James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill would award a single Congressional Gold Medal to James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell for their bravery as the only civilian members of Andrews’ Raiders during the Civil War’s Great Locomotive Chase. The Treasury would design and make the medal. After it is awarded, the medal would go to the Smithsonian for display and research, with a push to display it at the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Museum and to loan it to other places so more people can see it. The Mint could sell bronze copies to cover costs, and the money would go back to the Mint’s fund.

Key points

• Who is affected: Museum visitors at the Smithsonian and the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Museum, and people who view the medal on loan elsewhere; collectors who may buy bronze copies from the Mint.
• What changes: A new national medal honors Andrews and Campbell; the medal is kept at the Smithsonian; bronze copies may be sold to cover costs, with proceeds going to the Mint’s fund.
• When: Once the medal is awarded, it will be transferred to the Smithsonian; bronze copies may be made and sold under this law.