This bill authorizes the posthumous award of the Congressional Gold Medal to James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell for their bravery and service to the Union as civilian members of Andrews' Raiders during the Civil War, with the medal to be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. It also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs.
Charles "Chuck" Fleischmann
Representative
TN-3
The "James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell Congressional Gold Medal Act" posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell, the only civilian members of Andrews' Raiders, for their extraordinary bravery and service to the Union during the Civil War. The medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display, with the hope that it will be prominently featured at the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Museum. The Act also authorizes the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to offset production costs.
Congress to Honor Civil War Spies with Gold Medal: Andrews and Campbell Recognized for 'Great Locomotive Chase'
Congress is set to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell, two civilians who played key roles in the daring Civil War raid known as the 'Great Locomotive Chase.' This bill, officially named the 'James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell Congressional Gold Medal Act' (SEC. 1), formally recognizes their "extraordinary bravery and steadfast devotion to the Nation." (SEC. 2).
Rails of Valor
The bill highlights the 1862 mission where Andrews, Campbell, and a group of Union soldiers (known as Andrews' Raiders) hijacked a Confederate train, "The General," aiming to cripple a vital supply line by destroying tracks and bridges along the Western and Atlantic Railroad (SEC. 2). While the mission ultimately fell short, and Andrews, along with some of his men, were captured and executed, their actions were considered incredibly brave. The bill acknowledges that 21 of the 24 Raiders eventually received the Medal of Honor, some as recently as 2024, recognizing the significance of their efforts. (SEC. 2). The bill authorizes the creation of a single gold medal to be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. (SEC. 3).
Beyond the Medal
The legislation goes beyond just awarding the medal. The Treasury Secretary is authorized to strike bronze duplicates of the medal, which can be sold to the public (SEC. 4). Proceeds from these sales will go back into the United States Mint's Public Enterprise Fund, covering the costs of production (SEC. 6). The medals themselves are designated as both "national medals" and "numismatic items," meaning they hold official status and are considered collectible (SEC. 5). For history buffs and collectors, this means a chance to own a tangible piece of this Civil War story. You might even see the medal on display – the bill suggests the Smithsonian, particularly the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Museum, should showcase it, and potentially loan it to other museums as well (SEC. 3). The locomotives involved in the chase, General and Texas, are currently on display in Kennesaw, Georgia, and Atlanta, Georgia, respectively. (SEC. 2).