Congressional Bronze Medal
The United States Congress awarded its first Gold Medal to George Washington. Silver and Bronze medals have sometimes been awarded in conjunction with the higher award. A Bronze medal should not be confused with a bronze duplicate of a gold medal. Bronze duplicates of gold medals are sometimes offered for sale by the U.S. Mint.
Bronze medals are rarely awarded:
- In 1900, Congress directed that a gold medal be made for First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, and to each of his officers a silver medal, and to each member of his crew a bronze medal.
- In 1914, Congress directed that gold medals be made for steamship captain Paul H. Kreibohm and four additional officers, with silver and bronze medals awarded to other members of his crew.
- In 1930, Congress directed that gold, silver, and bronze medals be made for the officers and men of the Byrd Antarctic expedition.
- In 1945, Congress directed that gold, silver, and bronze medals be made for the members of the United States Antarctic Expedition of 1939–1941.