United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill, known as the United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act , mandates the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the African Americans who served with Union forces during the Civil War. This prestigious award recognizes their exceptional bravery, outstanding service, and profound contributions to the grant of emancipation and the preservation of the Union. The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate are tasked with arranging the presentation of this significant medal. The bill highlights that approximately 200,000 African American men served in the Union Army (forming the United States Colored Troops or USCT) and 19,000 in the Union Navy, with women also serving in vital support roles. Their service was marked by distinction, honor, and bravery despite facing severe racial discrimination and the risk of enslavement if captured. The legislation notes that 26 Medals of Honor were awarded to these service members. Following its presentation, the gold medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a congressional sense that it should also be displayed at locations associated with the USCT. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal to the public.