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Tech. Sgt. (ret.) George Watson, original Tuskegee Airman, poses outside the U.S. Capitol Building after receiving the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony March 29. Mr. Watson was one of six Tuskegee Airmen to receive the medal. The Congressional Gold Medal is the most distinguished award bestowed by the United States Congress. It is the nation's top civilian award presented to those individuals that embody the best quality in America's Heritage. Before it can be awarded, legislation must be approved by Congress and signed into law by the President. Congress first awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to George Washington in 1776.