In 1981, a Canadian diplomat became the first foreigner to receive the Congressional Gold Medal

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to Ken Taylor, Canada's former ambassador to Iran. Taylor earned the distinction for his daring role in the 'Canadian Caper,' where he risked his life to hide six American diplomats in his own home during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. He eventually helped them escape the country using fake Canadian passports.