Golden Thirteen Congressional Gold Medal Act

Armed Forces and National Security

house

senate

president

Introduced on April 15, 2024 by Eleanor Holmes Norton

Legislation Details

Awards posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal to the Golden Thirteen in recognition of their contributions to the Nation.
The Golden Thirteen were the first Black officers in the United States Navy, commissioned in 1944.
Initially, 16 Black enlisted men were selected for officer training, which was expected to be completed in 8 weeks, half the normal duration.
Despite all passing their exams, allegations of cheating led to retests, which they passed with even higher scores.
Only 12 were commissioned as officers, and one as a chief warrant officer, due to the Navy’s assumption of a 25-percent attrition rate.
The Golden Thirteen’s members were involved in overseeing all-Black units or training Black recruits during their careers.
They were formally recognized in the 1970s and had a reunion in 1982 aboard the USS KIDD-993.
The members of the Golden Thirteen are listed, along with three who passed exams but were not commissioned.
The Secretary of the Treasury is tasked with striking the gold medal with appropriate designs and inscriptions.
Following the award, the medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a suggestion it be made available elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the Golden Thirteen.
The Secretary may strike and sell duplicate bronze medals to cover costs including labor, materials, and overhead expenses.
Medals struck are considered national medals and numismatic items.
Costs for the medals will be charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, with proceeds from the sale of duplicates also deposited into this fund.

Last updated 8/8/2024