The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the president of the United States to recognize people who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors". The Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal are the highest civilian awards of the United States. The award is not limited to U.S. citizens and, while it is a civilian award, it can also be awarded to military personnel and worn on the uniform. It was established in 1963 by President John F.
Introduction
Presidential Medal of Freedom
Presidential Medal of Freedom | Introduction
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i know why the caged bird sings poem explanation
user
It is a coming-of-age story that illustrates how strength of character and a love of literature can help overcome racism and trauma.
assistant
who is the author of this poem?
user
Maya Angelou.
assistant
where was she born?
user
St. Louis, Missouri.
assistant
was she the only child?
user
No, she was the second child.
assistant
did she receive any rewards?
user
Yes,  the Spingarn Medal, the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
assistant
what is the latter medal about?
user
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the president of the United States to recognize people who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors".
assistant
by which us president was she given this ?
user
She was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush on December 15, 2006, in the East Room of the White House. The President noted that "Ruth Colvin is a person of intelligence and vision and heart. And she has earned the gratitude of many, and the admiration of us all."
Ruth Johnson Colvin | Presidential medal of freedom
President Reagan awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983. She was the first female member of Congress to receive this award. Upon presenting her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Reagan said this of Luce:
Clare Boothe Luce | Presidential Medal of Freedom
In and in 1964 she was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Helen B. Taussig | Introduction
Bush presented Lee with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is the highest civilian award in the United States and recognizes individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors".
Harper Lee | 2005–2014
In 2011, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, by President Barack Obama for her work with VSA and with people with disabilities.
Jean Kennedy Smith | Introduction
On February 15, 2011, President Barack Obama presented Gerda Weissmann Klein and 14 other recipients with the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom. At the ceremony in the East Room of the White House, President Obama announced, "This year's Medal of Freedom recipients reveal the best of who we are and who we aspire to be." He stated the following as Klein was presented with her Presidential Medal of Freedom: By the time she was 21, Gerda Klein had spent six years living under Nazi rule — three of them in concentration camps. Her parents and brother had been taken away.
Gerda Weissmann Klein | Presidential Medal of Freedom
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the president of the United States to recognize people who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors". The Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal are the highest civilian awards of the United States. The award is not limited to U.S. citizens and, while it is a civilian award, it can also be awarded to military personnel and worn on the uniform. It was established in 1963 by President John F.
Presidential Medal of Freedom | Introduction
In July 2009, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour awarded by the United States. In presenting the award to Robinson, U.S. President Barack Obama said "Mary Robinson learned early on what it takes to make sure all voices are heard. As a crusader for women and those without a voice in Ireland, Mary Robinson was the first woman elected President of Ireland, before being appointed U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. When she traveled abroad as President, she would place a light in her window that would draw people of Irish descent to pass by below.
Mary Robinson | U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom
Kennedy, superseding the Medal of Freedom that was established by President Harry S. Truman in 1945 to honor civilian service during World War II.
Presidential Medal of Freedom | Introduction
Environmental Protection Agency. Carson was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter.
Rachel Carson | Introduction
In 1984, she challenged President Ronald Reagan's decision to award the Medal of Freedom to Whittaker Chambers, writing, "With all due respect to the dead, is this man, who has left behind him so many doubts about his own role, an appropriate recipient of the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award?"
Dorothy Sterling | Personal life
This is a partial list of recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, listed chronologically within the aspect of life in which each recipient is or was renowned. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded by the president of the United States "for especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors". Honorees are selected by the president or recommended to them by the Distinguished Civilian Service Awards Board.
List of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients | Introduction
The badge of the Presidential Medal of Freedom is in the form of a golden star with white enamel, with a red enamel pentagon behind it; the central disc bears thirteen gold stars on a blue enamel background (taken from the Great Seal of the United States) within a golden ring. Golden North American bald eagles with spread wings stand between the points of the star. It is worn around the neck on a blue ribbon with white edge stripes. Women may choose to wear the award on a bow on the left chest (See award being given to Margaret Thatcher).
Presidential Medal of Freedom | Insignia
On November 21, 1946, in a ceremony that took place in Tropenmuseum Amsterdam, Rachel was awarded the United States Medal of Freedom. On 18 October 1948 in the British Embassy in The Hague, she was awarded the United Kingdom King's Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom.
Rachel Harel | Awards
Kirkpatrick received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. The Kennedy School of Government at Harvard created a Kirkpatrick Chair in International Affairs in her honor. She was given the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Humanitarian Award in 1983. She received an honorary doctorate degree from Universidad Francisco Marroquín in 1985; she also received an honorary doctorate at Central Connecticut State University in 1991.
Jeane Kirkpatrick | Awards and prizes
Her best friend had died in her arms during a 350-mile death march. And she weighed only 68 pounds when she was found by American forces in an abandoned bicycle factory. But Gerda survived. She married the soldier who rescued her. And ever since — as an author, a historian and a crusader for tolerance — she has taught the world that it is often in our most hopeless moments that we discover the extent of our strength and the depth of our love. President Obama then read a statement from Klein: "I pray you never stand at any crossroads in your own lives, but if you do, if the darkness seems so total, if you think there is no way out, remember, never ever give up."
Gerda Weissmann Klein | Presidential Medal of Freedom
In November, 2015, Barack Obama awarded Carroll with Presidential Medal of Freedom. In Obama's words, "even by the standards of Medal of Freedom recipients, this is a class act. We are just reminded when we see these individuals here on the stage what an incredible tapestry this country is." Carroll was also a recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars' James E. Van Zandt Citizenship Award (2017) and the Robert M. Yerkes Award (2017) awarded by the American Psychological Association, and in 2019, she was awarded the Angel of Honor Award by the Armed Service YMCA.
Bonnie Carroll | Awards and recognition
In 1961, Caulfield was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding. On 6 December 1963, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President John F. Kennedy in recognition of her work for the blind in Asia. The award was given by President Lyndon B. Johnson in honor of President John F. Kennedy. Her niece was actress Joan Caulfield.
Genevieve Caulfield | Recognition
The Medal of Freedom was a decoration established by President Harry S. Truman to honor civilians whose actions aided in the war efforts of the United States and its allies. It was intended to be awarded by the secretary of state, the secretary of war, or the secretary of the navy, but presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy also authorized awards.
Medal of Freedom (1945) | Introduction
Typically the medal is bestowed upon the recipient by the sitting president who has chosen them. However, the first recipients selected by President John F. Kennedy before his assassination were formally awarded by his successor in office, Lyndon B. Johnson. President Barack Obama awarded 123 medals, the most ever, followed by President Ronald Reagan with 102 medal recipients. Two people, Ellsworth Bunker and Colin Powell, are two-time recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Colin Powell received his second award with Distinction, while Ellsworth Bunker was given both of his awards with distinction. In 2015, President Barack Obama stated that there was no precedent to revoke Presidential Medals of Freedom, regarding the award given to Bill Cosby.
List of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients | Background
Her service was recognized by President Johnson in 1964, when she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1966 she was awarded an honorary degree from Saint Peter's College, New Jersey. She was awarded the Poverello Medal in 1967.
Lena Frances Edwards | Honors and legacy
De Greef was a recipient of the George Medal from the United Kingdom and the Medal of Freedom from the United States.
Elvire de Greef | Introduction
On October 26, 1982, Smith received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor, by U.S. President Ronald Reagan. In bestowing the honor, Reagan said: The voice of Kate Smith is known and loved by millions of Americans, young and old. In war and peace, it has been an inspiration. Those simple but deeply moving words, 'God bless America,' have taken on added meaning for all of us because of the way Kate Smith sang them. Thanks to her they have become a cherished part of all our lives, an undying reminder of the beauty, the courage and the heart of this great land of ours.
Kate Smith | Presidential Medal of Freedom
Hyde received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, on November 5, 2007. Hyde was hospitalized, recovering from open-heart surgery, and could not attend the ceremony in person.
Henry Hyde | Presidential Medal of Freedom
It was the first U.S. civilian neck decoration and, in the grade of Awarded With Distinction, is the only U.S. sash and star decoration (the Chief Commander degree of the Legion of Merit—which may only be awarded to foreign heads of state—is a star decoration but without a sash). The executive order calls for the medal to be awarded annually on or around July 4, and at other convenient times as chosen by the president, but it has not been awarded every year (e.g., 2001, 2010). Recipients are selected by the president, either on the president's own initiative or based on recommendations.
Presidential Medal of Freedom | History of the award
Also that year, she was honored with the National Book Foundation's Medal of Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. On May 29, 2012, President Barack Obama presented Morrison with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2016, she received the PEN/Saul Bellow Award for Achievement in American Fiction.
Toni Morrison | Introduction
She received her B.A. in 1965 from St. John's College in Annapolis and her M.A. in 1993 from St. John's College in Santa Fe.
Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press | President
Hammon was presented with the Medal of Freedom in 1946 by President Harry Truman.
William Hammon | Introduction
She was then given a reception at city hall. Having flown to Washington, D.C. on a U.S. Air Force plane, she was recognized before the House of Representatives. On 29 July 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower awarded her the Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, calling her the "woman of the year" She was then sent on a tour of six states where she met with luminaries and appeared before large crowds in cities such as Cleveland, Chicago, New Orleans, and San Francisco. The French ambassador to the United States called her visit "an exceptional success".
Geneviève de Galard | Release
(Chaney, Goodman and Schwerner, civil rights workers murdered in 1964, were awarded their medals in 2014, 50 years later.)
Presidential Medal of Freedom | History of the award
The order establishing the medal also expanded the size and the responsibilities of the Distinguished Civilian Service Awards Board so it could serve as a major source of such recommendations. The medal may be awarded to an individual more than once; Colin Powell received two awards, his second being With Distinction; Ellsworth Bunker received both of his awards With Distinction. It may also be awarded posthumously (after the death of the recipient); examples (in chronological order) include John Wayne, John F. Kennedy, Pope John XXIII, Lyndon Johnson, Paul "Bear" Bryant, Thurgood Marshall, Cesar Chavez, Walter Reuther, Roberto Clemente, Jack Kemp, Harvey Milk, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, Elouise Cobell, Grace Hopper, Antonin Scalia, Elvis Presley and Babe Ruth.
Presidential Medal of Freedom | History of the award
There is no evidence of U.S. citizens having received these palm devices, whereas some non-U.S. citizens did receive them (e.g. Micheline "Michou" Dumon and Nancy Wake), and these devices have been interpreted as signifying degrees of the award.
Medal of Freedom (1945) | Description
Sherrill received a citation from President Harry S. Truman in 1949, and she was awarded a medal from Freedoms Foundation in 1950. Sherrill died in 1990 in Holland, Pennsylvania. Her husband preceded her in death in 1963.
Dorothy Sherrill | Introduction
On November 20, 2013, Wald was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Patricia Wald | Honors and awards
On December 23, 1967, he was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon Johnson.
Robert Komer | Awards and honors
Similar in name to the Medal of Freedom, but much closer in meaning and precedence to the Medal for Merit, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is currently the supreme civilian decoration in precedence in the United States, whereas the Medal of Freedom was inferior in precedence to the Medal for Merit; the Medal of Freedom was awarded by any of three Cabinet secretaries, whereas the Medal for Merit was awarded by the president, as is the Presidential Medal of Freedom. President John F. Kennedy established the current decoration in 1963 through , with unique and distinctive insignia, vastly expanded purpose, and far higher prestige.
Presidential Medal of Freedom | History of the award
code of military justice. Her husband was the late nuclear strategist Albert Wohlstetter. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan jointly with her husband in 1985. Reagan said:
Roberta Wohlstetter | Introduction
Both medals may also be worn in miniature form on a ribbon on the left chest, with a silver North American bald eagle with spread wings on the ribbon, or a golden North American bald eagle for a medal awarded With Distinction. In addition, the medal is accompanied by a service ribbon for wear on military service uniform, a miniature medal pendant for wear on mess dress or civilian formal wear, and a lapel badge for wear on civilian clothes (all shown in the accompanying photograph of the full presentation set).
Presidential Medal of Freedom | Insignia
On April 27, 2012, President Barack Obama announced that Hirabayashi would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his principled stand against Japanese-American internment. The President presented the award posthumously on May 29. It was accepted by his family, who traveled to Washington from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. On February 22, 2014, the medal was formally donated to the University of Washington Library Special Collections, which holds Hirabayashi's papers.
Gordon Hirabayashi | Presidential Medal of Freedom
In November 2015, Hamilton was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House.
Lee H. Hamilton | Presidential Medal of Freedom
As noted earlier, Nancy Reagan was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002 and the Congressional Gold Medal, in the same year. In 1989, she received the Council of Fashion Designers of America's lifetime achievement award. As First Lady, Nancy Reagan received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Pepperdine University in 1983. Later, she received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Eureka College in Illinois, her husband's alma mater, in 2009.
Nancy Reagan | Awards and honors
He said that she failed to confront purveyors of anti-Israel rhetoric. "You may not have been the chief culprit of the Durban debacle, but you will always be its preeminent symbol", he added. When asked about the opposition to the award by AIPAC and other Jewish groups, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs replied "Mary Robinson was the first female President of Ireland, and she is somebody whom we are honoring as a prominent crusader of women's rights in Ireland and throughout the world."
Mary Robinson | U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom
She was awarded the King's Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom for her participation in the resistance movement.
Edith Bonnesen | Awards
The Presidential Citizens Medal is an award bestowed by the President of the United States. It is the second-highest civilian award in the United States and is subordinate only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Established by executive order on November 13, 1969, by President Richard Nixon, it recognizes an individual "who has performed exemplary deeds or services for his or her country or fellow citizens." Only United States citizens are eligible for the medal, which may be awarded posthumously. The medal is a disc of gilt and enamel, based on the Seal of the President of the United States, with the eagle surrounded by a wreath of leaves.
Presidential Citizens Medal | Introduction
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan posthumously awarded Chambers the Presidential Medal of Freedom, for his contribution to "the century's epic struggle between freedom and totalitarianism". In 1988, Interior Secretary Donald P. Hodel granted national landmark status to the Pipe Creek Farm. In 2001, members of the George W. Bush Administration held a private ceremony to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of Chambers's birth. Speakers included William F. Buckley, Jr.
Whittaker Chambers | Presidential Medal of Freedom (1984)
In 2014, she was awarded the National Medal of Science.
May Berenbaum | Introduction
Lena Frances Edwards (September 17, 1900 – December 3, 1986) was a New Jersey physician who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Lena Frances Edwards | Introduction
In giving us a magnificent, selfless talent like Kate Smith, God has truly blessed America. It was not the first time Smith had been saluted by a president. In 1969, in light of Jim Morrison's arrest in Miami for indecent exposure, Smith had performed with The Lettermen, Anita Bryant, and Jackie Gleason in a concert demonstration against indecency, for which President Richard Nixon commended the stars' performances.
Kate Smith | Presidential Medal of Freedom
On October 7, 1987, Kaufman was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan.
Irving Kaufman | Awards
He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1986 and the Four Freedoms Award in 1991. He was also awarded the chevalier of the Légion d'honneur from France, the Order of St. Olav from Norway, Order of Merit from Chile, the Order of Leopold from Belgium, and honorary degrees from 28 universities.
James Reston | Awards
The Ronald Reagan Freedom Award is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the private Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. The award is given to "those who have made monumental and lasting contributions to the cause of freedom worldwide." Until her death, the award was given by former first lady Nancy Reagan on behalf of her husband, who died in June 2004. The award was first given in 1992, by former president Ronald Reagan himself, as well as in 1993. In 1994, Nancy Reagan presented the award instead of her husband; Ronald Reagan had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease a few months before, and was not able to attend the ceremony.
Ronald Reagan Freedom Award | Introduction
"The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to For service as set forth in the following:
Dakota Meyer | Medal of Honor citation
The medal is a bronze disc whose obverse features the profile of the Statue of Freedom of the US Capitol Building, with the word "FREEDOM" in capital letters in an arc at the bottom of the disc. The reverse features the Liberty Bell surrounded by the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" in capital letters. The medal is suspended on a red ribbon with four thin white stripes. The original establishing the medal specified "No more than one Medal of Freedom shall be awarded to any one person, but for a subsequent act or service justifying such an award a suitable device may be awarded to be worn with the medal" and bronze, silver, and gold palm devices were produced and awarded.
Medal of Freedom (1945) | Description
He was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1947 for the last.
Charles Phelps Smyth | Introduction
On January 18, 1989, Dole was presented with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Reagan. On January 17, 1997, Senator Dole was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton for his service in the military and his political career. In his acceptance remarks in the East Room of the White House, Dole remarked "I had a dream that I would be here this historic week receiving something from the president — but I thought it would be the front-door key". In 1997, Dole received the U.S. Senator John Heinz Award for Greatest Public Service by an Elected or Appointed Official, an award given out annually by Jefferson Awards.
Bob Dole | Awards
1975: Pulitzer Prize for Commentary 1995: The Four Freedoms Award for Freedom of Speech
Mary McGrory | Awards and honors
In November 2015, Ruckelshaus was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama during a ceremony at the White House.
William Ruckelshaus | Presidential Medal of Freedom
president. The petition was sent once more in 2012 to U.S. President Barack Obama, yet failed to be awarded.
Benjamin Mays | Medal of Freedom effort
Five Puerto Rican women have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an award bestowed by the President of the United States that is considered the highest civilian award in the United States. The medal recognizes those individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors". The following Puerto Rican women have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom:
History of women in Puerto Rico | Presidential Medal of Freedom
A special rarely given grade of the medal, known as the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, has a larger execution of the same medal design worn as a star on the left chest along with a sash over the right shoulder (similar to how the insignia of a Grand Cross is worn), with its rosette (blue with white edge, bearing the central disc of the medal at its center) resting on the left hip. When the medal With Distinction is awarded, the star may be presented descending from a neck ribbon and can be identified by its larger size than the standard medal (compare the size of medals in pictures below).
Presidential Medal of Freedom | Insignia
Congress—the highest civilian award in the United States. It recognizes those individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors". Former governor Luis A. Ferré and his sister Isolina Ferré are the only pair of Puerto Rican brother and sister to have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente was also the posthumous recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Citizens Medal.
List of Puerto Rican Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients | Introduction
On April 22, 1970, he was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Richard Nixon.
Arthur Krock | Awards
She was decorated with the King's Medal of Merit in gold.
Elise Dethloff | Introduction
The medal is suspended on a ribbon, dark blue with a light blue central stripe and white edge stripes.
Presidential Citizens Medal | Introduction
In 1998, Hesselbein was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work with the Girl Scouts of the USA. She turned 100 years old in November 2015. Hesselbein was denoted a Pitt Legacy Laureate of the University of Pittsburgh in 2000. She has received 22 honorary doctoral degrees.
Frances Hesselbein | Awards
Kennedy to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Wilson, in absentia, was officially awarded the medal on December 6, 1963 by President Lyndon Johnson. However, Wilson's view of Johnson was decidedly negative. Historian Eric F. Goldman writes in his memoir "The Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson" that when Goldman, on behalf of Johnson, invited Wilson to read from his writings at a White House Festival of the Arts in 1965, "Wilson declined with a brusqueness that I never experienced before or after in the case of an invitation in the name of the President and First Lady." For the academic year 1964–65, he was a Fellow on the faculty in the Center for Advanced Studies at Wesleyan University.
Edmund Wilson | Cold War
On May 16, 2008, by order of Robert Gates, the Secretary of Defense of the United States, Bhatia was awarded the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom posthumously.
Michael Bhatia | Introduction
On May 31, 2019, The White House announced that President Trump would be awarding Laffer with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on June 19, 2019. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is "the Nation's highest civilian honor, which may be awarded by the President to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors". The White House press released stated that Laffer was receiving the award for "public service and contributions to economic policy that have helped spur prosperity for our Nation".
Arthur Laffer | Presidential Medal of Freedom
Since 1982, the year that commemorated the centennial of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's birth and the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Netherlands, The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Medals are awarded in even-numbered years in Middelburg's Abbey and in odd-numbered years in Hyde Park, New York. These prestigious medals are awarded to men and women who have demonstrated an enduring commitment to the four principle freedoms as expressed by President Franklin Roosevelt in his State of the Union Message of January 6, 1941: Freedom of Speech and Expression, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from want, and Freedom from fear.
Roosevelt Institute for American Studies | Four Freedoms Awards
On 26 June 2018, the president presented the medal to Pauline Conner, his widow, in a ceremony in the East Room.
Garlin Murl Conner | Introduction
She earned twelve honorary doctorates from diverse educational institutions, and more than 64 organizations awarded her recognitions. Her work was recognized by President Bill Clinton who awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a ceremony in the White House, an honor previously also bestowed upon her brother Luis A. Ferré.
Isolina Ferré | Later years, declining health and death
In 2008, Sheila M'Mbijjew was awarded the "Moran of the Burning Spear" (MBS), a presidential medal for service to her country.
Sheila M'Mbijjewe | Other considerations
Hancock was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1989 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1990.
Walker Hancock | Introduction
On November 17, 2008, President George W. Bush awarded Martin the Presidential Citizens Medal “for his leadership in strengthening libraries and museums across the country.” The medal is the second-highest civilian award in the United States, second only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Martin is a Fellow of the Society of American Archivists and a Distinguished Alumnus of Rice University and the UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS).
Robert S. Martin | Introduction
The success of their action, of which Sylvia was the principal catalyst, would eventually bring to an end the era of segregated education. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian honor, on February 15, 2011.
Sylvia Mendez | Introduction
In June 1981, Lovelace was presented with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Ronald Reagan.
Alan M. Lovelace | Introduction
After Mays stepped down from the Atlanta Board of Education presidency in 1981, a petition was sent to the desk of U.S. President Ronald Reagan requesting that Mays be given the Presidential Medal of Freedom, but it was turned down. Georgian representative John Lewis proposed a bill in January 1993 that would commemorate Mays on a federal stamp and requested that Mays be given the Medal of Freedom posthumously. The request was sent to U.S. President Bill Clinton but his time as president ended before he could address the request. A request was sent once again to U.S. President George Bush by Georgian representatives Max Cleland and Zell Miller which passed both houses of Congress but has yet to be signed by a U.S.
Benjamin Mays | Medal of Freedom effort
In 2000, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton. In 2010, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., by President Barack Obama. More than thirty health care and medical facilities have been named after Angelou. She was awarded more than 50 honorary degrees.
List of honors received by Maya Angelou | Introduction
For her wartime services Kirkpatrick was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the French Legion of Honour and the Médaille de la Reconnaissance française and in later life the Rockefeller Public Service Award for her work for the US Government.
Helen Kirkpatrick | Honors
In 1977, Shouse was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Gerald Ford, and was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1994. In 2007, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. Shouse received myriad other awards, including the Living Legacy Award from the Women's International Center, the Vienna (Austria) Medal of Honor for Assistance to Austrian Youth, and the City of Paris Award (both in 1949). She was the first woman to receive the German Federal Republic's Commander's Cross of Merit (1954), and Shouse was named by Queen Elizabeth II, Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1976).
Catherine Filene Shouse | Decorations, citations, and honors
Mathilde Verspyck was posthumously accorded two major honors in recognition of her efforts as a freedom fighter during World War II – the: The Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor, was conferred both for her resistance activities and for the imprisonment and death she suffered in relation to that work. According to the General Orders issued on November 1, 1946 and March 20, 1947 by the United States Department of Defense as part of this award: Mademoiselle Verspyck joined an escape organization soon after the capitulation and is considered by the head of the group to have rendered considerable and remarkable service to his evasion line.
Mathilde Verspyck | Awards
Dart received the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1987.
Justin Whitlock Dart Sr. | Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 1996, President Bill Clinton awarded him with America's highest civilian award the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was born Zdzisław Antoni Jeziorański, (Jeziora Coat of Arms) in Berlin, but used a number of noms de guerre during the war, the best known of which was Jan Nowak which he later added to his original surname.
Jan Nowak-Jeziorański | Introduction
In November 2015, Frank was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House.
Billy Frank Jr. | Presidential Medal of Freedom
Today, as an advocate for the hungry and the hunted, the forgotten and the ignored, Mary Robinson has not only shone a light on human suffering, but illuminated a better future for our world." Amnesty International congratulated Mary Robinson on being named as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. "Mary Robinson has long defended the rights of the underdog and has never shirked from speaking truth to power," said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International. "As an outspoken, passionate and forceful advocate for human rights and human dignity in all regions of the world, Mary Robinson has helped countless individuals from Sierra Leone to Rwanda to the Balkans to Somalia and to the Middle East," she continued.
Mary Robinson | U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom
On 21 February 1961, Spaak was presented with the Medal of Freedom by US President John F. Kennedy.
Paul-Henri Spaak | NATO
Many medals were made, but were mostly unissued.
Order &quot;For Personal Courage&quot; | Introduction
The Medal of Liberty was awarded in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan as part of the festivities commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. The awarding of this medal took place only once, as it was linked to a specific event. No other Medals of Liberty have been awarded since Liberty Weekend 1986, although it is possible more may be awarded on future occasions.
Medal of Liberty | Introduction
She was a recipient of the Benson Medal.
Edith Sitwell | Introduction
O'Keeffe was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters and in 1966 was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Among her awards and honors, O'Keeffe received the M. Carey Thomas Award at Bryn Mawr College in 1971 and two years later received an honorary degree from Harvard University. In 1977, President Gerald Ford presented O'Keeffe with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor awarded to American civilians. In 1985, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Ronald Reagan. In 1993, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
Georgia O'Keeffe | Awards and honors
A half-ounce gold commemorative medal was embossed with her portrait by the United States Treasury Department in 1980; and in 1984, she was the first recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award of the City of New York. She has been awarded twenty-four honorary doctoral degrees from Howard University, Temple University, Smith College, and many others.
Marian Anderson | Later life
A week of testimonial dinners were conducted in 1927 to celebrate the 24 years that she helped girls attain freedom. In 1929, she was awarded a gold medal by the National Institute of Social Sciences, for her "unique work and indefatigable faithfulness for almost 30 years." In 1937 she was awarded a silver cup by Mrs. J. Sergeant Cram (Edith Claire Bryce) of the Peace House for her "deeds of courage without violence".
Rose Livingston | Awards
Krim was awarded 16 doctorates honoris causa and has received numerous other honors and distinctions. In August 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, in recognition of her "extraordinary compassion and commitment". In 2003, Krim received the Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged, an award given out annually by Jefferson Awards.
Mathilde Krim | Awards and recognition
Former president George H. W. Bush, who was awarded the medal on February 6, 2007, which would have been Ronald Reagan's 96th birthday, remarked, "I wish I had a little Ronald Reagan in me when it came to communicating with the American people. Had I been blessed with my predecessor's remarkable skill, who knows? I might still be employed." On a more serious note, he said later in the speech: "Working with Ronald Reagan was one of the greatest joys of my life." On September 17, 2008, the award was presented to former Soviet dissident Natan Sharansky by Nancy Reagan.
Ronald Reagan Freedom Award | Recipients
On November 16, 2016, Ross was announced as one of the 21 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. (* = made directly for television)
Diana Ross | Awards and nominations
In acknowledgment of his services the government awarded him two medals.
Samuel Joseph Fuenn | Introduction
On October 20, 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Langbehn with the second highest civilian honor: the Presidential Citizens Medal. Langbehn was one of 13 recipients for 2011. Langbehn's citation read
Janice Langbehn | Presidential Citizens Medal
UGA President Jere Morehead presented Early with a presidential medal in 2018.
Mary Frances Early | Recognition
The medal was awarded in 1986 by President Reagan to twelve outstanding individuals chosen as representative of the most distinguished naturalized citizens of the United States of America. David L. Wolper, producer of ABC's television's 1986 Independence Day Weekend media event, came up with the idea to have the President present awards to a select group of naturalized citizens as an essential part of the ceremonial festivities commemorating the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.
Medal of Liberty | History
1989 - President George Bush Sr. named Helen verDuin Palit his Fourth Point of Light in his Thousand Points of Light Community Service Award. 2014 - Recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. She was also recognized for this achievement in congress.
Helen verDuin Palit | Awards/Honours