John Wayne died in June, 1979. Shortly after that, Maureen O'Hara petitioned the House of Representatives to commission an award for him. The House passed a referendum asking the President to direct the US Mint to strike a medal in honor of John Wayne, and it was done. It WAS NOT the Medal of Freedom, it certainly WAS NOT the Medal of Honor; it was a special coin authorized by POTUS and struck by the San Francisco Mint.

Actually, the medal was called the Congressional Gold Medal and was given to the Duke's family in March of 1980! My apologies!

Watched "The Quiet Man" yesterday for St.Patricks Day (along with a bottle of Maker's Mark) and as usual enjoyed this movie very much! Who knows what John Ford's real name was (the great Director and long time associate of John Wayne's)? Charlie

John Ford was born Sean Aloycius O' Fearnan in Cape Elizabeth, Maine in 1894!

Sorry! That last name was O'Fearna without the n!

Todog, you are too quick! Great response.....let the liberal left have Oliver Stone and I will take John Ford any day! Charlie