Final answer:
Congress awarded John Paul Jones the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of his valor and brilliant services during the Revolutionary War, specifically recognizing his naval victories over the British.
Step-by-step explanation:
Congress awarded John Paul Jones the Congressional Gold Medal in 1787 in honor of his "valor and brilliant services" during the Revolutionary War. The specific accomplishment that Congress was recognizing was Jones' naval victories over the British. He is most famous for his capture of the British warship HMS Serapis during the Battle of Flamborough Head in 1779.