Heroes of Kabul August 2021 Bronze Medal
- Year of Issue: 2024
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 117-72
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Background
This medal is a bronze replica of the Congressional Gold Medal presented to recognize the 13 servicemembers who perished in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. Congress authorized the medal on December 16, 2021. It was presented on September 10, 2024. The Mint issued the bronze medal duplicates in 3.0 inch and 1.5 inch sizes.
At 9:44 a.m. on August 26, 2021, an explosion occurred at the Hamid Karzai International Airport, later confirmed to be a suicide bombing by the ISIS-K terrorist group. Estimates as high as 200 deaths were reported, including 13 U.S. servicemembers; hundreds more were wounded. August 26th was the deadliest single day of the war in Afghanistan for the United States in more than a decade.
These brave men and women served in the Marine Corps, Army, and Navy and were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. They went above and beyond the call of duty to protect U.S. citizens and our allies during the extremely dangerous situation as the Taliban regained control over Afghanistan.
Characteristics
The obverse depicts five servicemembers in silhouette standing over a crowd of people waiting to board a C-17 aircraft with the mountains of Kabul in the background. There are 13 stars incused over their heads, representing the 13 servicemembers who gave their lives while helping civilians evacuate from Afghanistan.
The reverse features an American flag and the names of the fallen servicemembers surrounded by a wreath.
Obverse Inscriptions
- AUGUST 26, 2021
- KABUL
Reverse Inscriptions
- Names of the fallen servicemembers
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
- Finish: Matte
- Composition: 1.5 inch medal is 95% copper, 5% zinc and 3.0 inch medal is 90% copper, 10% zinc
- Diameter: 3.000 inches
- Edge: Plain
- Mint mark: None
Artist Information
- Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist