# United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill authorizes Congress to award a special gold medal to honor the United States Colored Troops—African American soldiers who fought for the Union during the Civil War. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian honors the United States can bestow, and it's a way for the nation to officially recognize and celebrate the contributions of these soldiers.

The United States Colored Troops served with distinction despite facing severe racial discrimination both during and after the war. These soldiers fought in major battles, suffered heavy casualties, and played a crucial role in the Union's victory, yet their service was largely overlooked in American history for many decades. By awarding this medal, Congress is making a formal statement that their sacrifice and bravery deserve national recognition and remembrance.

This bill doesn't create any new government programs or change any laws that affect people's daily lives. Instead, it's a symbolic but meaningful act of honoring a group of Americans whose contributions to the country were historically undervalued. The medal serves as a permanent reminder of their courage and helps ensure that future generations learn about and appreciate what these soldiers accomplished. It's part of a broader effort to give proper historical recognition to African American military service and to acknowledge an important but often-forgotten chapter of American history.

United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

Norton, Eleanor Holmes

United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to the African Americans who served with Union forces in recognition of their bravery and outstanding service during the Civil War.