A Guide to Major Congressional and Presidential Awards

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A Guide to Major Congressional and
August August 13, 2023 , 2023
Presidential Awards
Barbara Salazar Torreon
This report is intended to help congressional offices obtain information about awards authorized This report is intended to help congressional offices obtain information about awards authorized
Senior Research Librarian Senior Research Librarian
by Congress and the President. It provides details about the establishment, criteria, selection by Congress and the President. It provides details about the establishment, criteria, selection

process, and presentation of five presidential and congressional awards: the Congressional process, and presentation of five presidential and congressional awards: the Congressional
Ben Leubsdorf
Award, Congressional Gold Medal, Medal of Honor, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Award, Congressional Gold Medal, Medal of Honor, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and
Research Librarian Research Librarian
Presidential Citizens Medal. It also contains basic information on 20 additional awards and Presidential Citizens Medal. It also contains basic information on 20 additional awards and

medals, though this is not a comprehensive list of U.S. government decorations. medals, though this is not a comprehensive list of U.S. government decorations.

Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

A Guide to Major Congressional and Presidential Awards

Introduction
Congress and the executive branch have established a number of awards and medals for Congress and the executive branch have established a number of awards and medals for
achievement in the arts, education, military service, science, and other fields. achievement in the arts, education, military service, science, and other fields.
Some awards, such as the Congressional Award, recognize the accomplishments of young Some awards, such as the Congressional Award, recognize the accomplishments of young
Americans. Awards such as the Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom Americans. Awards such as the Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom
often honor a lifetime of exceptional achievement. Other awards, such as the Medal of Honor, often honor a lifetime of exceptional achievement. Other awards, such as the Medal of Honor,
recognize individual heroism. recognize individual heroism.
This report provides information on the Congressional Award, Congressional Gold Medal, Medal This report provides information on the Congressional Award, Congressional Gold Medal, Medal
of Honor, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Presidential Citizens Medal. It also includes a list of Honor, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Presidential Citizens Medal. It also includes a list
of 20 additional national awards and medals. of 20 additional national awards and medals.
Congressional Award
In 1979, Congress established the Congressional Award Program “to promote initiative, In 1979, Congress established the Congressional Award Program “to promote initiative,
achievement, and excellence among youths in the areas of public service, personal development, achievement, and excellence among youths in the areas of public service, personal development,
and physical and expedition fitness.”1 Overseen by the Congressional Award Board,2 participants and physical and expedition fitness.”1 Overseen by the Congressional Award Board,2 participants
who are 14 to 23 years old complete a self-designed program in four program areas: voluntary who are 14 to 23 years old complete a self-designed program in four program areas: voluntary
public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. When public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. When
participants fulfill the criteria, they can earn Congressional Award Certificates (Bronze, Silver, participants fulfill the criteria, they can earn Congressional Award Certificates (Bronze, Silver,
and Gold) and Congressional Award Medals (Bronze, Silver, and Gold).3 and Gold) and Congressional Award Medals (Bronze, Silver, and Gold).3
Traditionally, a gold medal ceremony at the U.S. Capitol recognizes recipients each year.4 Traditionally, a gold medal ceremony at the U.S. Capitol recognizes recipients each year.4
The program may be contacted at: The program may be contacted at:
Congressional Award Foundation Congressional Award Foundation
P.O. Box 77440 P.O. Box 77440
Washington, DC 20013 Washington, DC 20013
Phone: (888) 80-AWARD; (202) 226-0130 Phone: (888) 80-AWARD; (202) 226-0130
Email: information@congressionalaward.org Email: information@congressionalaward.org
Website: https://www.congressionalaward.org Website: https://www.congressionalaward.org
Congressional Gold Medal
Congressional Gold Medals are awarded by acts of Congress to express public gratitude for Congressional Gold Medals are awarded by acts of Congress to express public gratitude for
distinguished contributions, highlight the virtues of patriotism, and perpetuate the remembrance distinguished contributions, highlight the virtues of patriotism, and perpetuate the remembrance
of great events. First issued by the Continental Congress to General George Washington in 1776,5 of great events. First issued by the Continental Congress to General George Washington in 1776,5
the medal is considered one of the highest honors bestowed on behalf of the nation. the medal is considered one of the highest honors bestowed on behalf of the nation.

1 P.L. 96-114, 93 Stat. 851 (1979), codified at 2 U.S.C. §801-§808. The Congressional Award Program was 1 P.L. 96-114, 93 Stat. 851 (1979), codified at 2 U.S.C. §801-§808. The Congressional Award Program was
reauthorized through October 1, 2023, by P.L. 115-268, 132 Stat. 3762 (2018). reauthorized through October 1, 2023, by P.L. 115-268, 132 Stat. 3762 (2018).
2 For information on board membership and appointments, see CRS Report RL33313, 2 For information on board membership and appointments, see CRS Report RL33313, Congressional Membership and
Appointment Authority to Advisory Commissions, Boards, and Groups, by Jacob R. Straus. , by Jacob R. Straus.
3 Congressional Award Foundation, 3 Congressional Award Foundation, The Program, at https://www.congressionalaward.org/the-program. , at https://www.congressionalaward.org/the-program.
4 Congressional Award Foundation, 4 Congressional Award Foundation, Annual Gold Medal Ceremony, at https://www.congressionalaward.org/events/, at https://www.congressionalaward.org/events/
annual-gold-medal-ceremony. annual-gold-medal-ceremony.
5 Worthington Chauncey Ford (ed.), 5 Worthington Chauncey Ford (ed.), Journals of the Continental Congress: 1774-1789, vol. 4 (Washington: , vol. 4 (Washington:
Government Printing Office, 1906), p. 234 (March 25, 1776). Government Printing Office, 1906), p. 234 (March 25, 1776).
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A Guide to Major Congressional and Presidential Awards

Historically, Congress has awarded Congressional Gold Medals to recognize a lifetime of Historically, Congress has awarded Congressional Gold Medals to recognize a lifetime of
contribution or a singular achievement. Each Congressional Gold Medal is individually contribution or a singular achievement. Each Congressional Gold Medal is individually
authorized and requires the U.S. Mint to design and strike the medal.6 authorized and requires the U.S. Mint to design and strike the medal.6
Congressional Gold Medals can be awarded to either individuals or groups. When gold medals Congressional Gold Medals can be awarded to either individuals or groups. When gold medals
are awarded to individuals, the individual recipient, or his or her family, receives the gold medal. are awarded to individuals, the individual recipient, or his or her family, receives the gold medal.
For instances in which a group is honored, a single gold medal is generally minted that is either For instances in which a group is honored, a single gold medal is generally minted that is either
awarded to the group or placed in a museum for future exhibition. awarded to the group or placed in a museum for future exhibition.
For additional information including a full list of Congressional Gold Medal recipients, see CRS For additional information including a full list of Congressional Gold Medal recipients, see CRS
Report R45101, Report R45101, Congressional Gold Medals: Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for
Congress, by Jacob R. Straus. , by Jacob R. Straus.
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military honor. It is presented by the President “in the The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military honor. It is presented by the President “in the
name of Congress,” and is sometimes referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor.7 name of Congress,” and is sometimes referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor.7
Congress established the Medal of Honor during the Civil War to recognize soldiers who had Congress established the Medal of Honor during the Civil War to recognize soldiers who had
distinguished themselves by their gallantry in action. It is the nation’s highest military honor, distinguished themselves by their gallantry in action. It is the nation’s highest military honor,
awarded for acts of valor that are “above and beyond the call of duty.”8 awarded for acts of valor that are “above and beyond the call of duty.”8
Recommendations for the Medal of Honor are generally made by the military commander or Recommendations for the Medal of Honor are generally made by the military commander or
others present at the time of the act. These recommendations are reviewed by the Department of others present at the time of the act. These recommendations are reviewed by the Department of
Defense, which makes the final determination on military awards.9 Defense, which makes the final determination on military awards.9
In addition to the prestige associated with the Medal of Honor, recipients receive additional In addition to the prestige associated with the Medal of Honor, recipients receive additional
courtesies and benefits, including a monthly pension of $1,619.34 and access to certain military courtesies and benefits, including a monthly pension of $1,619.34 and access to certain military
benefits.10 benefits.10
For additional information, including recommendation procedures, see CRS Report 95-519, For additional information, including recommendation procedures, see CRS Report 95-519,
Medal of Honor: History and Issues, by Barbara Salazar Torreon. , by Barbara Salazar Torreon.
Presidential Medal of Freedom
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is typically described as the highest civilian award of the The Presidential Medal of Freedom is typically described as the highest civilian award of the
United States government. It has been called the “civilian equivalent” of the Medal of Honor.11 United States government. It has been called the “civilian equivalent” of the Medal of Honor.11
President Harry S. Truman first created the Medal of Freedom to reward war-connected acts or President Harry S. Truman first created the Medal of Freedom to reward war-connected acts or
services performed by civilians during World War II.12 It was renamed and broadened by services performed by civilians during World War II.12 It was renamed and broadened by

6 In recent years, most Congressional Gold Medal statutes authorize the U.S. Mint to strike bronze duplicates for sale to 6 In recent years, most Congressional Gold Medal statutes authorize the U.S. Mint to strike bronze duplicates for sale to
the general public. For information on duplicate medals, see CRS In Focus IF10934, the general public. For information on duplicate medals, see CRS In Focus IF10934, Duplicate Congressional Gold
Medals: Frequently Asked Questions, by Jacob R. Straus. , by Jacob R. Straus.
7 Congressional Medal of Honor Society, 7 Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Statistics and FAQs, at https://www.cmohs.org/medal/faqs. , at https://www.cmohs.org/medal/faqs.
8 10 U.S.C. §9271. 8 10 U.S.C. §9271.
9 Department of Defense Manual 1348.33, Volume 1, 9 Department of Defense Manual 1348.33, Volume 1, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: Medal of Honor, ,
May 7, 2021, at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_Vol1.PDF. May 7, 2021, at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_Vol1.PDF.
10 See 38 C.F.R. §3.802 for information on benefits, and see https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special- 10 See 38 C.F.R. §3.802 for information on benefits, and see https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-
benefit-allowance-rates/ for the 2023 Medal of Honor pension rate as of December 1, 2022. benefit-allowance-rates/ for the 2023 Medal of Honor pension rate as of December 1, 2022.
11 “Presidential Medal of Freedom” in 11 “Presidential Medal of Freedom” in The Presidency A to Z, 5th ed., eds. Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley , 5th ed., eds. Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley
(Thousand Oaks, CA: CQ Press, 2013), pp. 451-452. (Thousand Oaks, CA: CQ Press, 2013), pp. 451-452.
12 Executive Order 9586, “The Medal of Freedom,” 10 12 Executive Order 9586, “The Medal of Freedom,” 10 Federal Register 8523, July 6, 1945. 8523, July 6, 1945.
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A Guide to Major Congressional and Presidential Awards

President John F. Kennedy in 1963 to recognize “any person who has made an especially President John F. Kennedy in 1963 to recognize “any person who has made an especially
meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world 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.”13 There are two degrees of peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”13 There are two degrees of
the Medal, the higher being the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction. the Medal, the higher being the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction.
The President has wide discretion to bestow the medal on “any person recommended to the The President has wide discretion to bestow the medal on “any person recommended to the
President for award of the Medal or any person selected by the President upon his own President for award of the Medal or any person selected by the President upon his own
initiative.”14 As such, recipients tend to reflect the personal and political interests of the President. initiative.”14 As such, recipients tend to reflect the personal and political interests of the President.
The accomplishments of past recipients have been in wide-ranging fields, including public The accomplishments of past recipients have been in wide-ranging fields, including public
service, journalism, business, sports, and entertainment.15 service, journalism, business, sports, and entertainment.15
The award is generally presented by the President at a White House ceremony. It may be awarded The award is generally presented by the President at a White House ceremony. It may be awarded
posthumously and to non-U.S. citizens. posthumously and to non-U.S. citizens.
There is no formal nomination and selection procedure,16 but letters making recommendations There is no formal nomination and selection procedure,16 but letters making recommendations
may be sent to the President. may be sent to the President.
For additional information including a full list of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, see CRS Report R47639, Presidential Medal of Freedom, by Ben Leubsdorf. Presidential Citizens Medal
In 1969, President Richard M. Nixon created the Presidential Citizens Medal “for the purpose of In 1969, President Richard M. Nixon created the Presidential Citizens Medal “for the purpose of
recognizing citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of recognizing citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of
service for their country or their fellow citizens.”17 It is generally described as the second-highest service for their country or their fellow citizens.”17 It is generally described as the second-highest
civilian award of the U.S. government.18 civilian award of the U.S. government.18
The Presidential Citizens Medal “may be bestowed by the President upon any citizen of the The Presidential Citizens Medal “may be bestowed by the President upon any citizen of the
United States at the sole discretion of the President,” and it can be awarded posthumously.19 United States at the sole discretion of the President,” and it can be awarded posthumously.19
Recent recipients at White House ceremonies have included activists, athletes, disaster Recent recipients at White House ceremonies have included activists, athletes, disaster
responders, election workers, public officials, leaders of cultural institutions, police officers, responders, election workers, public officials, leaders of cultural institutions, police officers,
teachers, and volunteers.20 teachers, and volunteers.20

13 Executive Order 11085, “The Presidential Medal of Freedom,” 28 13 Executive Order 11085, “The Presidential Medal of Freedom,” 28 Federal Register 1759, February 22, 1963. 1759, February 22, 1963.
14 Executive Order 11515, “Terminating Certain Bodies Established by the President,” 35 14 Executive Order 11515, “Terminating Certain Bodies Established by the President,” 35 Federal Register 4543, 4543,
March 13, 1970. March 13, 1970.
15 See Bruce Wetterau, 15 See Bruce Wetterau, The Presidential Medal of Freedom: Winners and Their Achievements (Washington: (Washington:
Congressional Quarterly Inc., 1996), and Lawrence M. Watson, Congressional Quarterly Inc., 1996), and Lawrence M. Watson, The Presidential Medal of Freedom (Claymont, DE: (Claymont, DE:
Orders and Medals Society of America, 2014). Orders and Medals Society of America, 2014).
16 Juliet Eilperin, “One of the Last Washington Mysteries: How to Get the Medal of Freedom,” 16 Juliet Eilperin, “One of the Last Washington Mysteries: How to Get the Medal of Freedom,” The Washington Post, ,
November 23, 2015, at https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/one-of-the-last-washington-mysteries-how-to-get-the-November 23, 2015, at https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/one-of-the-last-washington-mysteries-how-to-get-the-
medal-of-freedom/2015/11/23/d3351fa2-91f3-11e5-b5e4-279b4501e8a6_story.html. medal-of-freedom/2015/11/23/d3351fa2-91f3-11e5-b5e4-279b4501e8a6_story.html.
17 Executive Order 11494, “Establishing the Presidential Citizens Medal,” 34 17 Executive Order 11494, “Establishing the Presidential Citizens Medal,” 34 Federal Register 18291, November 13, 18291, November 13,
1969. 1969.
18 See, for example, Kelly Hooper, “Biden to Award Presidential Citizens Medal to Several Jan. 6 Heroes,” 18 See, for example, Kelly Hooper, “Biden to Award Presidential Citizens Medal to Several Jan. 6 Heroes,” Politico, ,
January 5, 2023, at https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/05/biden-awards-presidential-citizens-medal-to-several-January 5, 2023, at https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/05/biden-awards-presidential-citizens-medal-to-several-
jan-6-heroes-00076550; Charles J. Lewis and Stewart M. Powell, “Obama Presents Medals For Slain Sandy Hook jan-6-heroes-00076550; Charles J. Lewis and Stewart M. Powell, “Obama Presents Medals For Slain Sandy Hook
Educators,” Educators,” Connecticut Post, February 15, 2013, at https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Obama-presents-medals-for-, February 15, 2013, at https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Obama-presents-medals-for-
slain-Sandy-Hook-4283610.php; and White House, Office of the Press Secretary, “The President Participates in a slain-Sandy-Hook-4283610.php; and White House, Office of the Press Secretary, “The President Participates in a
Ceremony for 2008 Recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal,” press release, December 10, 2008, at Ceremony for 2008 Recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal,” press release, December 10, 2008, at
https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/12/20081210-3.html. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/12/20081210-3.html.
19 E.O. 11494. 19 E.O. 11494.
20 U.S. President (Biden), “Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Citizens Medal,” 20 U.S. President (Biden), “Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Citizens Medal,” Daily Compilation of Presidential
~~Documents~~ ~~(January 6, 2023); U.S. President (Trump), “Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Citizens Medal to C.~~
~~Richard Rescorla,” Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents (November 7, 2019); U.S. President (Obama),~~
~~“Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Citizens Medals,” Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents (February 15,~~
(continued...) (continued...)
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As with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recommendations for the Presidential Citizens Medal As with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recommendations for the Presidential Citizens Medal
may be sent to the President. may be sent to the President.
Additional Awards and Medals
Table 1 contains information about selected medals and awards presented by or in the name of contains information about selected medals and awards presented by or in the name of
the President, as well as selected medals and awards established by Congress. It does not include the President, as well as selected medals and awards established by Congress. It does not include
military medals or awards. This is not a comprehensive list of all civilian honors awarded or military medals or awards. This is not a comprehensive list of all civilian honors awarded or
authorized by the U.S. government. Resources listed in the “Additional Information” column authorized by the U.S. government. Resources listed in the “Additional Information” column
generally contain details about the nomination and selection process for that award. generally contain details about the nomination and selection process for that award.
Table 1. Selected National Medals and Awards
Award or Medal
Eligibility/Purpose
Additional Information
Alan T. Waterman Alan T. Waterman
“Younger scientists whose capabilities and “Younger scientists whose capabilities and
https://new.nsf.gov/od/honorary-awards/ https://new.nsf.gov/od/honorary-awards/
Award Award
accomplishments show exceptional promise of accomplishments show exceptional promise of
waterman waterman
significant future achievement” (42 U.S.C. significant future achievement” (42 U.S.C.
§1881a) §1881a)
Congressional Congressional
“Any astronaut who in the performance of the “Any astronaut who in the performance of the
https://history.nasa.gov/spacemedal.htm https://history.nasa.gov/spacemedal.htm
Space Medal of Space Medal of
astronaut’s duties has distinguished himself or astronaut’s duties has distinguished himself or
Honor Honor
herself by exceptionally meritorious efforts herself by exceptionally meritorious efforts
and contributions to the welfare of the Nation and contributions to the welfare of the Nation
and of humankind” (51 U.S.C. §30901) and of humankind” (51 U.S.C. §30901)
Enrico Fermi Award “Scientists, engineers, and science Enrico Fermi Award “Scientists, engineers, and science
https://science.osti.gov/fermi https://science.osti.gov/fermi
policymakers who have given unstintingly over policymakers who have given unstintingly over
their careers to advance energy science and their careers to advance energy science and
technology” technology”
Malcolm Baldrige Malcolm Baldrige
“Companies and other organizations which .. “Companies and other organizations which ..
https://www.nist.gov/baldrige https://www.nist.gov/baldrige
National Quality National Quality
have substantially benefited the economic or have substantially benefited the economic or
Award Award
social well-being of the United States through social well-being of the United States through
improvements in the quality of their goods or improvements in the quality of their goods or
services resulting from the effective practice of services resulting from the effective practice of
quality management” (15 U.S.C. §3711a) quality management” (15 U.S.C. §3711a)
National National
“Individuals and organizations whose work has “Individuals and organizations whose work has
https://www.neh.gov/about/awards/ https://www.neh.gov/about/awards/
Humanities Medal Humanities Medal
deepened our nation’s understanding of and deepened our nation’s understanding of and
national-humanities-medals-nominations national-humanities-medals-nominations
engagement with history, literature, languages, engagement with history, literature, languages,
philosophy, and other humanities subjects” philosophy, and other humanities subjects”
National Medal for National Medal for
“Outstanding libraries and museums that have “Outstanding libraries and museums that have
https://www.imls.gov/grants/available/ https://www.imls.gov/grants/available/
Museum and Museum and
made significant contributions in service to made significant contributions in service to
national-medal-museum-and-library- national-medal-museum-and-library-
Library Service Library Service
their communities” (20 U.S.C. §9107) their communities” (20 U.S.C. §9107)
service service
~~National Medal of~~
~~“Individuals or groups ... deserving of special~~
~~https://www.arts.gov/honors/medals~~
~~Arts~~
~~recognition by reason of their outstanding~~
~~contributions to the excellence, growth,~~
~~support, and availability of the arts in the~~
~~United States” (20 U.S.C. §955b)~~

Documents (January 6, 2023); U.S. President (Trump), “Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Citizens Medal to C. Richard Rescorla,” Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents (November 7, 2019); U.S. President (Obama), “Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Citizens Medals,” Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents (February 15, 2013); U.S. President (Obama), “Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Citizens Medals,” 2013); U.S. President (Obama), “Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Citizens Medals,” Daily Compilation of
Presidential Documents (October 20, 2011); U.S. President (G.W. Bush), “Remarks on Presenting the Presidential (October 20, 2011); U.S. President (G.W. Bush), “Remarks on Presenting the Presidential
Citizens Medals,” Citizens Medals,” Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, vol. 44 (November 17, 2008), pp. 1428-1429; U.S. , vol. 44 (November 17, 2008), pp. 1428-1429; U.S.
President (Clinton), “Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Citizens Medal,” President (Clinton), “Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Citizens Medal,” Weekly Compilation of Presidential
Documents, vol. 37 (January 8, 2001), pp. 41-49. , vol. 37 (January 8, 2001), pp. 41-49.
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A Guide to Major Congressional and Presidential Awards

Award or Medal
Eligibility/Purpose
Additional Information
National Medal of National Medal of
“Individuals “Individuals or groups ... deserving of special https://www.arts.gov/honors/medals Arts recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support, and availability of the arts in the United States” (20 U.S.C. §955b) National Medal of “Individuals . . deserving of special recognition . . deserving of special recognition
https://new.nsf.gov/od/honorary-awards/ https://new.nsf.gov/od/honorary-awards/
Science Science
by reason of their outstanding contributions to national-medal-of-science by reason of their outstanding contributions to national-medal-of-science
knowledge in the physical, biological, knowledge in the physical, biological,
mathematical, engineering, behavioral or social mathematical, engineering, behavioral or social
sciences” (42 U.S.C. §1881) sciences” (42 U.S.C. §1881)
National Security National Security
“Any person . “Any person . . . for distinguished achievement for distinguished achievement
Executive Order 10431 (January 19, Executive Order 10431 (January 19,
Medal Medal
or outstanding contribution made on or after or outstanding contribution made on or after
1953), as amended by Executive Order 1953), as amended by Executive Order
July 26, 1947, in the field of national security July 26, 1947, in the field of national security
13709 (October 2, 2015). 13709 (October 2, 2015).
through either exceptionally meritorious through either exceptionally meritorious
service performed in a position of high service performed in a position of high
responsibility or through an act of heroism responsibility or through an act of heroism
requiring personal courage of a high degree requiring personal courage of a high degree
and complete disregard of personal safety” and complete disregard of personal safety”
(E.O. 13709, October 2, 2015) (E.O. 13709, October 2, 2015)
National Medal of National Medal of
“Individuals or companies . . deserving of “Individuals or companies . . deserving of
https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and- https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-
Technology and Technology and
special recognition by reason of their special recognition by reason of their
resources/ip-programs-and-awards/ resources/ip-programs-and-awards/
Innovation Innovation
outstanding contributions to the promotion of outstanding contributions to the promotion of
national-medal-technology-and- national-medal-technology-and-
technology or technological manpower for the technology or technological manpower for the
innovation-nmti innovation-nmti
improvement of the economic, environmental, improvement of the economic, environmental,
or social well-being of the United States” (15 or social well-being of the United States” (15
U.S.C. §3711) U.S.C. §3711)
President’s President’s
“Outstanding environmental stewardship “Outstanding environmental stewardship
https://www.epa.gov/education/ https://www.epa.gov/education/
Environmental Environmental
projects developed by K-12 youth” projects developed by K-12 youth”
presidents-environmental-youth-award presidents-environmental-youth-award
Youth Award Youth Award
President’s President’s
“Individuals whose service positively impacts “Individuals whose service positively impacts
https://presidentialserviceawards.gov https://presidentialserviceawards.gov
Volunteer Service Volunteer Service
communities in every corner of the nation and communities in every corner of the nation and
Award Award
inspires those around them to take action, inspires those around them to take action,
too” too”
Presidential Awards Presidential Awards
“The highest honors bestowed by the United “The highest honors bestowed by the United
https://paemst.nsf.gov https://paemst.nsf.gov
for Excellence in for Excellence in
States government specifically for K-12 States government specifically for K-12
Mathematics and Mathematics and
science, technology, engineering, and science, technology, engineering, and
Science Teaching Science Teaching
mathematics teaching” mathematics teaching”
Presidential Early Presidential Early
“Outstanding scientists and engineers “Outstanding scientists and engineers
https://new.nsf.gov/od/honorary-awards/ https://new.nsf.gov/od/honorary-awards/
Career Award for Career Award for
beginning their independent careers” beginning their independent careers”
pecase pecase
Scientists and Scientists and
Engineers Engineers
Presidential Rank Presidential Rank
Career appointees who demonstrate Career appointees who demonstrate
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data- https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-
Award Award
“sustained accomplishment” or “sustained “sustained accomplishment” or “sustained
oversight/senior-executive-service/ oversight/senior-executive-service/
extraordinary accomplishment” (5 U.S.C. extraordinary accomplishment” (5 U.S.C.
presidential-rank-awards presidential-rank-awards
§4507) §4507)
Presidential Presidential
“Persons who have recently been graduated, “Persons who have recently been graduated,
https://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp https://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp
Scholars Program Scholars Program
or are about to be graduated, from secondary or are about to be graduated, from secondary
schools, public or private .. chosen on the schools, public or private .. chosen on the
basis of their outstanding scholarship” (E.O. basis of their outstanding scholarship” (E.O.
11155, May 23, 1964) 11155, May 23, 1964)
Congressional Research Service 5 A Guide to Major Congressional and Presidential Awards Award or Medal Eligibility/Purpose Additional Information President’s “E” and President’s “E” and
“Persons, firms, and organizations engaged in “Persons, firms, and organizations engaged in
https://www.commerce.gov/tags/e- https://www.commerce.gov/tags/e-
“E Star” Awards “E Star” Awards
the marketing of products who make the marketing of products who make
awards awards
significant contributions to the expansion of significant contributions to the expansion of
the export trade of the United States” (E.O. the export trade of the United States” (E.O.
10978, December 5, 1961) 10978, December 5, 1961)
~~Congressional Research Service~~

5

~~A Guide to Major Congressional and Presidential Awards~~

~~Award or Medal~~
~~Eligibility/Purpose~~
~~Additional Information~~
President’s Award President’s Award
“Civilian officers or employees of the Federal “Civilian officers or employees of the Federal
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data- https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-
for Distinguished for Distinguished
Government for the best achievements having Government for the best achievements having
oversight/performance-management/ oversight/performance-management/
Federal Civilian Federal Civilian
current impact in improving Government current impact in improving Government
performance-management-cycle/ performance-management-cycle/
Service Service
operations or serving the public interest” (E.O. rewarding/the-presidents-award-for- operations or serving the public interest” (E.O. rewarding/the-presidents-award-for-
10717, June 27, 1957) 10717, June 27, 1957)
distinguished-federal-civilian-service distinguished-federal-civilian-service
President’s President’s
“Honors graduating elementary, middle and “Honors graduating elementary, middle and
https://www2.ed.gov/programs/ https://www2.ed.gov/programs/
Education Awards Education Awards
high school students for their achievement and high school students for their achievement and
presedaward presedaward
hard work” hard work”
Public Safety Officer “A public safety officer who is cited by the Public Safety Officer “A public safety officer who is cited by the
https://bja.ojp.gov/program/medalofvalor https://bja.ojp.gov/program/medalofvalor
Medal of Valor Medal of Valor
Attorney General, upon the recommendation Attorney General, upon the recommendation
of the Medal of Valor Review Board, for of the Medal of Valor Review Board, for
extraordinary valor above and beyond the call extraordinary valor above and beyond the call
of duty” (42 U.S.C. §15201) of duty” (42 U.S.C. §15201)
Sources: United States Code, , Codification of Presidential Proclamations and Executive Orders, , Daily Compilation of
Presidential Documents, agency websites. , agency websites.
Notes: “Eligibility/Purpose” text comes from the website listed under “Additional Information” if not cited to a “Eligibility/Purpose” text comes from the website listed under “Additional Information” if not cited to a
section of the section of the U.S. Code or an executive order. Note that this table excludes military decorations and is not a or an executive order. Note that this table excludes military decorations and is not a
comprehensive list of U.S. government civilian awards. comprehensive list of U.S. government civilian awards.
Related CRS Resources
CRS Report R43539, CRS Report R43539, Commemorations in Congress: Options for Honoring Individuals, Groups,
and Events, coordinated by Jacob R. Straus. , coordinated by Jacob R. Straus.
CRS Report R45101, CRS Report R45101, Congressional Gold Medals: Background, Legislative Process, and Issues
for Congress, by Jacob R. Straus. , by Jacob R. Straus.
CRS In Focus IF12085, CRS In Focus IF12085, Congressional Gold Medals: Categorization of Proposed and Enacted
Medals, 1973-2020, by Jacob R. Straus and Jared C. Nagel. , by Jacob R. Straus and Jared C. Nagel.
CRS In Focus IF10934, CRS In Focus IF10934, Duplicate Congressional Gold Medals: Frequently Asked Questions, by , by
Jacob R. Straus. Jacob R. Straus.
CRS Report 95-519, CRS Report 95-519, Medal of Honor: History and Issues, by Barbara Salazar Torreon. , by Barbara Salazar Torreon.
CRS Report RS21282, CRS Report RS21282, Military Service Records, Awards, and Unit Histories: A Guide to
Locating Sources, by Barbara Salazar Torreon and Travis A. Ferrell. , by Barbara Salazar Torreon and Travis A. Ferrell.
CRS Report CRS Report R47639, Presidential Medal of Freedom, by Ben Leubsdorf. CRS Report R42704, R42704, The Purple Heart: Background and Issues for Congress, by Barbara Salazar , by Barbara Salazar
Torreon and Carly A. Miller. Torreon and Carly A. Miller.

Congressional Research Service 6 A Guide to Major Congressional and Presidential Awards
Author Information

Barbara Salazar Torreon Barbara Salazar Torreon
Ben Leubsdorf Ben Leubsdorf
Senior Research Librarian Senior Research Librarian
Research Librarian Research Librarian

~~Congressional Research Service~~

6

~~A Guide to Major Congressional and Presidential Awards~~

Disclaimer
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