BALTIMORE, Md. — Dating back to the American Revolutionary War, the gold medal is the highest civilian honor the United States Congress can bestow.

On Sunday, two World War II veterans, First Sergeant Gerald Hill and Master Sergeant Essie Mae Hill received that honor.

Dr. George Hill accepted the awards on behalf of his mother and father.

"It's not only important for our family, it's important for the world to understand that there was tremendous sacrifice people did in World War II. The Civil Air Patrol was really an important part of that, the home front," Dr. George Hill, son of the recipients.

Former President George Washington was the first recipient of the gold medal in 1776.