This bill posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the United States Colored Troops (USCT) who served in the Civil War, recognizing their valor and crucial role in preserving the Union and freeing enslaved people.
Eleanor Norton
Representative
DC
The "United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act" directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the African Americans who served with the Union forces during the Civil War. It directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and create the gold medal, which will be displayed by the Smithsonian Institution and available for research. The Act also authorizes the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs.
Congressional Gold Medal to Honor United States Colored Troops: Recognition for Civil War Service
The "United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act" finally gives long-overdue recognition to the nearly 200,000 African-American soldiers and 19,000 sailors who fought for the Union during the Civil War. This bill authorizes the posthumous awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal – one of the nation's highest civilian honors – to these brave individuals, acknowledging their crucial role in preserving the Union and ending slavery.
Honoring the Legacy
The bill doesn't just hand out a medal; it tells a story. It highlights how, despite facing discrimination, these men (and even women who served in supporting roles) served with immense courage. The Act acknowledges the initial resistance to arming Black soldiers, President Lincoln's eventual recognition of their importance, and the official formation of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) in 1863 (SEC. 2). Eighteen USCT members and eight African-American sailors even earned the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for valor (SEC. 2).
Making It Real: The Medal and Beyond
The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate will arrange the presentation of the medal (SEC. 3). The Secretary of the Treasury is tasked with designing and striking the actual gold medal (SEC. 3). But this isn't just about a single medal locked away somewhere. The Smithsonian Institution is required to display the medal and make it available for research (SEC. 3). Congress also suggests displaying it at other locations connected to the USCT, ensuring this history reaches a wider audience (SEC. 3).
Paying for History
To cover the costs, the Secretary of the Treasury can create and sell bronze duplicates of the medal (SEC. 4). The price will be set to cover all production expenses, and the proceeds will go back into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund (SEC. 6). The Act also clarifies that these medals are considered national medals and numismatic items (meaning they're collectible) (SEC. 5). This means the recognition effort won't burden taxpayers, and the sale of duplicates could even generate some revenue.
Real-World Impact
For descendants of USCT soldiers and sailors, this medal represents a powerful symbol of acknowledgment and respect. It's a tangible recognition of their ancestors' sacrifices, a story often overlooked in mainstream history. For historians, educators, and museums (like the African American Civil War Museum already in D.C., mentioned in the Findings), this provides another valuable resource for teaching and research. It elevates the story of the USCT, making it more accessible to everyone, from students learning about the Civil War to anyone interested in a more complete picture of American history.