Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act Passes Congress

Legislation known as the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009, H.R. 1209, has been approved by Congress and will move quickly — within weeks — for an expected signature from President Obama, which will make it law.

The U.S. Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent on Thursday, October 22, 2009. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Christopher Carney, and passed in the The U.S. House of Representatives back on May 14, 2009.

Carney is one of two members of the House that are currently actively serving in the armed forces.

"As a Commander-Select in the United States Navy Reserve, I am committed to honoring our brave men and women in the armed forces," Congressman Carney stated when introducing the bill.

"We owe everything to those who wore the uniform and committed extraordinary acts of bravery in defense of their colleagues and nation. The Medal of Honor is the highest award that an individual serving in the armed forces can receive.

This bill will not only recognize the outstanding achievements of these men and women, but the proceeds from the sale of the coins will go to educate people about the significance and exclusivity of the award."

The Act authorizes the US Mint to strike up to 500,000 silver dollars and 100,000 $5 gold coins that will include motifs that represent the 3 Medal of Honor designs (Army, Navy, and Air Force) as well as be a tribute to the Medal of Honor recipients. The legislation requires they be “emblematic of the traditions, legacy, and heritage of the Medal of Honor, and the distinguished service of its recipients in the Nation’s history.”

First authorized by Congress in 1861, the Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is presented by the President in the name of Congress to members of the armed forces who have distinguished themselves above and beyond the call of duty, usually putting their life in jeopardy by doing so.

A $10 surcharge is to be added to the sale of each coin that will be forwarded to the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation to help continue its programs.

Slated to be struck in 2011, the silver coins will contain 90% silver and 10% copper. Each will have a diameter of 1.5 inches and weigh 26.73 grams.

The coin bill is the second to pass in the Senate this week, following Tuesday’s passage of Girl Scouts legislation which will introduce 350,000 silver coins in 2013.