Comments on: Borinqueneers Awarded Congressional Gold Medal

By: Esteban Alicea

Esteban Alicea — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 23:53:06 +0000

i was a borinqueneers i was with the 65 inf.co. l 3rd.div. from Dec.1951 to June 1952 how i can get my congress medal please help me

By: Jp

Jp — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 20:42:05 +0000

Robert, That’s right. It was the code talkers. I really like the series of bronze coins the Mint has on those. I wish they made those in silver for distribution to the general public.

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 11:43:19 +0000

I should also add that, in addition to the gold medals, Congress awarded each surviving code-talker soldier (or representative members of his family) a solid silver medal of the same design.

Pretty cool way for a nation showing its gratitude to certain heroic citizens of our country who were otherwise ignored and discriminated against.

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 11:34:41 +0000

Dear Jp,

The “gold Indian coins” you might be referring to were Congressional Gold Medals honoring the various tribes whose service members helped America during the two world wars by being “code talkers.” Specifically, they were soldiers who used their knowledge of their respective Native American language as a basis to transmit coded messages. It was determined that the languages were so unique that the Japanese would not be able to break the code that was set up.

Starting with the Navajo, there have been more than 30 tribes (and still counting as research continues) who have been honored with a CGM over the past several years.

By: Jp

Jp — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 02:34:50 +0000

I see, Thanks for the info. Seth.
I recall not so long ago wasn’t there some gold Indian coins distributed to some Tribe members? If my recollection is right?
So they make this gold medal, and it winds up in some possible Government run museum. Well at least they are honoring some people of valor.

By: Seth Riesling

Seth Riesling — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 02:08:11 +0000

Jp –

When Congress awards an official gold medal it is stated in the legislation that it goes to one person in specific (or if they have passed on to a family member) or to a group of people (only 1 medal) “collectively.” These medals are 3-inch diameter & are actual solid gold & therefore expensive to make just one. Most medals awarded “collectively” wind up in museums. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & Coretta Scott King medal was awarded by Congress in 2004 & was struck, but due to family fighting over it (ironically) it was not awarded till 10 years later in 2014 with the legal provision that it will be permanently displayed at the Smithsonian’s new museum of African-American History. If I remember right, these medals cost the gogovernment about $15,000 each to produce (all are struck at the Philadelphia Mint).

-NumisDudeTX

By: Jp

Jp — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 01:48:40 +0000

So what does that mean, “collectively awarded”? I’m sure there are surviving WWII and Korean War members still alive. Did each one receive a gold medal?
I do appreciate all the war service coins dedicated to those who fought for our freedoms.

By: Ken

Ken — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 22:42:11 +0000

Too……..sorry about that.

By: Ken

Ken — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 22:40:50 +0000

That is a most marvelous thing you are doing Seth. I’m sure that your best friend, and his family, will appreciate your gift.

I too, love the design and the history behind the medal. I’m going to order one two………

By: Seth Riesling

Seth Riesling — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 22:11:41 +0000

I was so glad to order these medals today when they were first offered for sale at 3pm Eastern time. I have waited almost 2 years for the bronze versions to give one to my best friend from junior high school who is Puerto Rican ( along with his 11 brothers & sisters) & his father fought in the Korean War as a Borinqueneer. His father passed away years ago, but this medal will be a nice gift for my best friend & his family members. Thanks for those who served in this historic regiment over many years!

-NumisDudeTX