“It is my great honor to be here. I beg you to strike a medal for Duke, to order the President to strike it. And I feel that the medal should say just one thing, “John Wayne, American” ~ Maureen O’Hara, speaking before Congress.
The bill for John Wayne’s gold medal was introduced to Congress by Duke’s friend, Senator Barry Goldwater on May 22, 1979.
Part of Goldwater’s testimonial included these words:
“John Wayne has dedicated his entire life to America and I am safe in saying that the American people have an affection for John Wayne such as they have had for very few people in the history of America.”
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There were many testimonials given in Washington that day, asking Congress for the medal. Among those attending the proceedings were Elizabeth Taylor, the president of the Screen Actors Guild and General Albert Coady Wedemeyer, one of America’s most distinguished soldiers. Congress approved the bill and President Jimmy Carter signed it. Production of the gold coin by the U.S. Mint started in May, 1979. The medal was presented to John Wayne’s family at the Capitol on March 6, 1980.
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