The highest civilian award in the United States, awarded to Confederate Veterans.

Public Law 730 July 18, 1956. Joint Resolution 569.

Joint Resolution

To Provide for a medal to be struck and presented to each surviving veteran of the War Between the States.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of American in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized and DIRECTED to strike gold medals, with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions to be determined by the Secretary in honor of the last surviving veterans of the War Between the States who served in the Union or the Confederate forces. The medals shall be considered to be national medals within the meaning of section 3551 of the Revised Statutes of the United States. The President or any person designated by him is authorized to present a medal struck under this section to each surviving veteran of the War Between the States who served in the Union of the Confederate forces.

Sec. 2. Presentation shall be made to any surviving veteran of the War Between the States at his home or at any other suitable place with appropriate ceremonies.
Approved July 18, 1956.