The United States Congress awarded its first
Gold Medal
A gold medal is a medal awarded for highest achievement in a non-military field. Its name derives from the use of at least a fraction of gold in form of plating or alloying in its manufacture.
Since the eighteenth century, gold medals have bee ...
to George Washington. Silver and Bronze medals have sometimes been awarded in conjunction with the higher award. A Bronze medal should not be confused with a bronze duplicate of a gold medal. Bronze duplicates of gold medals are sometimes offered for sale by the U.S. Mint.
Bronze medals are rarely awarded:
*In 1900, Congress directed that a gold medal be made for First Lieutenant
Frank H. Newcomb, and to each of his officers a silver medal, and to each member of his crew a bronze medal. (31 Stat. 716)
*In 1914, Congress directed that gold medals be made for steamship captain
Paul H. Kreibohm and four additional officers, with silver and bronze medals awarded to other members of his crew. (38 Stat. 769)
*In 1930, Congress directed that gold, silver, and bronze medals be made for the officers and men of the
Byrd Antarctic expedition
Richard Evelyn Byrd Jr. (October 25, 1888 – March 11, 1957) was an American naval officer and explorer. He was a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the highest honor for valor given by the United States, and was a pioneering American aviator, p ...
.
46 Stat. 379
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*In 1945, Congress directed that gold, silver, and bronze medals be made for the members of the United States Antarctic Expedition of 1939–1941 (Public Law 79-185, 59 Stat. 536).
Congress may also authorize the U.S. Mint to strike commemorative bronze medals, such as the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal.
References
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American awards