold Medals
Honoring the Family of Harry Chapin; Anatoly and Avital Shcharansky
, hearings on H.R.
1207 and H.R. 4186, 99th Cong., 2 sess., May 1, 1986 (Washington: GPO, 1986).
nd
35 99 Stat. 288-289; 100 Stat. 952;102 Stat. 3331-3332; 111 Stat. 32-33. See also U.S.
Congress, House Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs, Subcommittee on
Consumer Affairs and Coinage, To Provide Special Gold Medals Honoring George and Ira
Gershwin
, hearings on H.J.Res. 251, 99th Cong., lst sess., July 10, 1985 (Washington: GPO,
1985); Ibid., To Award a Special Congressional Gold Medal to Aaron Copland, hearings
on H.R. 3041, 99th Cong., 2nd sess., Aug. 6, 1986 (Washington: GPO, 1986); Ibid., Gold
Medal for Jesse Owens—H.R. 1270, Gold Medal for Andrew Wyeth—H.R. 593,
hearings,
100th Cong., 2 sess., July 12, 1988 (Washington: GPO, 1988), pp. 15-19, 39-47.
nd

36 35 Stat. 1627. See also "Gold Medal by Congress to Wright Brothers," Numismatist, vol.
22, Aug. 1919, pp. 231-232; Arthur L. Newman, "Some Medals Struck in Honor of the
Wright Brothers, "Numismatist, vol. 81, Dec. 1968, p. 1576.
3 45 Stat. 490. See also U.S. Congress, House Committee on Coinage, Weights, an
7
d
Measures, Authorizing the Coinage of a Gold Medal in Commemoration of the
Achievements of Col. Charles A. Lindbergh
, H.Rept. 722, 70th Cong., lst sess. (Washington:
GPO, 1928).

38 45 Stat. 1158; 53 Stat. 152; 60 Stat. 1319. See also U.S. Congress, House Committee on
Naval Affairs, To Authorize the President to Award, in the Name of Congress, Gold Medals
of Appropriate Design to Albert C. Read, Elmer F. Stone, Walter Hinton, H.C. Rodd, J. L.
Breese, and Eugene Rhodes
, H.Rept. 2082, 70th Cong., 2 sess. (Washington: GPO, 1929);
nd
U.S. Congress, House Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures, Howard Hughes,
H.Rept. 1339, 76th Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO, 1939); U.S. Congress, House
Committee on Military Affairs, Authorizing the Award of a Medal to William Mitchell,
H.Rept. 2625, 79th Cong., 2 sess. (Washington: GPO, 1946).
nd

CRS-9
In September 1959, Dr. Robert H. Goddard’s “historic pioneering research on
space rockets, missiles, and jet propulsion” was acclaimed by Congress. Since that
time, gold medals have been given to Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker for his
“distinguished career as an aviation pioneer and Air Force leader”; and to the first
transatlantic balloonists: Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman.39
Antarctic Explorers
Congressional tributes have also been extended to several explorers of
Antarctica. American explorer Lincoln Ellsworth received a gold medal for his polar
flight of 1925 and transpolar flight of 1926. Also participating in the latter flight, and
similarly honored, were Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and Italian explorer
Umberto Nobile.40
The undaunted services rendered by Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd and the other
members of the Byrd Expedition were praised with equal exuberance in 1930. Six
years later, Lincoln Ellsworth received a second gold medal for his claims on behalf
of the United States of approximately 350,000 square miles in Antarctica and for his
2,500 mile aerial survey of the heart of Antarctica.41
Acclaimed Lifesavers
Despite the fact that several different lifesaving medals have been provided for
over the years by law, Congress in the twentieth century has still periodicall
42
y
expressed its own admiration for acts of heroism. In 1902, three members of the
Revenue Cutter Service were praised for a nearly 2,000 mile overland relief
expedition to the American whaling fleet in the arctic region. At a March 1, 1913,
White House ceremony, Captain Arthur Henry Rostron, commander of the steamship
Carpathia, received a gold medal from President William Howard Taft for his prompt
73 Stat. 562-563; 92
39
Stat. 1060; 93 Stat. 45. See also U.S. Congress, House Committee
on Banking and Currency, Gold Medal Honoring the Late Prof. Robert H. Goddard, H.Rept.
882, 86th Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO, 1959); Ibid., Presentation of Gold Medal to
Lt. Gen. Ira C. Eaker
, H.Rept. 95-1603, 95 Cong., 2
th
nd sess. (Washington: GPO, 1978); and
U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Authorizing the
Issuance of Gold Medals to the First Transatlantic Baloonists: Ben Abruzzo, Maxie
Anderson, and Larry Newman, S.Rept. 96-108, 96th Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO,
1979).

40 45 Stat. 2026-2027. See also U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Commerce, A Medal
of Honor to Lincoln Ellsworth
, S.Rept. 831, 70th Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO, 1928).
41 46 Stat. 379; and 49 Stat. 2324. See also U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Naval
Affairs. Authorizing the Presentation of Medals to the Officers and Men of the Byrd
Antarctic Expeditio
n, S.Rept. 688, 71st Cong., 2 sess. (Washington: GPO, 1930); U.S
nd
.
Congress, House Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures, Proposing the Presentation
of Medals to the Officers and Men of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition
, H.Rept. 1402, 71st
Cong., 2 sess. (Washington: GPO, 1
nd
930); U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Commerce,
Special Gold Medal to Lincoln Ellsworth, S.Rept. 1658, 74th Cong., 2 sess. (Washington:
nd
GPO, 1936).
For example see 18 Stat. 127; 33 Stat. 743; 71 Stat. 69.
42

CRS-10
and heroic response in rescuing 704 survivors from the wreck of the Titanic. The
following March, Captain Paul H. Kreibohm of the American steamer Kroonland, and
four members of his crew, were awarded gold medals for rescuing 89 people from the
burning steamer Volturno in the North Atlantic.43
Rev. Francis X. Quinn, pastor of the Church of the Guardian Angel in New York
City, was honored in 1939 for risking his life in persuading an armed gunman holding
an elderly couple hostage to surrender to police. The following January, a medal was
authorized for William Sinnott who had been wounded while guarding Franklin D.
Roosevelt in Miami just prior to his first inauguration. A year later, 11-old Roland
Boucher of Burlington, Vermont, saved the lives of four children who had broken
through the ice on Lake Champlain near Juniper Island. Congress saluted Boucher’s
bravery and heroism in 1943.44
Military Leaders
In 1900, Congress once again returned to the practice of recognizing
distinguished military service when it praised First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb,
commander of the revenue cutter Hudson for rescuing the United States naval
torpedo boat Winslow under a “most galling fire from the enemy’s guns.” At th
45
e
conclusion of World War II, the valor, bravery, and heroism of Fleet Admiral Ernest
J. King and General of the Army George C. Marshall, two of America’s most able
military leaders during the war, were recognized. Also in 1946, General John J.
Pershing was honored for his “heroic achievements” as Commander in Chief of the
American Expeditionary Forces in Europe in World War I and for his “unselfish
devotion to the service of his country” during World War II. The four know
46
n
32 Stat. 492; 37
43
Stat, 639; and 38 Stat. 769. See also U.S. Congress, House Committee
on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, Medals to Certain Officers in the Revenue Service,
H.Rept. 2336, 57th Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO, 1902); U.S. Congress, House
Committee on Merchant Marines and Fisheries, Capt. Arthur Henry Rostron, H.Rept. 830,
62 Cong., 2
nd
sess. (Washington: GPO, 1912).
nd
44 53 Stat. 1533; 54 Stat. 1283; and 56 Stat 1099-1100. See also U.S. Congress, House
Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures, Rev. Francis X. Quinn, H.Rept. 1338, 76th
Cong. l sess. (Wa
st
shington: GPO, 1939); U.S. Congress, House Committee on the Library,
Presentation of a Medal (Roland Boucher), H.Rept. 431, 77th Cong., lst sess. (Washington:
GPO, 1941).
4 31 Stat. 716. See also U.S. Congress, House Committee on Interstate and Foreig
5
n
Commerce, Lieut. Frank H. Newcomb, Etc., H.Rept. 302, 56th Cong., lst sess. (Washington:
GPO, 1900); U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Commerce, Lieut. Frank H. Newcomb,
Etc
., S.Rept. 29, 56th Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO, 1900).

46 60 Stat. 1134; and 1297. See also U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Military Affairs,
Tendering the Thanks of Congress to General of the Army George Catlett Marshall and to
Fleet Admiral Ernest Joseph King
, S.Rept. 983, 79th Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO,
1946); Ibid., Medal for General Pershing, S.Rept. 1832, 79th Cong., 2 sess. (Washington:
nd
GPO, 1946).

CRS-11
surviving veterans of the Civil War received Congressional Gold Medals a decade
later.47
Rear Admiral Hyman George Rickover was applauded in 1958 for his
achievements in “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.” A quarter of a century later, Rickover
was accorded a second gold medal for his contributions to the “development of safe
nuclear energy and the defense of the United States.” Meanwh
48
ile, in 1962, Congress
authorized a Congressional Gold Medal for General Douglas MacArthur in
recognition of his “gallant service” to the United States.49
Three military leaders have been so acclaimed in the 1990s. General Matthew
B. Ridgeway's more than 40 years of distinguished service as a military commander
earned recognition at the beginning of the decade. Following Operation Desert
Storm, which culminated with the successful liberation of the nation of Kuwait,
General H. Norman Schwarzkopf and General Colin L. Powell were honored.
Schwarzkopf was cited for his “exemplary performance as a military leader in
coordinating the planning, strategy, and execution of the United States” and coalition
forces in liberating Kuwait. Powell was recognized for his “exemplary performance
as a military leader and advisor to the President in planning and coordinating the
military response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.”50
Notables in Science and Medicine
Historic achievements in science and medicine also have been watched closely
by Congress. For discovering the cause and means of transmission of yellow fever,
Major Walter Reed and his 21 associates were recognized in 1928. Gold medals were
subsequently authorized for Mrs. Richard Aldrich and Anna Bouligny some four
decades after their outstanding, unselfish, and wholly voluntary service in establishing

47 70 Stat. 577. See also U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Banking and Currency, Civil
War Veterans Medals
, S.Rept. 2423, 84th Cong., 2 sess. (Washington: GPO, 1956).
nd
48 72 Stat. 985; 96 Stat. 126-127. See also "Conferring of Medal on Rear Adm. Hyman
George Rickover, United States Navy," Congressional Record, vol. 104, Aug. 18, 1958, pp.
18107-18108; "Rear Adm. Hyman George Rickover," Congressional Record, vol. 4, Aug.
18, 1958, pp. 18345-18355; U.S. Congress, House Committee on Banking, Finance, and
Urban Affairs, Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and Coinage, Gold Medal for Admiral
Hyman George Rickover
, hearing on H.R. 5432, 97th Cong., 2 sess. (Washington: GPO
nd
,
1982).

49 76 Stat. 760. See also U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Banking and Currency,
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur Medal, S.Rept. 2116, 87th Cong., 2 sess
nd
.
(Washington: GPO, 1963).
5 P.L. 101-510, 104 Stat. 1720-1721; P.L. 102-32, 104 Stat. 175-176; P.L. 102-33, 10
0
4
Stat. l77-178.

CRS-12
and operating “hospitals for the care and treatment of military patients in Puerto Rico”
during the War with Spain.51
Thomas A. Edison was honored for the development and application of
“inventions that have revolutionized civilization.” Similar congressional tributes were
subsequently extended to Dr. Jonas E. Salk, for discovering a serum for the
prevention of polio, to Dr. Thomas Anthony Dooley III for his unselfish medical care
among the underprivileged peoples of the world, particularly in southeast Asia, and
to Mary Lasker, whom some consider the first lady of medicine and science in this
country, for her “humanitarian contributions in the area of medical research and
education, urban beautification and the fine arts.”52
Awards for Athletic Prowess, Humanitarian
Contributions, and Public Service

The first politician to be honored with a gold medal was Vice President Alben
W. Barkley in 1949.53 Since that time, Congress has saluted the distinguished and
dedicated public service of Sam Rayburn, Robert F. Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey,
Harry S. Truman, and former President Gerald R. Ford and his wife Betty. Tribute
54

51 45 Stat. 1409-1410; 52 Stat. 1365. See also U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Military
Affairs, To Recognize the High Public Service Rendered by Major Walter Reed and Those
Associated with Him in the Discovery of the Cause and Means of Transmission of Yellow
Fever
, S.Rept. 1912, 70 Cong., 2
th
nd sess. (Washington: GPO, 1929); Ibid., Authorizing the
President to Present Gold Medals to Mrs. Robert Aldrich and Posthumously to Anna
Bouligny
, S.Rept. 1745, 75th Cong., 3 sess. (Washington: GPO, 1938).
rd

52 45 Stat. 1012; 69 Stat. 589; 75 Stat. 87; 101 Stat. 1441. See also U.S. Congress, Senate
Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures, Authorizing a Gold Medal in
Commemoration of the Achievements of Thomas A. Edison
, S.Rept. 1285, 70th Cong., lst
sess. (Washington: GPO, 1928); U.S. Congress, House Committee on Banking and Currency,
Medal for Dr. Jonas E. Salk., H.Rept. 1351, 84th Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO, 1955);
U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Banking and Currency, Medal for Dr. Thomas Anthony
Dooley III
, S.Rept. 257, 87th Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO, 1961); U.S. Congress,
House Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs, Subcommittee on Consumer
Affairs and Coinage, Gold Medal for Mary Lasker (H.R. 390), hearings on H.R. 390, 100th
Cong., lst sess., Sept. 15, 1987 (Washington: GPO, 1987).
53 63 Stat. 599; See also U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Banking and Currency,
Medal for Vice President Alben W. Barkley, S.Rept. 742, 81st Cong., lst sess. (Washington:
GPO, 1949).
54 76 Stat. 605; 92 Stat. 46; 93 Stat. 46; 98 Stat. 173-174; P.L. 105-277, U.S. Congress,
House, Making Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999,
conference report to accompany H.R. 4328, H.Rept. 105-825, 105th Cong., 2 sess
nd
.
(Washington: GPO, Oct. 19, 1998), p. 620. See also U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on
Banking and Currency, Sam Rayburn Medal, S.Rept. 2021, 87th Cong., 2 sess
nd
.
(Washington: GPO, 1962); Ibid., Authorizing the President of the United States to Present
a Gold Medal to the Widow of Robert F. Kennedy
, S.Rept. 95-1316, 95th Cong., 2 sess.
nd
(Washington: GPO, 1978); Ibid., Authorizing the Issuance of a Gold Medal to the Widow
of Hubert H. Humphrey
, S.Rept. 96-109, 96 Cong., l
th
st sess. (Washington: GPO, 1979); U.S.
Congress, House Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs, Subcommittee on
(continued...)

CRS-13
was also paid to Representative Leo J. Ryan, following his “untimely” assassination
while performing his responsibilities as a Member of the House of Representatives in
Guyana.
55
Athletes so recognized have been baseball hall of famer Roberto Clemente,
heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, and track and field star Jesse Owens.
Clemente was also praised for his "civil, charitable, and humanitarian contributions,"
and Owens for his "humanitarian contributions to public service, civil rights, and
international goodwill.”56
A lifelong commitment to the principles of freedom, equality, justice, and peace
earned civil rights worker Roy Wilkins acclaim on Capitol Hill. Sustained efforts to
preserve the beauty of our nation prompted praise for Lady Bird Johnson and
Laurence Spelman Rockefeller. Lady Bird was applauded for her “outstanding
contributions to the improvement and beautification of America,” and Rockefeller for
his "leadership on behalf of natural resource conservation and historic preservation.57
The Little Rock Nine—Jean Brown Trickey, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Melba Patillo
Beals, Terrence Roberts, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Thelma Mothershed Wair, Ernest
Green, Elizabeth Eckford, and Jefferson Thomas—were recognized for the selfless
heroism they exhibited "in the cause of civil rights by integrating Central High School
in Little Rock Arkansas." Most recently, Rosa Parks, the “First Lady of Civi
58
l
Rights,” was honored for her “quiet dignity,” which “ignited the most significant
social movement in the history of the United States.”59
It is humanitarian efforts, however, that have dominated the contributions
commemorated during the past five years. Eight of the 18 gold medals awarded by
the 103 -10
rd
5rd Congresses were given to individuals who have dedicated their lives
(...continued)
Consumer Affairs and Coinage, Gold Medals to the Daughter of Harry S. Truman; Lady
Bird Johnson; and the Widow of Roy Wilkins
, hearings on H.R. 3614, H.J.Res. 394, and
H.R.Res. 3240, 98th Cong., 2 sess., March 6, 1984 (Washington: GPO, 1984).
nd

55 97 Stat. 992. See also U.S. Congress, House Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban
Affairs, Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and Coinage, To Present a Gold Medal to the
Family of the Late Honorable Leo J. Ryan ...
, hearings on H.R. 3348 and H.R. 3321, 98th
Cong., lst sess., Sept. 20, 1983 (Washington: GPO, 1983).

56 87 Stat. 71; 96 Stat. 315; 102 Stat. 1717. See also U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Roberto Walker Clemente Medal, S.Rept. 93-133, 93rd
Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO, 1973); "Gold Medal Bill," Congressional Record, vol.
128, Aug. 2, 1982, pp. 18790-18793; "Awarding of Special Congressional Gold Medals,"
Ibid., Aug. 12, 1982, pp. 20821-20822; U.S. Congress, House Committee on Banking,
Finance, and Urban Affairs, Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and Coinage, Gold Medal
for Jesse Owens—H.R. 1270, Gold Medal for Andrew Wyeth—H.R. 593,
hearings, 100th
Cong., 2 sess., July 12, 1988 (Washington: GPO, 1988).
nd

57 98 Stat. 173-174, 186; 104 Stat. 197-199. See also Gold Medals to the Daughter of Harry
S. Truman; Lady Bird Johnson; and the Widow of Roy Wilkins
, pp. 11-108.
P.L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681-597
58
.
P.L. 106-26, 113 Stat.
59

CRS-14
to the service of others. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the leader of the
Lubavitch movement for more than four decades, was recognized for his "outstanding
and enduring contributions toward world education, morality, and acts of charity."
Billy Graham, "America's most respected and admired evangelical leader for the past
half century," and his wife Ruth, were honored for "their outstanding and enduring
contributions toward faith, morality, and charity." Former President Gerald Ford and
his wife Betty were honored "their dedicated public service and outstanding
humanitarian contributions to the people of the United States."60
Mother Teresa of Calcutta was acclaimed for her nearly 70 years of "selfless
dedication to humanity and charitable works." Ecumenical Patrick Bartholomew, the
spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians around the world, was lauded for
"outstanding and enduring contributions to religious understanding and peace."
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was memorialized for his "lifelong dedication to the
abolition of apartheid and promotion of reconciliation among the people of the
Republic of South Africa."61
These recent awards are not without precedent, since the first and only gold
medal given to an organization honored the American Red Cross in 1979 for
"unselfish and humanitarian service to the people of the United States."62
Foreign Recipients
Sixteen of the Congressional Gold Medals authorized through 1998 have gone
to non-Americans. Eight years after Congress paid tribute to Dr. Frederick A. Rose
of the British Navy in 1858, Captain Cre
63
ighton, of the British ship Three Bells, won
acclaim in 1866 for aiding in the rescue of some five hundred men from the wreck of
the steamship San Francisco. Two American sea captains, Captain Low, of the bark
Kilby of Boston, and Captain Stouffer, of the ship Antarctic of New York, were also
were recognized for their role in rescuing survivors from the San Francisco.64
Gold medals were also given to the diplomatic representatives of Argentina,
Brazil, and Chile who acted as mediators between the United States and Mexico in
1914,65 and to Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and Italian explorer Umberto
108 Stat. 4799-4800; 110 Stat. 772-77; P.L. 105-277 (House Report 105-825, p. 620).
60
111 Stat. 35-36, 1170-1171; 112 Stat. 895-896.
61

62 93 Stat. 1063. See also U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs, Authorizing the Issuance of a Gold Medal to the American Red Cross, S.Rept. 96-
429, 96th Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO, 1979).
See footnote 19.
63
64 See footnote 25. See also Edouard A. Stackpole, comp., The Wreck of the Steamer San
Francisco
(Mystic, CT: The Maine Historical Society Association, Inc., Dec. 1954).
38 Stat. 1228.
65

CRS-15
Nobile for their participation in American explorer Lincoln Ellsworth’s polar flight of
1925 and his 1926 transpolar flight.66
In 1969, President Nixon was authorized to present a gold medal in the name of
the United States and in the name of Congress to the widow of the late British Prime
Minister Winston Churchill. Canadian Ambassador to Iran Kenneth Taylor wa
67
s
honored in March 1980 for his efforts in securing the safe return of six American
Embassy officials in their escape from Tehran.68
Congress recognized Simon Wiesenthal of Austria in 1980 for his dedicated
action in bringing to justice Nazi war criminals who had gone into hiding at the end
of World War II. Early in 1982, Her Majesty Que
69
en Beatrix of the Netherlands was
awarded a gold medal in recognition of the bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic and
commercial relations between her country and the United States. Natan (Anatoly)
70
and Avital Shcharansky of the former Soviet Union were applauded in 1986 for their
“supreme dedication and total commitment to the cause of individual human rights
and freedoms.” During the 105
71
Congress, the President was authorized to award
th
gold medals to three additional foreign recipients—Mother Teresa of Calcutta,
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, a Turkish Citizen, and Nelson Rolihlahla
Mandela of the Republic of South Africa.72
Design and Casting of Gold Medals
After a Congressional Gold Medal bill has been approved by both houses of
Congress and signed into law by the President, officials of the United States Mint
meet with the sponsors of the legislation and members of the honoree’s family to
discuss possible designs for the medal. Photographs of the honoree are also examined
See footnote 40.
66

67 83 Stat. 8-9. See also U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Banking and Currency, The
Winston Churchill Medal
, S.Rept. 91-95, 91st Cong., lst sess. (Washington: GPO, 1969).
94
68
Stat. 79. See also U.S. Congress, House Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban
Affairs, Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and Coinage, Legislation Authorizing Issuance
of Gold Medals to Canadian Ambassador Kenneth Taylor; Simon Wisenthal; Gerald F.
Spiess; Commemorative Medals for the United States Capitol Historical Society
, hearings,
96th Cong., 2 sess., Feb. 8, 1980 (Washington: GPO, 1980), pp. 1-3, 11-39.
nd

69 94 Stat. 101. See also U.S. Congress., Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs, Authorizing the Issuance of a Gold Medal to Simon Wiesenthal, S.Rept. 96-435, 96th
Cong., 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 1980).

70 96 Stat. 18-19. See also "Gold Medal for Queen Beatrix," Congressional Record, vol. 128,
March 2, 1982, pp. 2730-2732; and "Senate Joint Resolution 157—Awarding of a Special
Gold Medal to Her Majesty Queen Beatrix," Congressional Record, vol. 128, March 4, 1982,
pp. 3280-3281.
71 100 Stat. 432-433. See also To Provide Gold Medals Honoring the Family of Harry
Chapin; Anatoly and Avital Shcharansky
, pp. 45-62.
See footnote 60.
72

CRS-16
during this meeting. Mint engravers then prepare a series of sketches of possible
designs for consideration and comment by the Commission of Fine Arts an
73
d
subsequently the Secretary of the Treasury, who makes the final decision on the
medal’s design. Once the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the
honoree’s family, has made a selection, the design is sculptured, a dye is made, and
the medal is struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The Mint then notifies the White House
and arrangements are made for a formal presentation by the President.74
The cost of issuing a Congressional Gold Medal, generally about $30,000, is
charged against the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund. Congress established this
revolving fund “in the Treasury of the United States ... to be available to the Secretary
for numismatic operations and programs of the United States Mint without fiscal year
limitations.”
75 The authorizing legislation in each case typically includes a provision
that allows the Secretary of the Treasury to “strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the
gold medal struck ... at a price sufficient to cover the costs thereof, including labor,
materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, and the cost of the gold
medal.” Monies received from the sales of the bronze duplicates
76
are deposited in
the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.77

73 An executive order (E.O. 3524) signed by President Warren G. Harding on July 28, 1921,
provided "that essential matters relating to the design of medals, insignia and coins, produced
by the executive departments ... shall be submitted to the Commission of Fine Arts for advice
as to the merits of such designs before” the Secretary of the Treasury approves them. For
current language, see 45 C.F.R. 2101.1(d), and 2102.11.
Presidents do not,
74
however, always make the presentations. Vice President George Bush
presented the Red Cross medal to board chairman Jerome H. Holland at Constitution Hall in
Washington on May 21, 1981. "Personalities," Washington Post, May 22, 1981, p. F2.
Senator Strom Thurmond presented Admiral Hyman J. Rickover’s second gold medal to Mr.
Rickover in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall on November 1, 1983. Elizabeth Kastor, "Medal for
Military Maverick,"Washington Post, Nov. 2, 1983, pp. B1, B8.
31 U.S.C. 5134 (b).
75

76 See for example P.L. 105-15, 111 Stat. 36; and P.L. 105-51, 111 Stat. 1171. The bill for
the most recently approved medal, which was awarded to Nelson Rolihlahla, used slightly
different language. It stated that the "Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the
gold medal struck ... at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals, including labor,
materials, dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses." P.L. 105-215.
77 Congressional Gold Medals generally are three inches in diameter and contain
approximately 15 ounces of gold, depending on the height of the design relief. During the
Administration of President Jimmy Carter, when gold was quite expensive, the size and the
weight of the medals were reduced to 1½ inches in diameter and contained 1½ to two ounces
of gold. Subsequently, when the price of gold dropped after President Ronald Reagan took
office, the former dimension and weight were restored. Three inch bronze duplicates and 1½
inch bronze replicas of the each medal are sold by the Mint to help recover the cost of striking
a gold medal. Manufacturing and material costs dictate the price of the reproductions.

CRS-17
Current Legislative Procedures
Rule VII(c)(vii) of the House Committee on Banking and Financial Services
requires that Congressional Gold Medal legislation be cosponsored by at least two-
thirds (290) of the Members of the House. The rule also requires the Subcommittee
on Domestic and International Policy to apply the following standards in considering
legislation authorizing Congressional Gold Medals:
! The recipient shall be a natural person.
! The recipient shall have performed an achievement that has an impact on
American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major
achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.
! The recipient shall not have received a medal previously for the same or
substantially the same achievement.
! The recipient shall be living, or, if deceased, shall have been deceased for not
less than five years and not more than 25 years.
! The achievements were performed in the recipient’s field of endeavor, and
represent either a lifetime of continuous superior achievements or a single
achievement so significant that the recipient is recognized and acclaimed by
others in the same field, as evidenced by the recipient having received the
highest honors in the field.78
The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee requires that at
least 67 Senators must cosponsor any Congressional Gold Medal or commemorative
coin bill or resolution before the committee will consider it.79
78 “Rules of the Committee on Banking and Financial Services for the 106 Congress,
th

remarks in the House, Congressional Record, vol. 145, Feb. 3, 1999, p. H407.
79 “Adoption of the Rules of Procedure of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs,” remarks in the Senate, Congressional Record, vol. 145, Feb. 6, 1999, p. S1334.

CRS-18
Appendix: Recipients of Congressional Gold Medals
1776-1998
A Chronological List

George Washington. In recognition of the “wise and spirited conduct” of
George Washington, and the officers and soldiers under his command, in the siege and
acquisition of Boston. Approved March 25, 1776 (U.S. Continental Congress,
Journal of the Continental Congress 1774-1789, 34 viols. (Washington: GPO, 1906,
vol. 4, p. 234).
Major General Horatio Gates. In recognition of the “brave and successful
efforts” of Major General Horatio Gates, commander in chief in the northern
department, and Major General Benjamin Lincoln and Major General Benedict
Arnold, and the other officers and troops under his command, “in support of the
independence of their country at Saratoga.” Approved Nov. 4, 1777 (Journal of the
Continental Congress 1774-1789
, vol. 9, pp. 861-862).
Major General Anthony Wayne. In recognition of the “good conduct,
coolness, discipline, and firm intrepidity” of Major General Anthony Wayne, and the
officers and soldiers under his command, in the assault of the enemy’s works at Stony
Point. Approved July 26, 1779 (Journal of the Continental Congress 1774-1789,
vol. 14, p. 890).
Major Henry Lee. In recognition of the “remarkable prudence, address and
bravery” exhibited by Major Henry Lee, and the non-commissioned officers and
soldiers under his command, for their surprise raid of Pawles (Paulus) Hook, New
Jersey, in August 1779. Approved Sept. 24, 1779 (Journal of the Continental
Congress 1774-1789
, vol. 15, pp. 1099-1102).
Brigadier General Daniel Morgan. In recognition of the “fortitude and good
conduct” displayed by Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, and the officers and men
under his command, in the action at Cowpens, in the State of South Carolina on
January 17, 1781. Approved March 9, 1781 (Journal of the Continental Congress
1774-1789
, vol. 19, pp. 246-247).
Major General Nathaniel Greene. In recognition of Major General Nathaniel
Greene’s “wise, decisive and magnanimous conduct in the action” of September 8,
1781, “near Eutaw Springs, in South Carolina; in which, with a force inferior in
number to that of the enemy, he obtained a most signal victory.” Approved Oct. 29,
1781 (Journal of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, vol. 21, pp. 1083-1084).
John Paul Jones. In recognition of the “valor and brilliant services” of John
Paul Jones in commanding a “squadron of French and American ships under the flag
and commission of the United States off the coast of Great Britain.” Approved Oct.
16, 1787 (Journal of the Continental Congress 1774-1789, vol. 33, p. 687).
Captain Thomas Truxtun. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct”
of Captain Thomas Truxtun in the action between the United States frigate

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Constellation and the French ship of war La Vengeance. Approved March 29, 1800
(2 Stat. 87).
Commodore Edward Preble. In recognition of the “gallantry and good
conduct” displayed by Captain Edward Preble, and the officers, petty officers, seamen
and marines attached to the squadron under his command, in the several attacks on
the town, batteries, and naval force of Tripoli in 1804. Approved March 3, 1805 (2
Stat. 346-347).
Captain Isaac Hull, Captain Stephen Decatur, and Captain Jacob Jones.
In recognition of the “gallantry, good conduct, and services” of Captain Isaac Hull of
the frigate Constitution, Captain Stephen Decatur of the frigate United States, and
Captain Jacob Jones of the sloop-of-war Wasp, in their respective conflicts with the
British frigates the Guerriere and the Macedonian, and sloop-of-war Frolic.
Approved Jan. 29, 1813 (2 Stat. 830).
Captain William Bainbridge. In recognition of the “gallantry, good conduct
and services of Captain William Bainbridge,” and the officers and crew of the frigate
Constitution, in the capture of the British frigate Java, after a “brave and skillful
combat.” Approved March 3, 1813 (2 Stat. 831).
Captain Oliver Hazard Perry and Captain Jesse D. Elliott. In recognition
of the “decisive and glorious victory gained on Lake Erie” by Captain Oliver Hazard
Perry and Captain Jesse D. Elliott, on Sept. 10, 1813. Approved Jan. 6, 1814 (3 Stat.
141).
Lieutenant William Burrows and Lieutenant Edward R. M’Call. In
recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct” of Lieutenant William Burrows and
Lieutenant Edward R. M’Call of the brig Enterprise, in the conflict with the British
sloop Boxer on September 4, 1813. Approved Jan. 6, 1814 (3 Stat. 141-142).
Captain James Lawrence. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct”
of Captain James Lawrence, and the officers and crew of the sloop-of-war Hornet,
in the capture of the British vessel of war, the Peacock. Approved Jan. 11, 1814 (3
Stat. 142).
Captain Thomas MacDonough, Captain Robert Henly, and Lieutenant
Stephen Cassin. In recognition of the “decisive and splendid victory” of Captain
Thomas MacDonough and Lieutenant Stephen Cassin, gained on Lake Champlain on
September 11, 1814. Approved Oct. 20, 1814 (3 Stat. 245-246).
Captain Lewis Warrington. In recognition of the “gallantry and good
conduct” of Captain Lewis Warrington, and the officers and crew of the sloop-of-war
Peacock in the action with the British brig Epervier on April 29, 1814. Approved Oct.
21, 1814 (3 Stat. 246).
Captain Johnston Blakely. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct”
of Captain Johnston Blakely, and the officers and crew of the sloop Wasp in the action
with the British sloop-of-war Reindeer on June 28, 1814. Approved Nov. 3, 1814
(3 Stat. 246-247).

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Major General Jacob Brown. In recognition of the “gallantry and good
conduct” of Major General Jacob Brown, and the “officers and men, of the regular
army, and of the militia under his command ... in the successive battles of Chippewa,
Niagara, and Erie, in Upper Canada, in which British veteran soldiers were beaten and
repulsed by equal and inferior numbers.” Approved Nov. 3, 1814 (3 Stat. 247).
Major General Winfield Scott. In recognition of the “uniform gallantry and
good conduct” of Major General Winfield Scott “in the successive conflicts of
Chippewa and Niagara.” Approved Nov. 3, 1814 (3 Stat. 247).
Brigadier General Eleazar W. Ripley, Brigadier General James Miller, and
Major General Peter B. Porter. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct”
of Brigadier General Eleazar W. Ripley, Brigadier General James Miller, and Major
General Peter B. Porter “in the several conflicts of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie.
Approved Nov. 3, 1814 (3 Stat. 247).
Major General Edmund P. Gaines. In recognition of the “gallantry and good
conduct” of General Edmund P. Gaines, and the officers and men under his command,
in defeating the British army at Erie on August 15, 1814. Approved Nov. 3, 1814
(3 Stat. 247).
Major General Alexander Macomb. In recognition of the “gallantry and good
conduct” of Major General Alexander Macomb, and the officers and men under his
command, in defeating a veteran British army at Plattsburg on September 11, 1814.
Approved Nov. 3, 1814 (3 Stat. 247).
Major General Andrew Jackson. In recognition of the “valor, skill and good
conduct” of Major General Andrew Jackson, and the officers and soldiers of the
regular army, of the militia, and of the volunteers under his command, which was
conspicuously displayed against the British army at New Orleans on January 8, 1815.
Approved Feb. 27, 1815 (3 Stat. 249).
Captain Charles Stewart. In recognition of the “gallantry, good conduct and
services” of Captain Charles Stewart, and the officers and crew, of the frigate
Constitution, in capturing the British vessels of war, the Cyane and the Levant, after
a brave and skillful combat. Approved Feb. 22, 1816 (3 Stat. 341).
Captain James Biddle. In recognition of the “gallantry, good conduct and
services” of Captain James Biddle, and the officers and crew, of the sloop-of-war
Hornet, in capturing the British sloop-of-war Penguin, after a brave and skillful
combat. Approved Feb. 22, 1816 (3 Stat. 341).
Major General William Henry Harrison and Governor Isaac Shelby. In
recognition of the “gallantry and good behavior” of Major William Henry Harrison
and Governor Isaac Shelby, and the officers and men under their command, “in
defeating the combined British and Indian forces under Major General Proctor, on the
Thames, in Upper Canada, on October 5, 1813, and in capturing the British army with
their baggage, camp equipage and artillery.” Approved April 4, 1818 (3 Stat. 476).

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Colonel George Croghan. In recognition of the “gallantry and good conduct”
of Colonel George Croghan in the defense of Fort Stephenson in 1813. Approved
Feb. 13, 1835 (4 Stat. 792).
Major General Zachary Taylor. In recognition of the “fortitude, skill,
enterprise, and courage” of Major General Zachary Taylor, and his officers and men,
which distinguished the brilliant operations on the Rio Grande. Approved July 16,
1846 (9 Stat. 111).
Major General Zachary Taylor. In recognition of the “fortitude, skill,
enterprise, and courage” of Major General Zachary Taylor, and his officers and men,
which distinguished the brilliant military operations at Monterey. Approved March
2, 1847 (9 Stat. 206).
Rescuers of the Officers and Crew of the U. S. Brig Somers. In recognition
of the “officers and men belonging or attached to the French, British, and Spanish
ships-of-war in the harbor of Vera Cruz, who so gallantly, and at the imminent peril
of their lives, aided rescuing from a watery grave many of the officers and crew of the
United States brig Somers.” The records of the United States Mint indicate that 10
gold medals were struck in commemoration of the gallant effort of the Somers.
Approved March 3, 1847 (9 Stat. 208).
Major General Winfield Scott. In recognition of the “uniform gallantry and
good conduct” of Major General Winfield Scott, and the officers and men of the
regular and volunteer corps under him, “conspicuously displayed at the siege and
capture of the city of Vera Cruz and castle of San Juan de Ulloa,” on March 29, 1847;
in the successive battles of Cerro Gordo on April 18, San Antonio and Churubusco
on August 19 and 20; in the “victories achieved in front of the city of Mexico” on
September 8 and 11-13; and for the capture of the metropolis on September 14, “in
which the Mexican troops, greatly superior in numbers, and with every advantage of
position, were in every conflict signally defeated by the American arms.” Approved
March 9, 1848 (9 Stat. 333).
Major General Zachary Taylor. In recognition of the “valor, skill, and good
conduct” of Major General Zachery Taylor, and the officers and soldiers of the
regular army and of the volunteers under his command, “conspicuously displayed” on
February 22 and 23, 1848, in the battle of Buena Vista, in “defeating a Mexican army
under the command of General Santa Anna of more than four times their number.”
Approved May 9, 1848 (9 Stat. 334-335).
Commander Duncan N. Ingraham. In recognition of the “gallant and
judicious conduct” of Commander Duncan N. Ingraham “in extending protection to
Martin Koszta, by rescuing him from illegal seizure and imprisonment on board the
Austrian war-brig Hussar.” Approved Aug. 4, 1854 (10 Stat. 594-595).
Frederick A. Rose. In recognition of “Assistant-Surgeon Frederick A. Rose,
of the British navy, who volunteered, with the permission of his commanding officer,
to join the Susquehannah,” at a time when many of its crew had yellow fever, “at
imminent personal risk, devoted himself, on the voyage from Jamaica to New York,
to care for the sick remaining on board.” Approved May 11, 1858 (11 Stat. 369).

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Major General Ulysses S. Grant. In recognition of “gallantry and good
conduct” of Ulysses S. Grant, and the officers and men who fought under his
command during the Civil War, in the battles in which they engaged. Approved Dec.
17, 1863 (13 Stat. 399).
Cornelius Vanderbilt. In recognition of Cornelius Vanderbilt’s “gift to his
imperiled country” of the steamship Vanderbilt, which was “actively employed in the
service of the Republic against the rebel devastations of her commerce.” Approved
Jan. 28, 1864 (13 Stat. 401).
Captains Creighton, Low, and Stouffer. In recognition of the “gallant
conduct” of Captain Creighton, of the ship Three Bells, of Glasgow; Captain Low,
of the bark Kilby, of Boston; and Captain Stouffer, of the ship Antarctic, in rescuing
about 500 men from the wreck of the steamer San Francisco. Approved July 26,
1866 (14 Stat. 365-366).
Cyrus W. Field. In recognition of the “foresight, courage, and determination”
of Cyrus W. Field “in establishing telegraphic communications by means of the
Atlantic cable traversing mid-ocean and connecting the Old World with the New.”
Approved March 2, 1867 (14 Stat. 574).
George Peabody. In recognition of George Peabody’s “great and peculiar
beneficence” in giving $2 million “for the promotion of education in the most
destitute portions of the southern and southwestern States.” Approved March 16,
1867 (15 Stat. 20).
George F. Robinson. In recognition of the “heroic conduct” of George F.
Robinson in saving the life of Secretary of State William H. Seward on April 14,
1865. Approved March 1, 1871 (16 Stat. 704).
Captain Jared S. Crandall, and Others. In recognition of the services of
Captain Jared S. Crandall, Albert Crandall, Daniel F. Larkin, Frank Larkin, Bryon
Green, John D. Harvey, Courtland Gavitt, Eugene Nash, Edwin Nash, and William
Nash of Westerly, Rhode Island, who “so gallantly volunteered to man a life-boat and
a fishing-boat, and saved the lives of thirty-two persons from the wreck of the steamer
Metis on the waters of the Long lsland sound,” on August 31, 1872. Approved Feb.
24, 1873 (17 Stat. 638).
John Horn, Jr. In recognition and commemoration of the “heroic and humane
exploits” of John Horn, Jr., in rescuing 110 men, women, and children from drowning
in the Detroit River. Approved June 20, 1874 (18 Stat. 573).
On April 28, 1904, Congress authorized and directed the Secretary of the
Treasury to strike off and present to John Horn, Jr., a duplicate of the medal voted
by Congress to him in 1874, which was stolen from him in October 1901. Approved
April 28, 1904 (33 Stat. 1684-1685).
John F. Slater. In recognition of John F. Slater’s contribution of $1 million for
the purpose of “uplifting the lately emancipated population of the Southern States and

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their prosperity, by conferring on them the blessings of Christian education.”
Approved Feb. 5, 1883 (22 Stat. 636).
Joseph Francis. In recognition of Joseph Francis’ “life-long services to
humanity and to his country . . . in the construction and perfection of life-saving
appliances by which thousands of lives have been saved.” Approved Aug. 27, 1888
(25 Stat. 1249).
Chief Engineer George Wallace Melville and Others. In recognition of the
“meritorious service” of Chief Engineer George Wallace Melville, United States
Navy, “in successfully directing the party under his command after the wreck of the
Arctic exploring steamer Jeannette, and of his persistent efforts through dangers and
hardships to find and assist his commanding officer and other members of the
expedition before he himself was out of peril.” This Act does not specifically indicate
what type of medal was to be presented to Chief Engineer Melville and the officers
and men of the Jeannette “as an expression of the high esteem Congress [held] their
services.” The records of the United States Mint, however, indicate that eight gold
medals were struck in commemoration of the perils encountered by the Jeannette
expedition. Approved Sept. 30, 1890 (26 Stat. 552-553).
First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb. In recognition of the “intrepid and
heroic gallantry” of First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, commander of the revenue
cutter Hudson, and the officers and men under his command, “in action at Cardenas,
Cuba,” on May 18, 1898, “when the Hudson rescued the United States naval torpedo
boat Winslow in the face of a most galling fire from the enemy’s guns, the Winslow
being disabled, her captain wounded, her only other officer and half her crew killed.”
Approved May 3, 1900 (31 Stat. 717).
First Lieutenant David H. Jarvis, Second Lieutenant Ellsworth P. Bertholf,
and Dr. Samuel J. Call. In recognition of the “heroic service” rendered by First
Lieutenant David H. Jarvis, Second Lieutenant Ellsworth P. Bertholf, and Dr. Samuel
J. Call, all of the Revenue-Cutter Service and members of the overland expedition of
1897-1898, in providing relief to the whaling fleet in arctic regions. Approved June
28, 1902 (32 Stat. 492).
Wright Brothers. In recognition and appreciation of the “great service” Orville
and Wilbur Wright of Ohio, “rendered the science of aerial navigation in the invention
of the Wright aeroplane, and for their ability, courage, and success in navigating the
air.” Approved March 4, 1909 (35 Stat. 1627).
Captain Arthur Henry Rostron. In recognition of Captain Henry Rostron, and
the officers and crew of the steamship Carpathia, “for promptly going to the relief of
the steamship Titanic and heroically saving the lives of seven hundred and four people
who had been shipwrecked in the North Atlantic Ocean.” Approved July 6, 1912 (37
Stat. 639).
Captain Paul H. Kreibohm and Others. In recognition of the heroic rescue
of 89 people by Captain Paul H. Kreibohm and the officers and crew of the American
steamer Kroonland from the burning steamer Volturno in the North Atlantic. The
records of the United States Mint indicate that four gold medals were struck in

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commemoration of the actions of the Kroonland. Approved March 19, 1914 (38
Stat. 769).
Domicio da Gama, Romulo S. Naon, and Eduardo Suarez. In recognition
of the “generous services” of Domicio da Gama, Romulo S. Naon, and Eduardo
Suarez “as mediators in the controversy between the Government of the United States
and the leaders of the warring parties in the Republic of Mexico.” Approved March
4, 1915 (38 Stat. 1228).
Charles A. Lindbergh. In recognition of the “achievements” of Charles A.
Lindbergh. Approved May 4, 1928 (45 Stat. 490).
Lincoln Ellsworth, Roald Amundsen, and Umberto Nobile. In recognition
of the “conspicuous courage, sagacity, and perseverance” Lincoln Ellsworth exhibited
during his famous polar flight of 1925 and his transpolar flight of 1926; and the
contributions of Roald Amundsen, the distinguished Norwegian explorer, and
Umberto Nobile, the distinguished Italian explorer, who participated with Ellsworth
in the transpolar flight of 1926. Approved May 29, 1928 (45 Stat. 2026-2027).
Thomas A. Edison. In recognition of the “achievements” of Thomas A. Edison
“in illumining the path of progress through the development and application of
inventions that have revolutionized civilization in the last century.” Approved May
29, 1928 (45 Stat. 1012).
First Successful Trans-Atlantic Flight. In recognition of Commander John H.
Tower’s “extraordinary achievement” in conceiving, organizing, and commanding the
first trans-Atlantic flight; and Lieutenant Commander Albert C. Read, United States
Navy, commanding officer; Lieutenant Elmer F. Stone, United States Coast Guard,
pilot; Lieutenant Walter Hinton, United States Navy, pilot; Lieutenant H. C. Rodd,
United States Navy, radio operator; Lieutenant J. L. Breese, United States Naval
Reserve Force, engineer; and Machinist’s Mate Eugene Rhodes, United States Navy,
engineer, “in making the first successful trans-Atlantic flight, in the United States
naval flying boat NC-4, in May 1919.” Approved Feb. 9, 1929 (45 Stat. 1158).
Major Walter Reed and Associates for Yellow Fever Experimentations in
Cuba. In recognition of the “high public service rendered and disabilities contracted”
by Major Walter Reed, James Caroll, Jesse W. Lazear, Aristides Agramonte, James
A. Andrus, John R. Bullard, A. W. Covington, William H. Dean, Wallace W. Forbes,
Levi E. Folk, Paul Hamann, James F. Hanberry, Warren G. Jernegan, John R.
Kissinger, John J. Moran, William Olsen, Charles G. Sonntag, Clyde L. West, Dr. R.
P. Cooke, Thomas M. England, James Hildebrand, and Edward Weatherwalks “in the
interest of humanity and science as voluntary subjects for the experimentation during
the yellow-fever investigations in Cuba.” Approved Feb. 28, 1929 (45 Stat. 1409-
1410).
This act was subsequently amended on July 2, 1956, and Sept. 2, 1958, to
include the names of Gustaf E. Lambert and Roger P. Ames (70 Stat. 484; and 72
Stat. 1702)

CRS-25
Officers and Men of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition. In recognition of the
“high admiration in which Congress and the American people hold [the] heroic and
undaunted services [connected] with the scientific investigations and extraordinary
aerial expeditions of the Antarctic Continent, under the personal direction of Rear
Admiral Richard E. Byrd.” The records of the United States Mint indicate that 67
gold medals were struck in commemoration of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition.
Approved May 23, 1930 (46 Stat. 379).
Lincoln Ellsworth. In recognition of Lincoln Ellsworth “claiming on behalf of
the United States approximately three-hundred-fifty-thousand square miles of land in
the Antarctic between the eightieth and one hundred and twentieth meridians west of
Greenwich, representing the last unclaimed territory in the world, and for his
exceptionally meritorious services to science and aeronautics in making a
two-thousand-five-hundred mile aerial survey of the heart of Antarctica, thus paving
the way for more detailed studies of geological, meteorological, and geographical
questions of world-wide importance and benefit.” Approved June 16, 1936 (49 Stat.
2324).
George M. Cohan. In recognition of the public service of George M. Cohan
during the World War in composing the patriotic songs “Over There” and “A Grand
Old Flag.” Approved June 29, 1936 (49 Stat. 2371).
Mrs. Richard Aldrich and Anna Bouligny. In recognition of Mrs. Richard
Aldrich and Anna Bouligny “who, during the War with Spain, 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 for the care and treatment of
military patients in Puerto Rico.” Approved June 20, 1938 (52 Stat. 1365).
Howard Hughes. In recognition of the “achievements” of Howard Hughes in
“advancing the science of aviation and thus bringing great credit to his country
throughout the world.” Approved Aug. 7, 1939 (53 Stat. 1525).
Reverend Francis X. Quinn. In recognition of the “valor of Reverend Francis
X. Quinn, pastor of the Church of the Guardian Angel, New York City, who risked
his life by entering the room when an armed desperado held two elderly persons as
hostages, and who by successfully disarming this criminal and saving the lives of two
innocent persons distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of his duty.” Approved Aug. 10, 1939
(53 Stat. 1533).
William Sinnott. In recognition of action of “William Sinnott, a detective, who
in guarding Franklin D. Roosevelt, then President-elect of the United States, at
Miami, Florida, on February 15, 1933, was shot and wounded by Guiseppe Zangara,
who attempted to assassinate” Mr. Roosevelt. Approved June 15, 1940 (54 Stat.
1283).
Roland Boucher. In recognition of the “valor, bravery, and heroism of Roland
Boucher, of Burlington, Vermont, age 11, who on February 12, 1941, risked his life
in rescuing five children who had broken through the ice on Lake Champlain near
Juniper Island, saving the lives of four, and who in so doing displayed unusual bravery

CRS-26
and the presence of mind extraordinary in one of his age.” Approved Jan. 20, 1942
(56 Stat. 1099-1100).
General of the Army George Catlett Marshall and Fleet Admiral Ernest
Joseph King. In recognition of General of the Army George C. Marshall’s
“distinguished leadership, as Chief of Staff of the Army and as a member of the
Combined Chiefs of Staff of the United Nations, in planning the expansion,
equipment, training and deployment of the great Army of the United States and in
formulating and executing the global strategy that led to victory in World War II,”
and the “members of the Army of the United States who served under his direction
with such heroic devotion, and personal sacrifice.”
In recognition also of Admiral Ernest J. King’s “distinguished leadership as
Commander in Chief of the United States Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations and as
a member of the Combined Chiefs of Staff of the United Nations, in planning the
expansion, equipment, training, and operation of the United States Navy and in
formulating and executing the global strategy that led to victory in World War II,”
and the “members of the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps and the
United States Coast Guard,” and the “members of the Reserve Forces who served
under his direction with such heroic devotion and personal sacrifice.” Approved
March 22, 1946 (60 Stat. 1134-1135).
General of the Armies of the United States John J. Pershing. In recognition
of General John J. Pershing’s “peerless leadership, heroic achievements, and great
military victories, as Commander in Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces in
Europe in World War I, and for his gallant and unselfish devotion to the service of his
country in preparation for, and the prosecution of World War II.” Approved Aug.
7, 1946 (60 Stat. 1297-1298).
Brigadier General William Mitchell. In recognition of the “outstanding
pioneer service and foresight of General William Mitchell in the field of American
military aviation.” Approved Aug. 8, 1946 (60 Stat. 1319).
Vice President Alben W. Barkley. In recognition of Vice President Alben W.
Barkley’s “distinguished public service and outstanding contribution to the general
welfare.” Approved Aug. 12, 1949 (P.L. 81-221, 63 Stat. 599).
Irving Berlin. In recognition of Irvin Berlin’s “services in composing many
patriotic songs, including God Bless America, which became popular during World
War II.” Approved July 16, 1954 (P.L. 83-536, 68 Stat. A120).
Doctor Jonas E. Salk. “In recognition of the great achievement of Doctor
Jonas E. Salk in the field of medicine by his discovery of a serum for the prevention
of poliomyelitis.” Approved Aug. 9, 1955 (P.L. 84-297, 69 Stat. 589).
Surviving Veterans of the War Between the States. “In honor of the last
[four] surviving veterans of the War Between the States who served in the Union or
the Confederate forces.” Approved July 18, 1956 (P.L. 84-730, 70 Stat. 577).

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Rear Admiral Hyman George Rickover. “In recognition of the achievements
of Rear Admiral Hyman George Rickover, United States Navy, in 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.” Approved Aug. 28, 1958 (P.L. 85-826, 72 Stat. 985).
Doctor Robert H. Goddard. In recognition of the “great, creative
achievements of Doctor Robert H. Goddard, and his historic pioneering research on
space rockets, missiles, and jet propulsion.” Approved Sept. 16, 1959 (P.L. 86-277,
73 Stat. 562-563).
Robert Frost. In recognition of Robert Frost’s “poetry, which has enriched the
culture of the United States and the philosophy of the world.” Approved Sept. 13,
1960 (P.L. 86-747, 74 Stat. 883).
Doctor Thomas Anthony Dooley III. “In recognition of the gallant and un-
selfish public service rendered by Doctor Thomas Anthony Dooley III in serving the
medical needs of the people of Laos living in the remote areas of the Laotian jungles,
and the peoples in other newly developing countries.” Approved May 27, 1961 (P.L.
87-42, 75 Stat. 87).
Bob Hope. In recognition of Bob Hope’s outstanding “service to his country
and the cause of peace.” Approved June 8, 1962 (P.L. 87-478, 76 Stat. 93).
Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the House of Representatives. In recognition of
Sam Rayburn’s “distinguished public service and outstanding contribution to the
general welfare.” Approved Sept. 26, 1962 (P.L. 87-702, 76 Stat. 605).
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. “In recognition of the gallant
service rendered by General of the Army Douglas MacArthur to his country.”
Approved Oct. 9, 1962 (P.L. 87-760, 76 Stat. 760).
Walt Disney. In recognition of Walt Disney’s “distinguished public service and
outstanding contributions to the United States and the world.” Approved May 24,
1968 (P.L. 90-316, 82 Stat. 130-131).
Winston Churchill. In recognition of Winston Churchill, on the occasion of the
dedication of the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library at Westminister College
in Fulton, Missouri, in May 1969. Approved May 7, 1969 (P.L. 91-12, 83 Stat. 8-9).
Roberto Walker Clemente. In recognition of Roberto Clemente’s "outstanding
athletic, civil, charitable, and humanitarian contributions.” Approved May 14, 1973
(P.L. 93-33, 87 Stat. 71).
Marian Anderson. “In recognition of the highly distinguished and impressive
career of Miss Marian Anderson for a period of more than a half a century during
which she has been the recipient of the highest awards from a score of foreign
countries, for her untiring and unselfish devotion to the promotion of the arts in this
country and throughout the world including the establishment of scholarships for
young people, for her strong and imaginative support to humanitarian causes at home,

CRS-28
for her contributions to the cause of world peace through her work as United States
delegate to the United Nations and her performances and recordings which have
reached an estimated seven million people throughout the world, and her unstinting
efforts on behalf of the brotherhood of man, and the many treasured moments she has
bought to us with enormous demand on her time, talent, and energy.” Approved
March 8, 1977 (P.L. 95-9, 91 Stat. 19).
Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker. In recognition of Lieutenant General Ira C.
Eaker’s “distinguished career as an aviation pioneer and Air Force leader.” Approved
Oct. 10, 1978 (P.L. 95-438, 92 Stat. 1060).
Robert F. Kennedy. In recognition of the “distinguished and dedicated
service” Robert Kennedy “gave to the Government and to the people of the United
States.” Approved Nov. 1, 1978 (P.L. 95-560, 92 Stat. 2142).
John Wayne. In recognition of John Wayne’s “distinguished career as an actor
and his service to the Nation.” Approved May 26, 1979 (P.L. 96-15, 93 Stat. 32).
Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman. In recognition of the
“distinguished feat” of transatlantic balloonists Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and
Larry Newman “as aviation pioneers.” Approved June 13, 1979 (P.L. 96-20, 93 Stat.
45).
Hubert H. Humphrey. In recognition of Hubert H. Humphrey’s “distinguished
and dedicated service” to the Government and to the people of the United States.
Approved June 13, 1979 (P.L. 96-91, 93 Stat. 46).
American Red Cross. In recognition of the “unselfish and humanitarian
service” of the American Red Cross to the people of the United States. Approved
Dec. 12, 1979 (P.L. 96-138, 93 Stat. 1063).
Ambassador Kenneth Taylor. In recognition of Canadian Ambassador to Iran
Kenneth Taylor’s “valiant efforts to secure the safe return of six American Embassy
officials in Tehran.” Approved March 6, 1980 (P.L. 96-201, 94 Stat. 79).
Simon Wiesenthal. In recognition of Simon Wisenthal’s “contribution to
international justice through the documentation and location of war criminals from
World War II.” Approved March 17, 1980 (P.L. 96-211, 94 Stat. 101).
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. In recognition of the “two hundredth
anniversary, in 1982, of the establishment of diplomatic and commercial relations
between the Governments of the United States and the Netherlands.” Approved
March 22, 1982 (P.L. 97-158, 96 Stat. 18-19).
Admiral Hyman George Rickover. In recognition of Admiral Hyman George
Rickover’s “distinguished service and for his unique world-renowed contributions to
the development of safe nuclear energy and to the defense of the United States.”
Approved June 23, 1982 (P.L. 97-201, 96 Stat. 126-127).

CRS-29
Fred Waring. In recognition of Fred Waring’s “contribution to enriching
American life.” Approved Aug. 26, 1982 (P.L. 97-246, 96 Stat. 315-316).
Joe Louis. In recognition of Joe Louis’s “accomplishments which did so much
to bolster the spirit of the American people during one of the most crucial times in
American history and which have endured throughout the years as a symbol of
strength for the Nation.” Approved Aug. 26, 1982 (P.L. 97-246, 96 Stat. 315-316).
Louis L’Amour. In recognition of Louis L’Amour’s “distinguished career as
an author and his contributions to the Nation through his historically based works.”
Approved Aug. 26, 1982 (P.L. 97-246, 96 Stat. 315-316).
Leo J. Ryan. In recognition of Leo J. Ryan’s “distinguished service as a
Member of Congress and the fact of his untimely death by assassination while
performing his responsibilities as a Member of the United States House of
Representatives.” Approved Nov. 18, 1983 (P.L. 98-159, 97 Stat. 992).
Danny Thomas. In recognition of Danny Thomas’ “humanitarian efforts and
his outstanding work as an American.” Approved Nov. 29, 1983 (P.L. 98-172, 97
Stat. 1119-1120).
Harry S. Truman. In recognition of the “life-time of outstanding public service
which . . . Harry S. Truman, gave to the United States, and in commemoration of his
one hundredth birthday which was celebrated on May 8, 1984.” Approved May 8,
1984 (P.L. 98-278, 98 Stat. 173-175).
Lady Bird Johnson. In recognition of Lady Bird Johnson’s “humanitarian
efforts and outstanding contributions to the improvement and beautification of
America.” Approved May 8, 1984 (P.L. 98-278, 98 Stat. 173-175).
Elie Wiesel. In recognition of Elie Wiesel’s “humanitarian efforts and
outstanding contributions to world literature and human rights.” Approved May 8,
1984 (P.L. 98-278, 98 Stat. 173-175).
Roy Wilkins. In recognition of the “incomparable contribution of Roy Wilkins
to the struggle for civil rights and equality for all Americans.” Approved May 17,
1984 (P.L. 98-285, 98 Stat. 186).
George and Ira Gershwin. In recognition of “George and Ira Gershwin’s
outstanding and invaluable contributions to American music, theatre and culture.”
Approved Aug. 9, 1985 (P.L. 99-86, 99 Stat. 288-289).
Natan (Anatoly) and Avital Shcharansky. In recognition of the “supreme
dedication and total commitment” of Natan (Anatoly) and Avital Shcharansky “to the
cause of individual human rights and freedoms.” Approved May 13, 1986 (P.L. 99-
298, 100 Stat. 432-433).
Harry Chapin. In recognition of “Harry Chapin’s efforts to address issues of
hunger around the world.” Approved May 20, 1986 (P.L. 99-311, 100 Stat. 464).

CRS-30
Aaron Copland. In recognition of Aaron Copland’s “contribution to American
musical composition.” Approved Sept. 23, 1986 (P.L. 99-418, 100 Stat. 952-953).
Mary Lasker. In recognition of Mary Lasker’s “humanitarian contributions in
the areas of medical research and education, urban beautification and the fine arts.”
Approved Dec. 24, 1987 (P.L. 100-210, 101 Stat. 1441).
Jesse Owens. In recognition of “Jesse Owens’ athletic achievements and
humanitarian contributions to public service, civil rights and international goodwill.”
Approved Sept. 20, 1988 (P.L. 100-437, 102 Stat. 1717).
Andrew Wyeth. In recognition of Andrew Wyeth’s “outstanding and invaluable
contributions to American art and culture.” Approved Nov. 9, 1988 (P.L. 100-639,
102 Stat. 3331-3332).
Laurence Spelman Rockefeller. In recognition of Laurence Spelman
Rockefeller’s “leadership on behalf of natural resource conservation and historic
preservation.” Approved May 17, 1990 (P.L. 101-296, 104 Stat. 197-199).
General Matthew B. Ridgeway. In recognition of General Matthew B.
Ridgeway’s “distinguished service to the Nation” during World War II and the
Korean War. Approved Nov. 5, 1990 (P.L. 101-510; 104 Stat. 1720-1721).
General H. Norman Schwarzkopf. In recognition of General H. Norman
Schwarzkopf’s “exemplary performance as a military leader in coordinating the
planning, strategy, and execution of the U.S. combat action and his invaluable
contributions to the United States and to the liberation of Kuwait as Commander-in-
Chief, United States Central Command.” Approved April 23, 1991 (P.L. 102-32; 105
Stat. 175-176).
General Colin Powell. In recognition of General Colin Powell’s “exemplary
performance as a military leader and advisor to the President in planning and
coordinating the military response of the United States to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait
and the ultimate retreat of Iraqi forces and Iraqi acceptance of all United Nations
Resolutions relating to Kuwait.” Approved April 23, 1991 (P.L. 102-33; 105 Stat.
177-178).
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. In recognition of Rabbi Menachem
Mendel Schneerson’s “outstanding and enduring contributions toward world
education, morality, and acts of charity.” Approved Nov. 2, 1994 (P.L. 103-457; 108
Stat. 4799-4800).
Ruth and Billy Graham. In recognition of Ruth and Billy Graham’s
“outstanding and lasting contributions to morality, racial equality, family,
philanthropy, and religion." Approved Feb. 13, 1996 (P.L. 104-111; 110 Stat. 772-
773).
Francis Albert “Frank” Sinatra. In recognition of Frank Sinatra’s
“outstanding and enduring contributions through his entertainment career and
humanitarian activities.” Approved May 14, 1997 (P.L. 105-14, 111 Stat. 32-33).

CRS-31
Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In recognition of Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s
“outstanding and enduring contributions through humanitarian and charitable
activities.” Approved June 2, 1997 (P.L. 105-16, 111 Stat. 35-36).
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. In recognition of Ecumenical Patriarch
Bartholomew’s “outstanding and enduring contributions toward religious
understanding and peace.” Approved Oct. 6, 1997 (P.L. 105-51, 111 Stat. 1170-
1171).
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. In recognition of Nelson Rolihlahla's "life-long
dedication to the abolition of apartheid and the promotion of reconciliation among the
people of the Republic of South Africa." Approved July 29, 1998 (P.L. 105-215, 112
Stat. 895-896).
Little Rock Nine. In recognition of the "selfless heroism" Jean Brown Trickey,
Carlotta Walls LaNier, Melba Patillo Beals, Terrence Roberts, Gloria Ray Karlmark,
Thelma Mothershed Wair, Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, and Jefferson Thomas
"exhibited and the pain they suffered in the cause of civil rights by integrating Central
High School in Little Rock, Arkansas." Approved Oct. 21, 1998 (P.L. 105-277, 112
Stat. 2681-597).
Gerald R. and Betty Ford. In recognition of Gerald R. and Betty Ford's
"dedicated public service and outstanding humanitarian contributions to the people
of the United States." Approved Oct. 21, 1998 (P.L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681-598).
Rosa Parks. In recognition of Rosa Parks’ “contributions to the Nation” as the
“first lady of civil rights” and “mother of the freedom movement,” and whose “quiet
dignity ignited the most significant social movement in the history of the United
States.” Approved May 4, 1999 (P.L. 106-26; 113 Stat. )

CRS-32
Name Index
Abruzzo, Ben . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 28
Agramonte, Aristides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Aldrich, Mrs. Richard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 25
American Red Cross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 14, 28
Ames, Roger P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Amundsen, Roald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 14, 24
Anderson, Marian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 27
Anderson, Maxie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 28
Andrus, James A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Bainbridge, William . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Barkley, Alben W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 26
Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15, 31
Beals, Melba Patillo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 31
Berlin, Irving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 26
Bertholf, Ellsworth P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Biddle, James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 20
Blakely, Johnston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Boucher, Roland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 25
Bouligny, Anna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 25
Breese, J. L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Brown, Jacob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Bullard, John R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Burrows, William . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Byrd Antarctic Expedition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 25
Byrd, Richard E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 25
Call, Samuel J. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Captain Creighton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 22
Captain Low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 22
Captain Stouffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 22
Caroll, James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Cassin, Stephen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapin, Harry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 29
Churchill, Winston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 27
Clemente, Roberto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 27
Cohan, George M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 25
Cooke, R. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Copland, Aaron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 30
Covington, A. W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Crandall, Albert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Crandall, Jared S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Croghan, George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
da Gama, Domicio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Dean, William H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Decatur, Stephen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Diplomatic representatives of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 24
Disney, Walt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 27
Dooley III, Thomas Anthony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 27
Eaker, Ira C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 28

CRS-33
Eckford, Elizabeth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 31
Edison, Thomas A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 24
Elliott, Jesse D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Ellsworth, Lincoln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 15, 24, 25
England, Thomas M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Field, Cyrus W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 22
Folk, Levi E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Forbes, Wallace W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Ford, Gerald R. and Betty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 14, 31
Francis, Joseph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 23
Frost, Robert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 7, 27
Gaines, Edmund P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Gates, Horatio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 18
Gavitt, Courtland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Gershwin, George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 29
Gershwin, Ira . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 29
Goddard, Robert H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 27
Graham, Billy and Ruth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 30
Grant, Ulysses S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 22
Green, Byron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Green, Ernest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 31
Greene, Nathaniel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 18
Hamann, Paul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Hanberry, James F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Harrison, William Henry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Harvey, John D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Henly, Robert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Hildebrand, James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Hinton, Walter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Hope, Bob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 7, 27
Horn, Jr., John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 22
Hughes, Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 25
Hull, Isaac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Humphrey, Hubert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 28
Ingraham, Duncan N. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 21
Jackson, Andrew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Jarvis, David H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Jernegan, Warren G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Johnson, Lady Bird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 29
Jones, Jacob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Jones, John Paul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 18
Karlmark, Gloria Ray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 31
Kennedy, Robert F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 28
King, Ernest J. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 26
Kissinger, John R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Kreibohm, Paul H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 23
L'Amour, Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 29
Lambert, Gustaf E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
LaNier, Carlotta Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 31
Larkin, Daniel F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

CRS-34
Larkin, Frank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Lasker, Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 30
Lawrence, James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Lazear, Jesse W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Lee, Henry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 3, 18
Lindbergh, Charles A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 24
Little Rock Nine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 31
Louis, Joe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 13, 29
M'Call, Edward R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
MacArthur, Douglas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 27
MacDonough, Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Macomb, Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15, 31
Marshall, George C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 26
Melville, George Wallace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 23
Miller, James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Mitchell, William (Billy) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 26
Moran, John J. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Morgan, Daniel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 18
Mother Teresa of Calcutta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 14, 15, 31
Naon, Romulo S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Nash, Edwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Nash, Eugene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Nash, William . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Newcomb, Frank H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 23
Newman, Larry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 28
Nobile, Umberto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 15, 24
Olsen, William . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Owens, Jesse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 30
Peabody, George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 22
Perry, Oliver Hazard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Pershing, John J. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 26
Porter, Peter B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Powell, Colin L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 30
Preble, Edward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 19
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 28
Quinn, Francis X. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 25
Rayburn, Sam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 27
Read, Albert C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Reed, Walter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 24
Rescuers of the Officers and Crew of the U. S. Brig Somers . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 21
Rhodes, Eugene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Rickover, Hyman George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 27, 28
Ridgeway, Matthew B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 30
Ripley, Eleazar W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Roberts, Terrence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 31
Robinson, George F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 22
Rockefeller, Laurence S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 30
Rodd, H. C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Rose, Frederick A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 14, 21

CRS-35
Rostron, Arthur Henry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 23
Ryan, Leo J. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 29
Salk, Jonas E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 26
Schneerson, Rabbi Menachem Mendel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 30
Schwarzkopf, H. Norman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 30
Scott, Winfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 20, 21
Shcharansky, Avital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 29
Shcharansky, Natan (Anatoly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 29
Shelby, Isaac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Sinatra, Francis Albert (Frank) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 8, 30
Sinnott, William . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 25
Slater, John F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 22
Sonntag, Charles G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Stewart, Charles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Stone, Elmer F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Suarez, Eduardo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Surviving Veterans of the War Between the States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 26
Taylor, Kenneth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 28
Taylor, Zachary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 21
Thomas, Danny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 29
Thomas, Jefferson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 31
Towers, John H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Trickey, Jean Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 31
Truman, Harry S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 29
Truxtun, Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 18
Vanderbilt, Cornelius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 22
Wair, Thelma Mothershed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 31
Waring, Fred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 29
Warrington, Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Washington, George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3, 18
Wayne, Anthony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 18
Wayne, John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 28
Weatherwalks, Edward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
West, Clyde L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Wiesel, Elie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 29
Wiesenthal, Simon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 28
Wilkins, Roy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 29
Wright, Orville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 8, 23
Wright, Wilbur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 8, 23
Wyeth, Andrew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 30