Commems Collection Medals: 1949 Alben William Barkley

In May 1956, a coin proposal that sought to jointly commemorate the Centennial of Paducah, Kentucky and the legacy of the late Alben William Barkley - the former Representative, Senator and Vice President - was introduced in the House of Representatives ("House"). You can read about the coin proposal here:

- What If? 1956 Paducah, Kentucky Centennial & Senator Barkley Memorial

In that post, I mentioned the medal that Congress had previously awarded Barkley for his long public service.

The medal proposal for Barkley came in the form of a Joint Resolution. It was introduced in March 1949, in the House of Representatives ("House") during the First Session of the 81st Congress by Harold Dunbar Cooley (D-NC). The bill was immediately referred to the House Committee on Banking and Currency.

Note: Barkley was the current United States ("US") Vice President at the time the Joint Resolution was introduced; he served under Harry S. Truman.

The bill sought to honor Barkley with a Congressional Gold Medal and to authorize the striking of bronze duplicates for sale to the public.

The medal bill was reported back by the House Committee with a recommendation for its passage in June 1949.

Barkley was well-liked by Democrats and Republicans, and was known for his outstanding public service over 3+ decades. Such admiration was clearly evident by the House Committee Report on the Joint Resolution. It included:

"In more than a third of a century of service to his country few men have ever so endeared themselves in the hearts of their fellow men as has the present Vice President of the United States, the Honorable Alben W. Barkley. As a distinguished Member of the House of Representatives, later as an outstanding leader of the Senate and now as Vice President of the United States his wise counsel and sound statesmanship have earned for him the ever-increasing admiration and respect of both his colleagues and the American people. It is particularly fitting that the Congress provide that a gold medal be struck and presented to Vice President Barkley in recognition of his distinguished public service and outstanding contribution to the general welfare of the Nation. It is also fitting that bronze duplicates of this medal be struck and made available for sale to the general public."

The Committee made one amendment to the Resolution's handling of the proceeds from the sale of the bronze duplicates, changing the "miscellaneous receipts" of the US Treasury language of the original version to language specifically directed toward offsetting expenditures related to the Mint's production of medals.

The amended version of the Resolution was passed in the House without opposition, and sent to the Senate for its consideration. Received in the Senate, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Banking and Currency.

The Resolution was reported in July 1949 with a recommendation to pass, and, as with the House Report on the Resolution, included clear praise for Barkley. The Committee Report stated:

"No medal could ever capture the humane spirit, the devotion to duty, and the sense of humor shown by the Honorable Alben W. Barkley in his long period of public service. The problems he has encountered in his brilliant career as a servant of the people have run the gamut of depression, war, and inflation. Yet, unpleasant as the task might have been, he always willingly shouldered the burdens of legislative action required to meet the grave national problems which arose. He is ever to be found in the vanguard of those fighting for the advancement of the great mass of citizens of the Nation which he so capably serves.

"His understanding of the problems of these people and his fearlessness in presenting their cause has won him the admiration and love not only of those who agree with his doctrines but even of those who hold differing views. Gratitude in political life has sometimes been defined as appreciation for favors about to be received. If so, Vice President Barkley is the exception who proves the rule. His ability, honesty, and warm human understanding have earned the gratitude of people who never have obtained and never expect to obtain any favors from him.

"The American people can never repay Alben Barkley for his extended, continuous, and meritorious service to the Nation. Yet, in heartfelt appreciation for public service so nobly performed over such a long span of years, a grateful populace as with a single voice, urges recognition of that fact by providing for the striking of an appropriate medal as a token of their esteem."

Following receipt of the Committee Report, In August 1949, the Senate considered the Joint Resolution and passed it without debate.

Each chamber subsequently examined and signed the Resolution before it was sent to the President for approval. US President Harry S. Truman signed the Resolution into Public Law on August 12, 1949.

It's nice to learn about a politician with such strong bipartisan admiration!

Congressional Medal for Alben William Barkley




For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, see: Commems Collection