Congressional Gold Medal

E1648

The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, awarded by Congress to individuals or groups who have performed outstanding acts of service or achievement for the nation.


Statements (50)
Predicate Object
instanceOf civilian award
national honor
awardedBy United States Congress
United States House of Representatives
United States Senate
canBeAwardedPosthumously true
category United States national civil award
decorations and medals of the United States
conferredBy President pro tempore of the Senate
Speaker of the House
other designated congressional officials
country United States
designedBy United States Mint
distinctFrom Medal of Honor
Presidential Citizens Medal
Presidential Medal of Freedom
eligibility foreign nationals
groups
individuals
organizations
firstAwardedFor military achievement
hasForm large gold medal
hasPart obverse design
reverse design
inception 18th century
languageOfInscription English
legalBasis public law of the United States
manufacturedBy United States Mint
material gold
purpose to honor individuals or groups for outstanding service to the United States
to recognize distinguished achievements that have a major impact on American history and culture
rank one of the highest civilian honors in the United States
relatedTo Congressional Bronze Medal
Congressional Silver Medal
requires act of Congress
selectionCriteria exemplary contributions to American history or culture
lifetime achievement of national significance
outstanding acts of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States
selectionProcess approval by two-thirds of both chambers in many cases
legislation introduced in Congress
symbolizes gratitude of the United States Congress
national appreciation for exceptional contributions
typicalRecipient artists
athletes
civil rights leaders
civilians
explorers
humanitarian leaders
military leaders
scientists


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