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—The valor and sacrifice of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the Military Intelligence Service | In the archives of American military history, the stories of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service stand as testaments to Japanese American soldiers’ courage, sacrifice, and patriotism during World War II. These units, comprised predominantly of Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans), overcame discrimination and prejudice to serve their country with honor and distinction.
• June—General Colin Powell | General Colin Powell, a distinguished military leader and advisory to President George H. W. Bush, was honored with the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal on July 3, 1991. This significant achievement was a testament to his exceptional performance in planning and coordinating the United States military response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
• July—Chinese American Veterans of WWII | World War II was a pivotal period for Chinese Americans, marking a significant shift in their societal status and contributions to the United States. Despite facing discrimination, Chinese Americans played a crucial role in the war effort, which ultimately led to greater acceptance and recognition of their contributions.
• August—369th Infantry Regiment (Harlem Hellfighters) | The 369th Infantry Regiment, famously known as the Harlem Hellfighters, has a significant place in American military history. Comprised mainly of African American soldiers, the regiment faced racial barriers and showed remarkable bravery and resilience in tough times.
• September—65th Infantry Regiment (Borinqueneers) | The Borinqueneers, established in 1899, were part of the 65th Infantry Regiment, a crucial unit in major conflicts throughout the 20th century. The regiment was composed primarily of Puerto Rican soldiers who distinguished themselves through exemplary service in World War I, World War II, and, most notably, the Korean War.
• October—Filipino WWII Veterans | Filipino soldiers played a crucial role during World War II, fighting alongside American troops under the U.S. command. Despite their significant contributions, many Filipino Veterans were denied the promised benefits and recognition. This month’s Congressional Gold Medal recognition delves into the history, struggles and recent legislative efforts to rectify these injustices.
• November—Native American Code Talkers | Native American Code Talkers played a vital role in World War I and World War II. They used their unique languages to create unbreakable codes for military communications, which gave U.S. forces a significant advantage in combat. This innovative approach allowed for secure communication that shook enemy forces, making it difficult for them to intercept vital information.
• December—6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (Six Triple Eight) | The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (6888th) was a majority African American Women’s Army Corps’ (WAC) unit from World War II (though historical records indicate that the unit also included members from other racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Hispanic and Latina service women). Deployed to Europe in 1945, it tackled a massive backlog of undelivered mail accumulated over several years in the European Theater of Operations.

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.

return to top