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Awards, Honors, and Medals

The president and members of the House and Senate give out a number of awards to citizens or members of the military. In addition, senators themselves are often recipients of awards and honors. This page provides links to information about these awards and to lists of award recipients.

 

Senators as Recipients

Some awards senators receive are informal, such as the Golden Gavel award, which is given to junior senators who preside over the Senate chamber for 100 or more hours.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Golden Gavel Award

Nobel Prize

Presidential Medal of Freedom


Congressional Gold Medal

Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions.

Congressional Gold Medals, 1776-present  (pdf)

Oct. 28, 2009—Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Honoring Edward Brooke (video)


Congressional Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest award for military valor. It is generally presented by the president in the name of Congress.

Congressional Medal of Honor Society

U.S. Army Center of Military History on Medal of Honor Citations

Medal of Honor Recipients, 1979-2008  (pdf)

Senators Who Have Received the Congressional Medal of Honor


Presidential Medal of Freedom

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the highest civilian award of the U.S. government.  Honorees are selected solely by the President, and their accomplishments are in wide-ranging fields, including public service, journalism, entertainment, sports, and business.

Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients, 1992 to Present

Senators Who Have Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom


Other Awards, Honors, and Medals Given by the President and Congress

Read up on other awards, honors, and medals given by the President and Congress.

Honorary Citizens of the United States

Congressional Award Foundation Web Page