William Bainbridge’s Gold Medal

In 1813, the U.S. Congress approved the commissioning of a Congressional gold medal to Commodore William Bainbridge of USS Constitution for his defeat of the British frigate HMS Java. Beginning in 1776, the United States Congress began awarding gold medals to distinguished military figures who served in the American Revolution, and later the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War, as expressions of appreciation for their achievements and contributions.