List of Congressional Gold Medal recipients

This is a list of recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States Congress

United States Congress

The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....

Recipients

Recipient(s)	Date of Approval	Public Law	Notes
George Washington George Washington George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...	March 25, 1776	Continental Congress Continental Congress The Continental Congress was a convention of delegates called together from the Thirteen Colonies that became the governing body of the United States during the American Revolution....	Served as the first President President of the United States The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces.... of the United States United States The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district... of America Americas The Americas, or America , are lands in the Western hemisphere, also known as the New World. In English, the plural form the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is primarily... (1789–1797), and led the Continental Army Continental Army The Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in... to victory over the Kingdom of Great Britain Kingdom of Great Britain The former Kingdom of Great Britain, sometimes described as the 'United Kingdom of Great Britain', That the Two Kingdoms of Scotland and England, shall upon the 1st May next ensuing the date hereof, and forever after, be United into One Kingdom by the Name of GREAT BRITAIN. was a sovereign... in the American Revolutionary War American Revolutionary War The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the... (1775–1783).
Major General Major General Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general... Horatio Gates Horatio Gates Horatio Lloyd Gates was a retired British soldier who served as an American general during the Revolutionary War. He took credit for the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga – Benedict Arnold, who led the attack, was finally forced from the field when he was shot in the leg – and...	November 4, 1777	Continental Congress
Major General Anthony Wayne Anthony Wayne Anthony Wayne was a United States Army general and statesman. Wayne adopted a military career at the outset of the American Revolutionary War, where his military exploits and fiery personality quickly earned him a promotion to the rank of brigadier general and the sobriquet of Mad Anthony.-Early...	July 26, 1779	Continental Congress
Major Major Major is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ... Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee	September 24, 1779	Continental Congress
Brigadier General Brigadier General Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000... Daniel Morgan Daniel Morgan Daniel Morgan was an American pioneer, soldier, and United States Representative from Virginia. One of the most gifted battlefield tacticians of the American Revolutionary War, he later commanded troops during the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion.-Early years:Most authorities believe that...	March 9, 1781	Continental Congress
Major General Nathanael Greene Nathanael Greene Nathanael Greene was a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War. When the war began, Greene was a militia private, the lowest rank possible; he emerged from the war with a reputation as George Washington's most gifted and dependable officer. Many places in the United...	October 29, 1781	Continental Congress
John Paul Jones John Paul Jones John Paul Jones was a Scottish sailor and the United States' first well-known naval fighter in the American Revolutionary War. Although he made enemies among America's political elites, his actions in British waters during the Revolution earned him an international reputation which persists to...	October 16, 1787	Continental Congress
Captain Thomas Truxtun Thomas Truxtun Thomas Truxtun was an American naval officer who rose to the rank of commodore.Born near Hempstead, New York on Long Island, Truxtun had little formal education before joining the crew of the British merchant ship Pitt at the age of twelve...	March 29, 1800	2 Stat. 87 http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llac&fileName=010/llac010.db&recNum=312
Commodore Commodore (rank) Commodore is a military rank used in many navies that is superior to a navy captain, but below a rear admiral. Non-English-speaking nations often use the rank of flotilla admiral or counter admiral as an equivalent .It is often regarded as a one-star rank with a NATO code of OF-6, but is not always... Edward Preble Edward Preble Edward Preble was a United States naval officer.-Early life and Revolutionary War:Preble was born at Falmouth, Eastern Massachusetts, now Portland, Maine, 15 August 1761, the son of Gen. Jedidiah Preble. As a boy, his home was destroyed in the burning of Falmouth by British Naval Commander Henry...	March 3, 1805	2 Stat. 346–347
Captain Isaac Hull Isaac Hull -External links:* *... , Captain Stephen Decatur Stephen Decatur Stephen Decatur, Jr. , was an American naval officer notable for his many naval victories in the early 19th century. He was born on the eastern shore of Maryland, Worcester county, the son of a U.S. Naval Officer who served during the American Revolution. Shortly after attending college Decatur... , and Captain Jacob Jones Jacob Jones Commodore Jacob Nicholas Jones was an officer in the United States Navy during the Quasi-War with France, the Barbary Wars, and the War of 1812.-Biography:...	January 29, 1813	2 Stat. 830
Captain William Bainbridge William Bainbridge William Bainbridge was a Commodore in the United States Navy, notable for his victory over HMS Java during the War of 1812.-Early life:...	March 3, 1813	2 Stat. 831
Captain Oliver Hazard Perry Oliver Hazard Perry United States Navy Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island , the son of USN Captain Christopher Raymond Perry and Sarah Wallace Alexander, a direct descendant of William Wallace... and Captain Jesse D. Elliott	January 6, 1814	3 Stat. 141
Lieutenant Lieutenant A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank... William Ward Burrows II and Lieutenant Edward McCall Edward McCall Captain Edward R. McCall was an officer in the United States Navy during the War of 1812.Born in South Carolina, McCall was appointed midshipman 1 January 1808...	January 6, 1814	3 Stat. 141–142
Captain James Lawrence James Lawrence James Lawrence was an American naval officer. During the War of 1812, he commanded the USS Chesapeake in a single-ship action against HMS Shannon...	January 11, 1814	3 Stat. 142
Captain Thomas Macdonough Thomas MacDonough Thomas Macdonough was an early-19th-century American naval officer noted for his roles in the first Barbary War, and the War of 1812. He was the son of a revolutionary officer, Thomas Sr. who lived close to Middleton, Delaware. Being the sixth child born, he came from a large family of ten... , Captain Robert Henley, and Lieutenant Stephen Cassin Stephen Cassin Stephen Cassin was an officer in the United States Navy.Born in Philadelphia, the son of naval officer John Cassin, Cassin entered the United States Navy as a midshipman in 1800, and served in Philadelphia in the West Indies during the latter part of the Quasi-War with France...	October 20, 1814	3 Stat. 245–246	Heros of Battle of Plattsburgh Battle of Plattsburgh The Battle of Plattsburgh, also known as the Battle of Lake Champlain, ended the final invasion of the northern states during the War of 1812...
Captain Lewis Warrington Lewis Warrington Lewis Warrington was an officer in the United States Navy during the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. He temporarily served as the Secretary of the Navy.-Life and career:...	October 21, 1814	3 Stat. 246
Captain Johnson Blakely	November 3, 1814	3 Stat. 246–247
Major General Jacob Brown Jacob Brown Jacob Jennings Brown was an American army officer in the War of 1812. His successes on the northern border during that war made him a hero. In 1821 he was appointed commanding general of the U.S. Army and held that post until his death.-Early life:Born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Jacob Jennings...	November 3, 1814	3 Stat. 247
Major General Winfield Scott Winfield Scott Winfield Scott was a United States Army general, and unsuccessful presidential candidate of the Whig Party in 1852....	November 3, 1814 March 9, 1848	3 Stat. 247 9 Stat. 333
Brigadier General Eleazar Ripley, Brigadier General James Miller James Miller (general) James Miller was a member of the United States House of Representatives from New Hampshire, the first Governor of Arkansas Territory, and a Brigadier General in the United States Army during the War of 1812.... , and Major General Peter Buell Porter Peter Buell Porter Peter Buell Porter was an American lawyer, soldier and politician who served as United States Secretary of War from 1828 to 1829.-Life:...	November 3, 1814	3 Stat. 247
Major General Edmund P. Gaines Edmund P. Gaines Edmund Pendleton Gaines was a United States army officer who served with distinction during the War of 1812, the Seminole Wars and the Black Hawk War.-Early life:...	November 3, 1814	3 Stat. 247
Major General Alexander Macomb	November 3, 1814	3 Stat. 247
Major General Andrew Jackson Andrew Jackson Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States . Based in frontier Tennessee, Jackson was a politician and army general who defeated the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend , and the British at the Battle of New Orleans...	February 27, 1815	3 Stat. 249
Captain Charles Stewart Charles Stewart (1778-1869) Charles Stewart was an officer in the United States Navy.Born at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Stewart went to sea at the age of thirteen as a cabin boy and rose through the grades to become master of a merchantman. He grew up with Captain Stephen Decatur and Richard Sommers...	February 22, 1816	3 Stat. 341
Captain James Biddle James Biddle James Biddle , of the Biddle family, brother of financier Nicholas Biddle and nephew of Captain Nicholas Biddle, was an American commodore. His flagship was USS Columbus.-Education and early career:...	February 22, 1816	3 Stat. 341
Major General William Henry Harrison William Henry Harrison William Henry Harrison was the ninth President of the United States , an American military officer and politician, and the first president to die in office. He was 68 years, 23 days old when elected, the oldest president elected until Ronald Reagan in 1980, and last President to be born before the... and Governor Isaac Shelby Isaac Shelby Isaac Shelby was the first and fifth Governor of the U.S. state of Kentucky and served in the state legislatures of Virginia and North Carolina. He was also a soldier in Lord Dunmore's War, the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812...	April 4, 1818	3 Stat. 476
Colonel Colonel Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures... George Croghan George Croghan (soldier) right\|thumb\|350px\|Congressional medal presented by Congress Feb. 13, 1835. Obverse: Presented by Congress to Colonel George Croghan, 1835. Bust of Colonel Croghan Reverse: Pars Magna Fuit Ft...	February 13, 1835	4 Stat. 792
Major General Zachary Taylor Zachary Taylor Zachary Taylor was the 12th President of the United States and an American military leader. Initially uninterested in politics, Taylor nonetheless ran as a Whig in the 1848 presidential election, defeating Lewis Cass...	July 16, 1846 March 2, 1847	9 Stat. 111 9 Stat. 206
Rescuers of the Officers and Crew of the U.S. Brig SomersUSS Somers (1842) The second USS Somers was a brig in the United States Navy during the Mexican-American War, infamous for being the only U.S. Navy ship to undergo a mutiny which led to executions....	March 3, 1847	9 Stat. 208
Commander Duncan Ingraham Duncan Ingraham Duncan Nathaniel Ingraham was an officer in the United States Navy who later served in the Confederate States Navy.-U.S. Navy service:...	August 4, 1854	10 Stat. 594–595
Frederick Rose (surgeon)	May 11, 1858	11 Stat. 369
Major General Ulysses S. Grant Ulysses S. Grant Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States as well as military commander during the Civil War and post-war Reconstruction periods. Under Grant's command, the Union Army defeated the Confederate military and ended the Confederate States of America...	December 17, 1863	13 Stat. 399
Cornelius Vanderbilt Cornelius Vanderbilt Cornelius Vanderbilt , also known by the sobriquet Commodore, was an American entrepreneur who built his wealth in shipping and railroads. He was also the patriarch of the Vanderbilt family and one of the richest Americans in history...	January 28, 1864	13 Stat. 401
Captain Creighton, Captain Low, and Captain Stouffer	July 26, 1866	14 Stat. 365–366
Cyrus West Field Cyrus West Field Cyrus West Field was an American businessman and financier who, along with other entrepreneurs, created the Atlantic Telegraph Company and laid the first telegraph cable across the Atlantic Ocean in 1858.-Life and career:...	March 2, 1867	14 Stat. 574
George Peabody George Peabody George Peabody was an American-British entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded the Peabody Trust in Britain and the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, and was responsible for many other charitable initiatives.-Biography:...	March 16, 1867	15 Stat. 20
George F. Robinson	March 1, 1871	16 Stat. 704
Captain Jared Crandall and Others	February 24, 1873	17 Stat. 638
John Horn, Jr.	June 20, 1874 April 28, 1904	18 Stat. 573 33 Stat. 1684–1685
John Fox Slater John Fox Slater John Fox Slater , United States philanthropist known for assisting in the education of emancipated African American slaves.-Early life and career:...	February 5, 1883	22 Stat. 636	United States philanthropist known for assisting in the education of emancipated African American slaves.
\| Joseph Francis Joseph Francis Joseph Francis was a 19th-century American inventor who devoted his life to improving maritime equipment, especially life-saving tools...	August 27, 1888	25 Stat. 1249	Inventor of life-saving tools
Chief Engineer George Wallace Melville and Others	September 30, 1890	26 Stat. 552–553
First Lieutenant Frank Newcomb Frank Newcomb Frank Hamilton Newcomb was a Commodore in the United States Revenue Cutter Service. Commodore Newcomb was most famous for his heroic actions at the Battle of Cárdenas during the Spanish-American War....	May 3, 1900	31 Stat. 717
First Lieutenant David Jarvis, Second Lieutenant Ellsworth P. Bertholf Ellsworth P. Bertholf Ellsworth Price Bertholf was a Congressional Gold Medal recipient who later served as the fourth Captain-Commandant of the United States Revenue Cutter Service and because of the change in the name of the agency, the fourth Commandant of the United States Coast Guard... and Dr. Samuel Call	June 28, 1902	32 Stat. 492	Participants in the Overland Relief Expedition of 1897–98
Wright brothers Wright brothers The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur , were two Americans credited with inventing and building the world's first successful airplane and making the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight, on December 17, 1903...	March 4, 1909	35 Stat. 1627
Captain Arthur Henry Rostron	July 6, 1912	37 Stat. 639
Captain Paul H. Kreibohm and others	March 19, 1914	38 Stat. 769
Domicio da Gama Domício da Gama Domício da Gama was a journalist, diplomat and writer from Brazil. He was Brazil's ambassador to the United States from 1911 to 1918. In 1918 he became Brazil's minister for Foreign Affairs.-See also:... , Romulo Naon, and Eduardo Suarez	March 4, 1915	38 Stat. 1228
Charles Lindbergh Charles Lindbergh Charles Augustus Lindbergh was an American aviator, author, inventor, explorer, and social activist.Lindbergh, a 25-year-old U.S...	May 4, 1928	45 Stat. 490
Lincoln Ellsworth Lincoln Ellsworth Lincoln Ellsworth was an arctic explorer from the United States.-Birth:He was born on May 12, 1880 to James Ellsworth and Eva Frances Butler in Chicago, Illinois... , Roald Amundsen Roald Amundsen Roald Engelbregt Gravning Amundsen was a Norwegian explorer of polar regions. He led the first Antarctic expedition to reach the South Pole between 1910 and 1912 and he was the first person to reach both the North and South Poles. He is also known as the first to traverse the Northwest Passage.... , and Umberto Nobile Umberto Nobile Umberto Nobile was an Italian aeronautical engineer and Arctic explorer. Nobile was a developer and promoter of semi-rigid airships during the Golden Age of Aviation between the two World Wars...	May 29, 1928	45 Stat. 2026–2027
Thomas Edison Thomas Edison Thomas Alva Edison was an American inventor and businessman. He developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world, including the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and a long-lasting, practical electric light bulb. In addition, he created the world’s first industrial...	May 29, 1928	45 Stat. 1012
First Successful Trans-Atlantic Flight NC-4 The NC-4 was a Curtiss NC flying boat which was designed by Glenn Curtiss and his team, and manufactured by Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company. In May 1919, the NC-4 became the first aircraft to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, starting in the United States and making the crossing as far as Lisbon,...	February 9, 1929	45 Stat. 1158
Major Walter Reed Walter Reed Major Walter Reed, M.D., was a U.S. Army physician who in 1900 led the team that postulated and confirmed the theory that yellow fever is transmitted by a particular mosquito species, rather than by direct contact... and Associates for Yellow Fever Experimentations in Cuba	February 28, 1929	45 Stat. 1409–1410
Officers and Men of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition	May 23, 1930	46 Stat. 379
Lincoln Ellsworth Lincoln Ellsworth Lincoln Ellsworth was an arctic explorer from the United States.-Birth:He was born on May 12, 1880 to James Ellsworth and Eva Frances Butler in Chicago, Illinois...	June 16, 1936	49 Stat. 2324
George Cohan George M. Cohan George Michael Cohan , known professionally as George M. Cohan, was a major American entertainer, playwright, composer, lyricist, actor, singer, dancer, and producer....	June 29, 1936	49 Stat. 2371
Mrs. Richard Aldrich Richard Aldrich Richard Aldrich was an American music critic. From 1902–23, he was music critic for The New York Times.Aldrich was born in Providence, Rhode Island and graduated A.B. in 1885 from Harvard College, where he had studied music. He began his journalistic career on the Providence Journal... and Anna Bouligny	June 20, 1938	52 Stat. 1365
Howard Hughes Howard Hughes Howard Robard Hughes, Jr. was an American business magnate, investor, aviator, engineer, film producer, director, and philanthropist. He was one of the wealthiest people in the world...	August 7, 1939	53 Stat. 1525
Reverend Francis X. Quinn	August 10, 1939	53 Stat. 1533	Pastor of the Church of the Guardian Angel in New York City. Honored for risking his life in persuading a gunman holding an elderly couple hostage to surrender to police.
William Sinnott William Sinnott William Sinnott , who was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in 1940 in recognition of his service to President Franklin D. Roosevelt during an assassination attempt on FDR in 1933...	June 15, 1940	54 Stat. 1283
Roland Boucher	January 20, 1942	56 Stat. 1099–1100
George Catlett Marshall George Marshall George Catlett Marshall was an American military leader, Chief of Staff of the Army, Secretary of State, and the third Secretary of Defense... , General of the Army, and Fleet Admiral Ernest Joseph King	March 22, 1946	60 Stat. 1134–1135
John J. Pershing John J. Pershing John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing, GCB , was a general officer in the United States Army who led the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I... , General of the Armies of the United States	August 7, 1946	60 Stat. 1297–1298
Brigadier General Billy Mitchell	August 8, 1946	60 Stat. 1319
Vice President Alben W. Barkley Alben W. Barkley Alben William Barkley was an American politician in the Democratic Party who served as the 35th Vice President of the United States , under President Harry S. Truman....	August 12, 1949	P.L. 81-221, 63 Stat. 599
Irving Berlin Irving Berlin Irving Berlin was an American composer and lyricist of Jewish heritage, widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history.His first hit song, "Alexander's Ragtime Band", became world famous...	July 16, 1954	P.L. 83-536, 68 Stat. A120
Doctor Jonas Salk Jonas Salk Jonas Edward Salk was an American medical researcher and virologist, best known for his discovery and development of the first safe and effective polio vaccine. He was born in New York City to parents from Ashkenazi Jewish Russian immigrant families...	August 9, 1955	P.L. 84-297, 69 Stat. 589
Surviving Veterans of the American Civil War American Civil War The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...	July 18, 1956	P.L. 84-730, 70 Stat. 577
Rear Admiral Hyman Rickover	August 28, 1958	P.L. 85-826, 72 Stat. 985
Doctor Robert Goddard	September 16, 1959	P.L. 86-277, 73 Stat. 562-563
Robert Frost Robert Frost Robert Lee Frost was an American poet. He is highly regarded for his realistic depictions of rural life and his command of American colloquial speech. His work frequently employed settings from rural life in New England in the early twentieth century, using them to examine complex social and...	September 13, 1960	P.L. 86-747, 74 Stat. 883
Doctor Thomas Anthony Dooley III	May 27, 1961	P.L. 87-42, 75 Stat. 87
Bob Hope Bob Hope Bob Hope, KBE, KCSG, KSS was a British-born American comedian and actor who appeared in vaudeville, on Broadway, and in radio, television and movies. He was also noted for his work with the US Armed Forces and his numerous USO shows entertaining American military personnel...	June 8, 1962	P.L. 87-478, 76 Stat. 93
Sam Rayburn Sam Rayburn Samuel Taliaferro Rayburn , often called "Mr. Sam," or "Mr. Democrat," was a Democratic lawmaker from Bonham, Texas, who served as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives for seventeen years, the longest tenure in U.S. history.- Background :Rayburn was born in Roane County, Tennessee, and... , Speaker of the House of Representatives	September 26, 1962	P.L. 87-478, 76 Stat. 605
Douglas MacArthur Douglas MacArthur General of the Army Douglas MacArthur was an American general and field marshal of the Philippine Army. He was a Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for his service in the... , General of the Army	October 9, 1962	P.L. 87-760, 76 Stat. 760
Walt Disney Walt Disney Walter Elias "Walt" Disney was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist, well-known for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. Along with his brother Roy O...	May 24, 1968	P.L. 90-316, 82 Stat. 130–131
Sir Winston Churchill Winston Churchill Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, was a predominantly Conservative British politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the century and served as Prime Minister twice...	May 7, 1969	P.L. 91-12, 83 Stat. 8–9
Roberto Clemente Roberto Clemente Roberto Clemente Walker was a Puerto Rican Major League Baseball right fielder. He was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the youngest of seven children. Clemente played his entire 18-year baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates . He was awarded the National League's Most Valuable Player Award in...	May 14, 1973	P.L. 93-33, 87 Stat. 71
Marian Anderson Marian Anderson Marian Anderson was an African-American contralto and one of the most celebrated singers of the twentieth century...	March 8, 1977	P.L. 95-9, 91 Stat. 19
Lieutenant General Ira Eaker	October 10, 1978	P.L. 95-438, 92 Stat. 1060
Robert Kennedy	November 1, 1978	P.L. 95-560, 92 Stat. 2142
John Wayne John Wayne Marion Mitchell Morrison , better known by his stage name John Wayne, was an American film actor, director and producer. He epitomized rugged masculinity and became an enduring American icon. He is famous for his distinctive calm voice, walk, and height...	May 26, 1979	P.L. 96-15, 93 Stat. 32
Ben Abruzzo Ben Abruzzo Benjamin L. Abruzzo was an American hot air balloonist and businessman. He helped increase the reputation of Albuquerque as a center of lighter-than-air and hot-air ballooning.-Biography:... , Maxie Anderson Maxie Anderson Max Leroy Anderson was an American hot air balloonist and businessman. He helped place Albuquerque on the map as the balloon capital of the world... , and Larry Newman Larry Newman E. W. "Larry" Newman was a rugby union player who represented Australia.Newman, a wing, was born in Sydney, New South Wales and claimed 1 international rugby cap for Australia.-References:...	June 13, 1979	P.L. 96-20, 93 Stat. 45	Awarded for the first manned balloon crossing of the Atlantic ocean in the Double Eagle II Double Eagle II Double Eagle II, piloted by Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman, became the first balloon to cross the Atlantic Ocean when it landed 17 August 1978 in Miserey near Paris, 137 hours 6 minutes after leaving Presque Isle, Maine....
Hubert Humphrey Hubert Humphrey Hubert Horatio Humphrey, Jr. , served under President Lyndon B. Johnson as the 38th Vice President of the United States. Humphrey twice served as a United States Senator from Minnesota, and served as Democratic Majority Whip. He was a founder of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and...	June 13, 1979	P.L. 96-91, 93 Stat. 46
American Red Cross American Red Cross The American Red Cross , also known as the American National Red Cross, is a volunteer-led, humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education inside the United States. It is the designated U.S...	December 12, 1979	P.L. 96-138, 93 Stat. 1063
Ambassador Kenneth D. Taylor OC	March 6, 1980	P.L. 96-201, 94 Stat. 79
Simon Wiesenthal Simon Wiesenthal Simon Wiesenthal KBE was an Austrian Holocaust survivor who became famous after World War II for his work as a Nazi hunter....	March 17, 1980	P.L. 96-211, 94 Stat. 101
1980 US Olympic Team	July 8, 1980	P.L. 96-306 94 Stat. 937
Queen Beatrix I of the Netherlands Beatrix of the Netherlands Beatrix is the Queen regnant of the Kingdom of the Netherlands comprising the Netherlands, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and Aruba. She is the first daughter of Queen Juliana of the Netherlands and Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld. She studied law at Leiden University...	March 22, 1982	P.L. 97-158, 96 Stat. 18–19
Admiral Hyman Rickover (second time)	June 23, 1982	P.L. 97-201, 96 Stat. 126–127
Fred Waring Fred Waring Fredrick Malcolm Waring was a popular musician, bandleader and radio-television personality, sometimes referred to as "America's Singing Master" and "The Man Who Taught America How to Sing." He was also a promoter, financial backer and namesake of the Waring Blendor, the first modern electric...	August 26, 1982	P.L. 97-246, 96 Stat. 315–316
Joe Louis Joe Louis Joseph Louis Barrow , better known as Joe Louis, was the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1937 to 1949. He is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweights of all time...	August 26, 1982	P.L. 97-246, 96 Stat. 315–316
Louis L'Amour Louis L'Amour Louis Dearborn L'Amour was an American author. His books consisted primarily of Western fiction novels , however he also wrote historical fiction , science fiction , nonfiction , as well as poetry and short-story collections. Many of his stories were made into movies...	August 26, 1982	P.L. 97-246, 96 Stat. 315–316
Leo Ryan Leo Ryan Leo Joseph Ryan, Jr. was an American politician of the Democratic Party. He served as a U.S. Representative from California's 11th congressional district from 1973 until he was murdered in Guyana by members of the Peoples Temple shortly before the Jonestown Massacre in 1978.After the Watts Riots...	November 18, 1983	P.L. 98-159, 97 Stat. 992
Danny Thomas Danny Thomas Danny Thomas was an American nightclub comedian and television and film actor, best known for starring in the television sitcom Make Room for Daddy . He was also the founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital...	November 29, 1983	P.L. 98-172, 97 Stat. 1119–1120
Harry S. Truman Harry S. Truman Harry S. Truman was the 33rd President of the United States . As President Franklin D. Roosevelt's third vice president and the 34th Vice President of the United States , he succeeded to the presidency on April 12, 1945, when President Roosevelt died less than three months after beginning his...	May 8, 1984	P.L. 98-278, 98 Stat. 173–175
Lady Bird Johnson Lady Bird Johnson Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Taylor Johnson was First Lady of the United States from 1963 to 1969 during the presidency of her husband Lyndon B. Johnson. Throughout her life, she was an advocate for beautification of the nation's cities and highways and conservation of natural resources and made that...	May 8, 1984	P.L. 98-278, 98 Stat. 173–175
Elie Wiesel Elie Wiesel Sir Eliezer "Elie" Wiesel KBE; born September 30, 1928) is a Hungarian-born Jewish-American writer, professor, political activist, Nobel Laureate, and Holocaust survivor. He is the author of 57 books, including Night, a work based on his experiences as a prisoner in the Auschwitz, Buna, and...	May 8, 1984	P.L. 98-278, 98 Stat. 173–175
Roy Wilkins Roy Wilkins Roy Wilkins was a prominent civil rights activist in the United States from the 1930s to the 1970s. Wilkins' most notable role was in his leadership of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ....	May 17, 1984	P.L. 98-285, 98 Stat. 186
George Gershwin George Gershwin George Gershwin was an American composer and pianist. Gershwin's compositions spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular melodies are widely known... and Ira Gershwin Ira Gershwin Ira Gershwin was an American lyricist who collaborated with his younger brother, composer George Gershwin, to create some of the most memorable songs of the 20th century....	August 9, 1985	P.L. 99-86, 99 Stat. 288–289
Natan Sharansky Natan Sharansky Natan Sharansky was born in Stalino, Soviet Union on 20 January 1948 to a Jewish family. He graduated with a degree in applied mathematics from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. As a child, he was a chess prodigy. He performed in simultaneous and blindfold displays, usually against... and Avital Shcharansky	May 13, 1986	P.L. 99-298, 100 Stat. 432–433
Harry Chapin Harry Chapin Harry Forster Chapin was an American singer-songwriter best known in particular for his folk rock songs including "Taxi", "WOL*D", and the number-one hit "Cat's in the Cradle". Chapin was also a dedicated humanitarian who fought to end world hunger; he was a key player in the creation of the...	May 20, 1986	P.L. 99-311, 100 Stat. 464
Aaron Copland Aaron Copland Aaron Copland was an American composer, composition teacher, writer, and later in his career a conductor of his own and other American music. He was instrumental in forging a distinctly American style of composition, and is often referred to as "the Dean of American Composers"...	September 23, 1986	P.L. 99-418, Stat. 952–953
Mary Lasker Mary Lasker Mary Woodard Lasker was an American health activist. She worked to raise funds for medical research, and founded the Lasker Foundation....	December 24, 1987	, 101 Stat. 1441
Jesse Owens Jesse Owens James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens was an American track and field athlete who specialized in the sprints and the long jump. He participated in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, where he achieved international fame by winning four gold medals: one each in the 100 meters, the 200 meters, the...	September 20, 1988	, 102 Stat. 1717
Andrew Wyeth Andrew Wyeth Andrew Newell Wyeth was a visual artist, primarily a realist painter, working predominantly in a regionalist style. He was one of the best-known U.S. artists of the middle 20th century....	November 9, 1988	, 102 Stat. 3331–3332
Laurance Rockefeller Laurance Rockefeller Laurance Spelman Rockefeller was a venture capitalist, financier, philanthropist, a major conservationist and a prominent third-generation member of the Rockefeller family. He was the fourth child of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and brother to John D...	May 17, 1990	, 104 Stat. 197–199
General Matthew Ridgway Matthew Ridgway Matthew Bunker Ridgway was a United States Army General. He held several major commands and was most famous for resurrecting the United Nations war effort during the Korean War. Several historians have credited Ridgway for turning around the war in favor of the UN side...	November 5, 1990	, 104 Stat. 1720–1721
General H. Norman Schwarzkopf Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr. General Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf KCB , also known as "Stormin' Norman" and "The Bear", is a retired United States Army General who, while he served as Commander of U.S. Central Command, was commander of the Coalition Forces in the Gulf War of 1991.-Early life:Schwarzkopf was born in Trenton, New...	April 23, 1991	, 105 Stat. 175–176
General Colin Powell Colin Powell Colin Luther Powell is an American statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005. He was the first African American to serve in that position. During his military...	April 23, 1991	, 105 Stat. 177–178
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson Menachem Mendel Schneerson Menachem Mendel Schneerson , known as the Lubavitcher Rebbe or just the Rebbe among his followers, was a prominent Hasidic rabbi who was the seventh and last Rebbe of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. He was fifth in a direct paternal line to the third Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, Menachem Mendel...	November 2, 1994	, 108 Stat. 4799–4800
Ruth Graham Ruth Graham Ruth Bell Graham , wife of the famous evangelist Billy Graham, was born at Qingjiang, Kiangsu, China as Ruth McCue Bell, the second of five children. Her parents, Dr. and Mrs. L. Nelson Bell, were medical missionaries at the Presbyterian Hospital 300 miles north of Shanghai... and Billy Graham Billy Graham William Franklin "Billy" Graham, Jr. is an American evangelical Christian evangelist. As of April 25, 2010, when he met with Barack Obama, Graham has spent personal time with twelve United States Presidents dating back to Harry S. Truman, and is number seven on Gallup's list of admired people for...	February 13, 1996	, 110 Stat. 772–773
Frank Sinatra Frank Sinatra Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra was an American singer and actor.Beginning his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became an unprecedentedly successful solo artist in the early to mid-1940s, after being signed to Columbia Records in 1943. Being the idol of the...	May 14, 1997	, 111 Stat. 32–33
Mother Teresa Mother Teresa Mother Teresa , born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu , was a Roman Catholic nun of Albanian ethnicity and Indian citizenship, who founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India, in 1950...	June 2, 1997	, 111 Stat. 35–36
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I	October 6, 1997	, 111 Stat. 117-1171
Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing...	July 29, 1998	, 112 Stat. 895–896
Little Rock Nine Little Rock Nine The Little Rock Nine was a group of African-American students who were enrolled in Little Rock Central High School in 1957. The ensuing Little Rock Crisis, in which the students were initially prevented from entering the racially segregated school by Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus, and then...	October 21, 1998	, 112 Stat. 2681-597
Gerald Ford Gerald Ford Gerald Rudolph "Jerry" Ford, Jr. was the 38th President of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977, and the 40th Vice President of the United States serving from 1973 to 1974... and Betty Ford Betty Ford Elizabeth Ann Bloomer Warren Ford , better known as Betty Ford, was First Lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977 during the presidency of her husband Gerald Ford...	October 21, 1998	, 112 Stat. 2681-598
Rosa Parks Rosa Parks Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was an African-American civil rights activist, whom the U.S. Congress called "the first lady of civil rights", and "the mother of the freedom movement"....	May 4, 1999	, 113 Stat. 50–51
Theodore Hesburgh Theodore Hesburgh The Rev. Theodore Martin Hesburgh, CSC, STD , a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, is President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame. He is the namesake for TIAA-CREF's Hesburgh Award....	December 9, 1999	, 113 Stat. 1733–1734
John Joseph O'Connor	March 3, 2000	, 114 Stat. 20–21
Charles Schulz	June 20, 2000	, 114 Stat. 457–458	"Our country owes Charles Schulz a great deal. His comic art has changed American culture and brightened the lives of millions of Americans. This ceremony today offers one tangible way for our country to express thanks to a truly great American." — United States Senator Dianne Feinstein Dianne Feinstein Dianne Goldman Berman Feinstein is the senior U.S. Senator from California. A member of the Democratic Party, she has served in the Senate since 1992. She also served as 38th Mayor of San Francisco from 1978 to 1988.... , sponsor of the bill.
Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul II Blessed Pope John Paul II , born Karol Józef Wojtyła , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005, at of age. His was the second-longest documented pontificate, which lasted ; only Pope Pius IX ...	July 27, 2000	, 114 Stat. 622–623	Speaker of the House of Representatives Speaker of the United States House of Representatives The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, or Speaker of the House, is the presiding officer of the United States House of Representatives... Dennis Hastert Dennis Hastert John Dennis "Denny" Hastert was the 59th Speaker of the House serving from 1999 to 2007. He represented as a Republican for twenty years, 1987 to 2007.He is the longest-serving Republican Speaker in history... and Representative United States House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution... John Joseph Moakley led a delegation from the U.S. Congress to bring Pope John Paul II the Congressional Gold Medal on January 8, 2001.
Ronald Reagan Ronald Reagan Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor.... and Nancy Reagan Nancy Reagan Nancy Davis Reagan is the widow of former United States President Ronald Reagan and was First Lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989....	July 27, 2000	, 114 Stat. 624–625	"I am sure that each and every one of you have your own special memory of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. I know I do. Many Americans remember how the Reagan's sparked a renewal of hope and optimism in a nation that was beginning to lose faith in the American dream. This renewed patriotism will always remain one of their most enduring legacies. Ronald and Nancy Reagan shared a remarkable grace, a rare charm that set both the American public and world leaders at lease." — U.S. Rep. Jim Gibbons, Republican of Nevada Nevada Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its... , statement made at award ceremony at Rotunda on Capitol Hill.
Navajo Code Talkers	December 21, 2000	, 114 Stat. 2763	"Today, we marked a moment of shared history and shared victory. We recall a story that all Americans can celebrate and every America should know. It is a story of ancient people called to serve in a modern war. It is a story of one unbreakable oral code of the Second World War, messages travelling by field radio on Iwo Jima in the very language heard across the Colorado plateau centuries ago." — statement by President George W. Bush George W. Bush George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000.... when giving the award the 29 American Navajo code talkers.
General Hugh Shelton Hugh Shelton General Henry Hugh Shelton is a retired American career military officer of the United States Army. He served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1997 to 2001.-Early life, family and education:...	January 16, 2002	, 115 Stat. 2405–2406	"Throughout his 38 years of service to his country, his ascent through the ranks of the Army, two tours in Vietnam and duty in Operation Desert Storm, Gen. Shelton has carried with him the North Carolina values of service, sacrifice, love of family, faith in God and devotion to country." — U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge Bob Etheridge Bobby Ray "Bob" Etheridge is the former U.S. Representative for , serving from 1997 until 2011. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He was defeated in the 2010 election by Renee Ellmers.-Early life, education and career:... , who helped write the legislation honoring Shelton.
British Prime Minister Prime Minister of the United Kingdom The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the Head of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister and Cabinet are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to the Sovereign, to Parliament, to their political party and... Tony Blair Tony Blair Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is a former British Labour Party politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2 May 1997 to 27 June 2007. He was the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield from 1983 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007...	July 18, 2003	, 117, Stat. 862–863	"America has many allies, but as we have seen in recent months, we can count on Great Britain to fulfill the duties of a true friend in tough times. I applaud Tony Blair's extraordinary leadership and his continued support of the United States." — U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite Ginny Brown-Waite Virginia "Ginny" Brown-Waite is the former U.S. Representative for , serving from 2003 until 2011. She is a member of the Republican Party.... , sponsor of the bill in the United States House of Representatives United States House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution... .
Jackie Robinson Jackie Robinson Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947...	October 29, 2003	, 117 Stat. 1195–1197	"His story is one that shows what one person can do to hold America to account to its founding promise of freedom and equality. It's a lesson for people coming up to see. One person can make a big difference in setting the tone of this country." — President George W. Bush George W. Bush George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000.... , on presenting the award to Robinson's widow Rachel Robinson.
Dr. Dorothy Height Dorothy Height Dorothy Irene Height was an American administrator, educator, and social activist. She was the president of the National Council of Negro Women for forty years, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004.-Early life:Height was born in...	December 6, 2003	, 117 Stat. 2017	"She's a woman of enormous accomplishment. She's a friend of first ladies like Eleanor Roosevelt, Hillary Rodham Clinton. She's known every president since Dwight David Eisenhower. She's told every president what she thinks since Dwight David Eisenhower. Truth of the matter is, she was the giant of the civil rights movement." — President George W. Bush George W. Bush George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000.... , on presenting Height with the award.
Joseph A. DeLaine Joseph DeLaine Reverend Joseph Armstrong DeLaine was a Methodist minister and civil rights leader from Clarendon County, South Carolina. He received a B.A. from Allen University in 1931, working as a laborer and running a dry cleaning business to pay for his education. DeLaine worked with Modjeska Simkins and... , Harry & Eliza Briggs, and Levi Pearson	December 15, 2003	, 117 Stat. 2645–2647	The four filed lawsuits in South Carolina South Carolina South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence... which helped lead to Brown v. Board of Education Brown v. Board of Education Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 , was a landmark decision of the United States Supreme Court that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional. The decision overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson decision of 1896 which... . "These were ordinary citizens who did an extraordinary thing. Their courage and commitment to fight for a better education for their children in Clarendon County, South Carolina, has benefited generations of children nationwide." — Jim Clyburn Jim Clyburn James Enos "Jim" Clyburn is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1993, and the Assistant Democratic Leader since 2011. He was previously House Majority Whip, serving in that post from 2007 to 2011. He is a member of the Democratic Party... , Democratic Congressman, helped push the legislation through along with Democratic Senator Ernest Hollings Ernest Hollings Ernest Frederick "Fritz" Hollings served as a Democratic United States Senator from South Carolina from 1966 to 2005, as well as the 106th Governor of South Carolina and Lt. Governor . He served 38 years and 55 days in the Senate, which makes him the 8th-longest-serving Senator in history... , both of South Carolina.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods following the... and Coretta Scott King Coretta Scott King Coretta Scott King was an American author, activist, and civil rights leader. The widow of Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King helped lead the African-American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.Mrs...	October 25, 2004	,	"Dr. King had a dream of peace and equality and dedicated his life to achieving that dream. Throughout his brief but remarkable life, Dr. King stood for the causes of freedom, justice and equality." — Carl Levin Carl Levin Carl Milton Levin is a Jewish-American United States Senator from Michigan, serving since 1979. He is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services. He is a member of the Democratic Party.... , Democratic Senator from Michigan Michigan Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake".... , pushed through bill in United States Senate.
Tuskegee Airmen Tuskegee Airmen The Tuskegee Airmen is the popular name of a group of African American pilots who fought in World War II. Formally, they were the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the U.S. Army Air Corps....	April 11, 2006	,	"The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of 994 African American pilots who gained fame during WWII for their heroism escorting American bombers in raids over Europe and North Africa. Their distinguished service is credited with influencing President Truman to desegregate the U.S. military." — Congressman Charles B. Rangel Charles B. Rangel Charles Bernard "Charlie" Rangel is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1971. A member of the Democratic Party, he is the third-longest currently serving member of the House of Representatives. As its most senior member, he is also the Dean of New York's congressional delegation... , Press Release.
Tenzin Gyatso 14th Dalai Lama The 14th Dalai Lama is the 14th and current Dalai Lama. Dalai Lamas are the most influential figures in the Gelugpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, although the 14th has consolidated control over the other lineages in recent years... , the 14th Dalai Lama Dalai Lama The Dalai Lama is a high lama in the Gelug or "Yellow Hat" branch of Tibetan Buddhism. The name is a combination of the Mongolian word далай meaning "Ocean" and the Tibetan word bla-ma meaning "teacher"...	September 27, 2006	,	In recognition of the Dalai Lama's: "many enduring and outstanding contributions to peace, non-violence, human rights and religious understanding". — (Pub.L. 109-287)
Byron Nelson Byron Nelson John Byron Nelson, Jr. was an American PGA Tour golfer between 1935 and 1946.Nelson and two other well known golfers of the time, Ben Hogan and Sam Snead, were born within seven months of each other in 1912...	October 16, 2006	,	"The Congressional Gold Medal is given to individuals who exemplify the American spirit by serving their community and helping those less fortunate, which is what Byron Nelson devoted his life to doing. The lives of countless Americans were touched because of the compassion, dedication and generosity of this great Texan." — John Cornyn John Cornyn John Cornyn, III is the junior United States Senator for Texas, serving since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party. He was elected Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee for the 111th U.S. Congress.... , Republican Senator from Texas Texas Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in... .
Dr. Norman Borlaug Norman Borlaug Norman Ernest Borlaug was an American agronomist, humanitarian, and Nobel laureate who has been called "the father of the Green Revolution". Borlaug was one of only six people to have won the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal...	December 6, 2006		"The most fitting tribute we can offer this good man is to renew ourselves to his life's work, and lead a second Green Revolution that feeds the world, and today we'll make a pledge to do so." — President George W. Bush George W. Bush George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000.... , statement at Capitol Rotunda ceremony.
Dr. Michael E. DeBakey Michael E. DeBakey Michael Elias DeBakey was a world-renowned Lebanese-American cardiac surgeon, innovator, scientist, medical educator, and international medical statesman...	October 2, 2007		"Dr. DeBakey’s medical advances have contributed so much to our country and the world. Not only did he perfect the heart transplant procedure which has saved so many lives, but he also invented the M.A.S.H. unit. As a veteran of World War II, he saw our young men dying on the battlefield and was determined to improve medical care to save lives. Dr. DeBakey will receive the Congressional Gold Medal for these lasting contributions." — Kay Bailey Hutchison Kay Bailey Hutchison Kathryn Ann Bailey Hutchison, known as Kay Bailey Hutchison , is the senior United States Senator from Texas.She is a member of the Republican Party. In 2001, she was named one of the thirty most powerful women in America by Ladies Home Journal. The first woman to represent Texas in the U.S.... Republican Senator who introduced the legislation.
Aung San Suu Kyi Aung San Suu Kyi Aung San Suu Kyi, AC is a Burmese opposition politician and the General Secretary of the National League for Democracy. In the 1990 general election, her National League for Democracy party won 59% of the national votes and 81% of the seats in Parliament. She had, however, already been detained...	May 5, 2008		"This is a well-deserved honour for a remarkable woman who has led the struggle for freedom and democracy in her country". — Mitch McConnell Mitch McConnell Addison Mitchell "Mitch" McConnell, Jr. is the senior United States Senator from Kentucky and the Republican Minority Leader.- Early life, education, and military service :... , then-leader of Republican United States Senators United States Senate The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each... and sponsor of effort to award the medal to Suu Kyi.
Constantino Brumidi Constantino Brumidi Constantino Brumidi was an Greek/Italian-American historical painter, best known and honored for his fresco work in the Capitol Building in Washington, DC.-Parentage and early life:...	July 1, 2008
Edward William Brooke III	July 1, 2008
Women Airforce Service Pilots Women Airforce Service Pilots The Women Airforce Service Pilots and its predecessor groups the Women's Flying Training Detachment and the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron were pioneering organizations of civilian female pilots employed to fly military aircraft under the direction of the United States Army Air Forces...	July 1, 2009		From November 1942 through December 1944, a group of American women trained and served as Army pilots across the country. Twenty-five thousand applied. Over 1,800 were accepted into the program and 1,102 graduated and served their nation. They replaced male pilots so each could support the war effort overseas and were the first women to fly American made war planes. WASP duties included ferrying new aircraft from the factory to bases across the country, testing aircraft systems, transporting personnel, training others by, among other tasks, towing targets for gunners and other flying tasks. Their training program started in Houston, Texas and was moved to Sweetwater, Texas for better flying weather. They served at 120 bases across America and flew over 60,000,000 miles in every aircraft the Army had. These aircraft included the AT-6 AT-6 AT-6 may refer to:* AT-6 Spiral, the NATO reporting name for an anti-tank missile system of the Soviet Union.* T-6 Texan, a WW2-era training aircraft used by numerous air forces.... , P-51, P-47, B-17, B-24, B-26, B-29 and all the rest. Flying, however is risky. Thirty-eight of the 1,830 accepted into the program lost their lives.
Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin, Jr. Buzz Aldrin Buzz Aldrin is an American mechanical engineer, retired United States Air Force pilot and astronaut who was the Lunar Module pilot on Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing in history... , Michael Collins Michael Collins (astronaut) Michael Collins is a former American astronaut and test pilot. Selected as part of the third group of fourteen astronauts in 1963, he flew in space twice. His first spaceflight was Gemini 10, in which he and command pilot John Young performed two rendezvous with different spacecraft and Collins... , and John Herschel Glenn, Jr.	August 7, 2009		New Frontier Congressional Gold Medal Act
Arnold Palmer Arnold Palmer Arnold Daniel Palmer is an American professional golfer, who is generally regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men's professional golf. He has won numerous events on both the PGA Tour and Champions Tour, dating back to 1955...	September 30, 2009
100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team 442nd Regimental Combat Team The 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army, was composed of Japanese-American enlisted men and mostly Caucasian officers. They fought primarily in Europe during World War II, beginning in 1944. The families of many of its soldiers were subject to internment... , and the Military Intelligence Service Military Intelligence Service (United States) The Military Intelligence Service was a World War II U.S. military unit consisting of two branches, the Japanese American Unit described here and the German-Austrian Unit based at Camp Ritchie, described partly in Ritchie Boys. The unit described here was primarily composed of Japanese-American...	October 8, 2010		In recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.