Center for Minority Veterans (CMV)

Congressional Gold Medal Recipients

For 30 years, the Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) has been honoring underserved minority Veterans who have selflessly served our nation. As we celebrate their outstanding contributions, we pay tribute to the minority Veteran recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal, who embody the very best of our country’s values. During each month in 2024, the CMV will showcase minority Veterans who are awarded Congressional Gold Medals.

• January—Navajo Code Talkers | Long unrecognized because of the continued value of their language as a security classified code, the Navajo code talkers of World War II were honored for their contributions to defense on September 17, 1992, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
• February—Montford Point Marines | The Montford Point Marines, also known as the “Forgotten Warriors,” were named after the segregated Montford Point training camp in North Carolina. After years of seeking recognition, the Montford Point Marines received the highest civilian honor in the United States. President Barack Obama signed legislation to award these Marines the Congressional Gold Medal in November 2011.
• March—Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII (WASP) | These courageous women broke barriers and proved that women were just as capable as men at serving as skilled military pilots. Highlighting the WASP’s incredible contributions sheds light on women’s often overlooked achievements in military history. As we celebrate Women’s History Month this year, let us honor the trailblazing women of the WASP and, like them, who, through their bravery and determination, left a permanent mark on the history of women in the military. Their legacy serves as an inspiration for all women.
• April—332 Fighter Group Tuskegee Airmen | The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of volunteer African American military pilots (fighters and bombers) who fought in World War II and formed the 332nd Fighter and 477th Bombardment Groups of the United States Army Air Forces. This name also applies to navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, instructors, crew chiefs, nurses, cooks and other support personnel.
• May—100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service, U.S. Army
• June—General Colin Powell
• July—Chinese American Veterans of WWII
• August—369th Infantry Regiment (Harlem Hellfighters)
• September—65th Infantry Regiment (Borinqueneers)
• October—Filipino WWII Veterans
• November—Native American Code Talkers
• December—6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (Six Triple Eight)

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award given by the United States Congress, awarded to persons who have made a major and long-standing impact on American history and culture. Congress can decide to award the medal through legislative action.

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