Presidential Medal of Freedom

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Presidential Medal of Freedom
~~August 1, 2023~~May 3, 2024
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the U.S. government’s highest civilian honor. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the U.S. government’s highest civilian honor.
Awarded by the President, it is often presented to individuals to recognize a lifetime of Awarded by the President, it is often presented to individuals to recognize a lifetime of
Ben Leubsdorf
significant achievements in the arts, public service, science, or other fields. significant achievements in the arts, public service, science, or other fields.
Research Librarian Research Librarian

Created by President Harry S. Truman Created by President Harry S. Truman in 1945 as the Medal of Freedomas the Medal of Freedom ~~in 1945~~, the medal was renamed , the medal was renamed
by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 as the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Executive Order by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 as the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Executive Order

11085 (February 22, 1963) allows the President to recognize “any person who has made an 11085 (February 22, 1963) allows the President 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 peace, or (3) 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.” cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
The medal is a white star over a red pentagon, surrounded by five gold eagles. At the star’s center is a blue circle with 13 The medal is a white star over a red pentagon, surrounded by five gold eagles. At the star’s center is a blue circle with 13
gold stars. The Presidential Medal of Freedom comes in two degrees, with the more prestigious version known as the gold stars. The Presidential Medal of Freedom comes in two degrees, with the more prestigious version known as the
Presidential Medal of Freedom “with distinction.” Presidential Medal of Freedom “with distinction.”
There is no formal procedure for nominating and selecting recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The President has There is no formal procedure for nominating and selecting recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The President has
wide latitude under Executive Order 11515 (March 13, 1970) to award the medal to “any person recommended to the wide latitude under Executive Order 11515 (March 13, 1970) to award the medal to “any person recommended to the
President for award of the Medal or any person selected by the President upon his own initiative.” Selections often reflect the President for award of the Medal or any person selected by the President upon his own initiative.” Selections often reflect the
President’s political and personal interests. President’s political and personal interests.
Numerous Members of Congress have sent nominations to the President. Some Members have made floor remarks about Numerous Members of Congress have sent nominations to the President. Some Members have made floor remarks about
potential or past recipients and introduced resolutions congratulating honorees or urging the President to recognize a specific potential or past recipients and introduced resolutions congratulating honorees or urging the President to recognize a specific
individual. individual.
Between 1963 and Between 1963 and ~~2022~~2024, the Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded , the Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded ~~633~~652 times to times to ~~630~~649 individuals and one group (the individuals and one group (the
Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team); two people (Ellsworth Bunker and Colin Powell) received the medal twice. This report Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team); two people (Ellsworth Bunker and Colin Powell) received the medal twice. This report
contains a comprehensive list of honorees and indicates when a medal is known to have been awarded “with distinction.” contains a comprehensive list of honorees and indicates when a medal is known to have been awarded “with distinction.”
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Presidential Medal of Freedom

Introduction
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the U.S. government’s highest civilian honor. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the U.S. government’s highest civilian honor.
Awarded by the President, it is often presented to individuals to recognize a lifetime of significant Awarded by the President, it is often presented to individuals to recognize a lifetime of significant
achievements in the arts, public service, science, or other fields. achievements in the arts, public service, science, or other fields.
This report describes the history of the medal, provides information about its design and related This report describes the history of the medal, provides information about its design and related
protocol, and discusses the nomination and selection process. It concludes with tables containing protocol, and discusses the nomination and selection process. It concludes with tables containing
a comprehensive list of honorees since 1963. a comprehensive list of honorees since 1963.
Background
History
In July 1945, President Harry S. Truman issued an executive order, near the end of World War II, In July 1945, President Harry S. Truman issued an executive order, near the end of World War II,
to create the Medal of Freedom. In establishing the award, he sought to honor civilians who to create the Medal of Freedom. In establishing the award, he sought to honor civilians who
“performed a meritorious act or service which has aided the United States” or one of its allies “performed a meritorious act or service which has aided the United States” or one of its allies
overseas during wartime, “and for which an award of another United States medal or decoration overseas during wartime, “and for which an award of another United States medal or decoration
is considered inappropriate.”1 During the Korean War, President Truman expanded the medal’s is considered inappropriate.”1 During the Korean War, President Truman expanded the medal’s
eligibility to include actions during “any period of national emergency.”2 It was awarded eligibility to include actions during “any period of national emergency.”2 It was awarded
thousands of times, mostly by federal officials other than the President.3 thousands of times, mostly by federal officials other than the President.3
In his 1955 State of the Union address, President Dwight D. Eisenhower called for “awards of In his 1955 State of the Union address, President Dwight D. Eisenhower called for “awards of
merit … whereby we can honor our fellow citizens who make great contribution to the merit … whereby we can honor our fellow citizens who make great contribution to the
advancement of our civilization.”4 The House twice passed bills to create a Medal for advancement of our civilization.”4 The House twice passed bills to create a Medal for
Distinguished Civilian Achievement: H.R. 11923 in the 84th Congress5 and H.R. 488 in the 85th Distinguished Civilian Achievement: H.R. 11923 in the 84th Congress5 and H.R. 488 in the 85th
Congress.6 In each case, the Senate referred the bill to committee and took no further action.7 Congress.6 In each case, the Senate referred the bill to committee and took no further action.7
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy issued Executive Order 11085 to modify the Medal of In 1963, President John F. Kennedy issued Executive Order 11085 to modify the Medal of
Freedom, including by giving it a new name: the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It would now be Freedom, including by giving it a new name: the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It would now be
awarded solely by the President to “any person who has made an especially meritorious awarded solely by the President to “any person who has made an especially meritorious
contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) 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.”8 cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”8
President Kennedy said at the time that President Kennedy said at the time that
in a period when the national government must call upon an increasing portion of the talents in a period when the national government must call upon an increasing portion of the talents
and energies of its citizens, it is clearly appropriate to provide ways to recognize and reward and energies of its citizens, it is clearly appropriate to provide ways to recognize and reward

1 Executive Order 9586, “The Medal of Freedom,” 10 1 Executive Order 9586, “The Medal of Freedom,” 10 Federal Register 8523, July 6, 1945. 8523, July 6, 1945.
2 Executive Order 10336, “Amendment of Executive Order No. 9586 of July 6, 1945, Establishing the Medal of 2 Executive Order 10336, “Amendment of Executive Order No. 9586 of July 6, 1945, Establishing the Medal of
Freedom,” 17 Freedom,” 17 Federal Register 2957, April 3, 1952. 2957, April 3, 1952.
3 Bruce Wetterau, 3 Bruce Wetterau, The Presidential Medal of Freedom: Winners and Their Achievements (Washington: Congressional (Washington: Congressional
Quarterly Inc., 1996), p. 9. Quarterly Inc., 1996), p. 9.
4 “Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union” (January 6, 1955) in U.S. National Archives and 4 “Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union” (January 6, 1955) in U.S. National Archives and
Records Service, Office of the Federal Register, Records Service, Office of the Federal Register, Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Dwight D.
Eisenhower, 1955, pp. 7-30. , 1955, pp. 7-30.
5 5 Congressional Record, vol. 102, part 9 (July 2, 1956), p. 11609. , vol. 102, part 9 (July 2, 1956), p. 11609.
6 6 Congressional Record, vol. 104, part 11 (July 23, 1958), p. 14794. , vol. 104, part 11 (July 23, 1958), p. 14794.
7 7 Congressional Record, vol. 102, part 9 (July 3, 1956), p. 11678 and vol. 104, part 11 (July 24, 1958), p. 14895. , vol. 102, part 9 (July 3, 1956), p. 11678 and vol. 104, part 11 (July 24, 1958), p. 14895.
8 Executive Order 11085, “The Presidential Medal of Freedom,” 28 8 Executive Order 11085, “The Presidential Medal of Freedom,” 28 Federal Register 1759, February 22, 1963. Also, in 1759, February 22, 1963. Also, in
the the United States Code at 5 U.S.C. §4504 note. at 5 U.S.C. §4504 note.
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Presidential Medal of Freedom

the work of persons, within and without the the work of persons, within and without the government, who contribute significantly to government, who contribute significantly to
the quality of American life.9 the quality of American life.9
On July 4, 1963, President Kennedy announced the first slate of 31 honorees.10 President Lyndon On July 4, 1963, President Kennedy announced the first slate of 31 honorees.10 President Lyndon
B. Johnson presented the initial Presidential Medals of Freedom two weeks after President B. Johnson presented the initial Presidential Medals of Freedom two weeks after President
Kennedy’s assassination, with two posthumous additions to the list: Pope John XXIII and Kennedy’s assassination, with two posthumous additions to the list: Pope John XXIII and
President Kennedy.11 President Kennedy.11
Design and Protocol
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is a white The Presidential Medal of Freedom is a white
star over a red pentagon, surrounded by five star over a red pentagon, surrounded by five
Figure 1. Presidential Medal of Freedom
gold eagles. At the star’s center is a blue gold eagles. At the star’s center is a blue
Front of the medal awarded to Rosa Parks in 1996. Front of the medal awarded to Rosa Parks in 1996.
circle with 13 gold stars. circle with 13 gold stars.
Harry D. Temple, the head of the Army’s Harry D. Temple, the head of the Army’s
Institute of Heraldry, designed the medal with Institute of Heraldry, designed the medal with
input from President Kennedy and First Lady input from President Kennedy and First Lady
Jacqueline Kennedy.12 A contemporary White Jacqueline Kennedy.12 A contemporary White
House document described the white star—a House document described the white star—a
symbol displayed on military vehicles—as symbol displayed on military vehicles—as
“the identifying emblem of United States “the identifying emblem of United States
elements in the defense of freedom” and elements in the defense of freedom” and
“recognized universally as a symbol of our “recognized universally as a symbol of our
selfless determination to maintain the selfless determination to maintain the
freedom and democracy of mankind.”13 freedom and democracy of mankind.”13
The Presidential Medal of Freedom comes in The Presidential Medal of Freedom comes in
two degrees, with the more prestigious two degrees, with the more prestigious
version known as the Presidential Medal of version known as the Presidential Medal of
Freedom “with distinction.” Freedom “with distinction.”

At the first White House awards ceremony, At the first White House awards ceremony,
President Johnson described the Presidential President Johnson described the Presidential
Source: Library of Congress. Library of Congress.
Medal of Freedom as “the Nation’s highest civil honor.”14 It has also been described as “the Medal of Freedom as “the Nation’s highest civil honor.”14 It has also been described as “the

9 “Statement by the President Upon Issuing Order Relating to the Medal of Freedom” (February 22, 1963) in 9 “Statement by the President Upon Issuing Order Relating to the Medal of Freedom” (February 22, 1963) in Public
Papers of the Presidents of the United States: John F. Kennedy, 1963, pp. 209-210. , 1963, pp. 209-210.
10 Ibid., p. 210 (in note). 10 Ibid., p. 210 (in note).
11 “Remarks With Under Secretary of State George W. Ball at the Presentation of the Medal of Freedom Awards” 11 “Remarks With Under Secretary of State George W. Ball at the Presentation of the Medal of Freedom Awards”
(December 6, 1963) in (December 6, 1963) in Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Lyndon B. Johnson, 1963-1964, Book I, , 1963-1964, Book I,
pp. 29-34. pp. 29-34.
12 Jenifer V. Buckman, “H.D. Temple, Military Author, Designer, Dies; Heraldry Expert Did Redesign of Medal, 12 Jenifer V. Buckman, “H.D. Temple, Military Author, Designer, Dies; Heraldry Expert Did Redesign of Medal,
Chronicled History,” Chronicled History,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 27, 2004, p. B7; Wetterau, , January 27, 2004, p. B7; Wetterau, Presidential Medal of Freedom, p. , p.
15. 15.
13 “Symbolism of the Design of the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction and the Presidential Medal of 13 “Symbolism of the Design of the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction and the Presidential Medal of
Freedom,” n.d., series 8, box 102, folder 6, no. 21, President’s Office Files, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Freedom,” n.d., series 8, box 102, folder 6, no. 21, President’s Office Files, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and
Museum, at https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKPOF/102/JFKPOF-102-006. Museum, at https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKPOF/102/JFKPOF-102-006.
14 “Remarks With Under Secretary of State George W. Ball at the Presentation of the Medal of Freedom Awards,” p. 14 “Remarks With Under Secretary of State George W. Ball at the Presentation of the Medal of Freedom Awards,” p.
30. 30.
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civilian equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor”15 and “the highest civil award that can civilian equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor”15 and “the highest civil award that can
be presented by the President of the United States.”16 be presented by the President of the United States.”16
Guides to etiquette and precedence typically list the Presidential Medal of Freedom first among Guides to etiquette and precedence typically list the Presidential Medal of Freedom first among
nonmilitary U.S. awards.17 nonmilitary U.S. awards.17
Nomination, Selection, and Presentation
There is no formal procedure for nominations or the evaluation of potential recipients of the There is no formal procedure for nominations or the evaluation of potential recipients of the
Presidential Medal of Freedom.18 Presidential Medal of Freedom.18
The President can award the medal to “any person recommended to the President for award of the The President can award the medal to “any person recommended to the President for award of the
Medal or any person selected by the President upon his own initiative.”19 Selections often reflect Medal or any person selected by the President upon his own initiative.”19 Selections often reflect
the President’s political and personal interests. the President’s political and personal interests.
The medal is often, though not always, presented at an annual White House ceremony.20 The medal is often, though not always, presented at an annual White House ceremony.20
Role for Members of Congress
Numerous Members have sent nominations to the President, often in a formal written letter.21 Numerous Members have sent nominations to the President, often in a formal written letter.21
Some Members have also made floor remarks and inserted statements into the Some Members have also made floor remarks and inserted statements into the Congressional
Record about potential or past recipients.22 about potential or past recipients.22

15 “Presidential Medal of Freedom” in 15 “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.
16 Lawrence M. Watson, 16 Lawrence M. Watson, The Presidential Medal of Freedom (Claymont, DE: Orders and Medals Society of America, (Claymont, DE: Orders and Medals Society of America,
2014), p. 39. 2014), p. 39.
17 Mary Mel French, 17 Mary Mel French, United States Protocol: The Guide to Official Diplomatic Etiquette (Lanham, MD: Rowman & (Lanham, MD: Rowman &
Littlefield Publishers, 2010), pp. 271, 275; Department of the Army, Littlefield Publishers, 2010), pp. 271, 275; Department of the Army, Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army
Uniforms and Insignia, Pamphlet 670-1, January 26, 2021, p. 260, at https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/, Pamphlet 670-1, January 26, 2021, p. 260, at https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/
ARN30948-PAM_670-1-000-WEB-1.pdf#page=277; and Article 5307 in Navy Personnel Command, ARN30948-PAM_670-1-000-WEB-1.pdf#page=277; and Article 5307 in Navy Personnel Command, United States
Navy Uniform Regulations, NAVPERS 15665J, at https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/US-Navy-Uniforms/, NAVPERS 15665J, at https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/US-Navy-Uniforms/
Uniform-Regulations/Chapter-5/5301-Awards/#5307. Uniform-Regulations/Chapter-5/5301-Awards/#5307.
18 Juliet Eilperin, “One of the Last Washington Mysteries: How to Get the Medal of Freedom,” 18 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.
19 Executive Order 11515, “Terminating Certain Bodies Established by the President,” 35 19 Executive Order 11515, “Terminating Certain Bodies Established by the President,” 35 Federal Register 4543, 4543,
March 13, 1970. This executive order eliminated a nomination process through the now-defunct Distinguished Civilian March 13, 1970. This executive order eliminated a nomination process through the now-defunct Distinguished Civilian
Service Awards Board that had been created in President Kennedy’s 1963 executive order. Service Awards Board that had been created in President Kennedy’s 1963 executive order.
20 For example, see videos available online from the 1981 ceremony (at https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/video/ 20 For example, see videos available online from the 1981 ceremony (at https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/video/
medal-freedom-ceremony-president-reagan-gives-remarks-and-presents-awards-east-room) and the 2022 ceremony (at medal-freedom-ceremony-president-reagan-gives-remarks-and-presents-awards-east-room) and the 2022 ceremony (at
https://www.c-span.org/video/?521521-1/presidential-medal-freedom-ceremony). https://www.c-span.org/video/?521521-1/presidential-medal-freedom-ceremony).
21 For example, see Rep. Lee H. Hamilton, “Nominating Dante B. Fascell for the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” 21 For example, see Rep. Lee H. Hamilton, “Nominating Dante B. Fascell for the Presidential Medal of Freedom,”
extension of remarks, extension of remarks, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 144 (October 21, 1998), p. E2287; Sen. Roger Wicker, , daily edition, vol. 144 (October 21, 1998), p. E2287; Sen. Roger Wicker,
“Miss. Delegation Requests Presidential Medal of Freedom for Civil Rights Leader Medgar Evers,” press release, “Miss. Delegation Requests Presidential Medal of Freedom for Civil Rights Leader Medgar Evers,” press release,
November 4, 2016, at https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2016/11/miss-delegation-requests-presidential-medal-of-November 4, 2016, at https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2016/11/miss-delegation-requests-presidential-medal-of-
freedom-for-civil-rights-leader-medgar-evers; and Rep. Joaquin Castro, “Congressman Castro Recommends Veteran freedom-for-civil-rights-leader-medgar-evers; and Rep. Joaquin Castro, “Congressman Castro Recommends Veteran
Advocates Le Roy and Rosie Torres for the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” press release, January 31, 2023, at Advocates Le Roy and Rosie Torres for the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” press release, January 31, 2023, at
https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-recommends-veteran-advocates-le-roy-and-https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-recommends-veteran-advocates-le-roy-and-
rosie-torres-for-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom. rosie-torres-for-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom.
22 For example, see Sen. Max Cleland, “Senate Resolution 23—Expressing the Sense of the Senate That the President 22 For example, see Sen. Max Cleland, “Senate Resolution 23—Expressing the Sense of the Senate That the President
Should Award the Presidential Medal of Freedom Posthumously to Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays in Honor of His Should Award the Presidential Medal of Freedom Posthumously to Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays in Honor of His
Distinguished Career as An Educator, Civil and Human Rights Leader, and Public Theologian,” remarks in the Senate, Distinguished Career as An Educator, Civil and Human Rights Leader, and Public Theologian,” remarks in the Senate,
Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 147 (February 14, 2001), pp. S1434-S1435; “Expressing the Sense of , daily edition, vol. 147 (February 14, 2001), pp. S1434-S1435; “Expressing the Sense of
(continued...) (continued...)
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link to page 8 link to page 8 Presidential Medal of Freedom

In addition, some Members have introduced resolutions urging the President to recognize specific In addition, some Members have introduced resolutions urging the President to recognize specific
people with the award,23 and to congratulate or memorialize honorees.24 people with the award,23 and to congratulate or memorialize honorees.24
In recent years, some Members have also asked the President to revoke a previously awarded In recent years, some Members have also asked the President to revoke a previously awarded
medal.25 President Barack H. Obama said in 2015 there was “no precedent for revoking the medal.25 President Barack H. Obama said in 2015 there was “no precedent for revoking the
medal.”26 medal.”26
Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded ~~633~~652 times between 1963 and times between 1963 and ~~2022~~2024.27 .27
The recipients included The recipients included ~~630~~649 individuals and one group, the Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team.28 individuals and one group, the Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team.28
Two people received the medal twice: Ellsworth Bunker (in 1963 and 1967) and Colin Powell (in Two people received the medal twice: Ellsworth Bunker (in 1963 and 1967) and Colin Powell (in
1991 and 1993). 1991 and 1993).
An academic analysis of recipients through 2013 found the most common primary area of An academic analysis of recipients through 2013 found the most common primary area of
achievement was political and public service (about 27% of recipients), followed by art, acting, achievement was political and public service (about 27% of recipients), followed by art, acting,
and music (about 15%) and academia and science (about 14%). Additional areas of achievement and music (about 15%) and academia and science (about 14%). Additional areas of achievement
included civil rights (about 9% of recipients), humanitarianism and philanthropy (about 6%), included civil rights (about 9% of recipients), humanitarianism and philanthropy (about 6%),
military service (about 6%), and journalism and broadcasting (about 6%). Smaller numbers of military service (about 6%), and journalism and broadcasting (about 6%). Smaller numbers of
recipients were recognized for achievements in writing and literature, athletics, labor, business, recipients were recognized for achievements in writing and literature, athletics, labor, business,
religion, conservation and environmentalism, and architecture and engineering.29 religion, conservation and environmentalism, and architecture and engineering.29
Table 1 shows the total number of medals awarded by each President. An initial slate of 31 shows the total number of medals awarded by each President. An initial slate of 31
honorees announced by President Kennedy received their medals from his successor, President honorees announced by President Kennedy received their medals from his successor, President
Johnson, and are included in the latter’s total. Johnson, and are included in the latter’s total.

Congress That the President Posthumously Award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Harry W. Colmery,” House Congress That the President Posthumously Award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Harry W. Colmery,” House
debate, debate, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 150 (July 6, 2004), pp. H5162-H5165; Rep. Barbara Comstock, “In , daily edition, vol. 150 (July 6, 2004), pp. H5162-H5165; Rep. Barbara Comstock, “In
Honor of Bonnie Carroll, Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom for Her Commitment to Healing Families of Honor of Bonnie Carroll, Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom for Her Commitment to Healing Families of
Fallen Members of the Armed Services,” extension of remarks, Fallen Members of the Armed Services,” extension of remarks, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 161 , daily edition, vol. 161
(December 1, 2015), p. E1684; and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, “Recognizing Dr. Eduardo J. Padron on Receiving the (December 1, 2015), p. E1684; and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, “Recognizing Dr. Eduardo J. Padron on Receiving the
Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 162 (December 7, 2016), p. H7285. , daily edition, vol. 162 (December 7, 2016), p. H7285.
23 For example, see S.Res. 23 (107th Cong.) for Benjamin Elijah Mays, H.Con.Res. 313 (108th Cong.) for Pope John 23 For example, see S.Res. 23 (107th Cong.) for Benjamin Elijah Mays, H.Con.Res. 313 (108th Cong.) for Pope John
Paul II, S.Con.Res. 91 (109th Cong.) for Satchel Paige, H.Res. 926 (114th Cong.) for Henrietta Lacks, and S.Con.Res. Paul II, S.Con.Res. 91 (109th Cong.) for Satchel Paige, H.Res. 926 (114th Cong.) for Henrietta Lacks, and S.Con.Res.
20 (116th Cong.) for Harry W. Colmery. 20 (116th Cong.) for Harry W. Colmery.
24 For example, see S.Res. 310 (107th Cong.) for Justin Dart Jr., H.Res. 708 (111th Cong.) for Nancy Brinker, H.Res. 24 For example, see S.Res. 310 (107th Cong.) for Justin Dart Jr., H.Res. 708 (111th Cong.) for Nancy Brinker, H.Res.
1743 (111th Cong.) for Gerda Weissmann Klein, and S.Res. 61 (117th Cong.) for George P. Shultz. 1743 (111th Cong.) for Gerda Weissmann Klein, and S.Res. 61 (117th Cong.) for George P. Shultz.
25 H.R. 4354 (114th Cong.) and H.R. 6810 (115th Cong.) expressed the sense of Congress that Bill Cosby’s medal, 25 H.R. 4354 (114th Cong.) and H.R. 6810 (115th Cong.) expressed the sense of Congress that Bill Cosby’s medal,
awarded in 2002, should be revoked. awarded in 2002, should be revoked.
26 Krishnadev Calamur, “Obama: ‘No Precedent’ To Revoke Bill Cosby’s Presidential Medal Of Freedom,” National 26 Krishnadev Calamur, “Obama: ‘No Precedent’ To Revoke Bill Cosby’s Presidential Medal Of Freedom,” National
Public Radio, July 15, 2015, at https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/07/15/423258004/obama-no-precedent-Public Radio, July 15, 2015, at https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/07/15/423258004/obama-no-precedent-
to-revoke-bill-cosby-s-presidential-medal-of-honor. to-revoke-bill-cosby-s-presidential-medal-of-honor.
27 To compile this list, CRS searched 27 To compile this list, CRS searched Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States volumes for 1963 to 2016, volumes for 1963 to 2016,
and the and the Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents for 2017 to the present, for mentions of the medal. Additional for 2017 to the present, for mentions of the medal. Additional
recipients were identified using the recipients were identified using the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents ~~and~~, contemporaneous news reports contemporaneous news reports, and White House press releases. .
In compiling this list, CRS attempted to be thorough; however, the list of medals in this report may not be In compiling this list, CRS attempted to be thorough; however, the list of medals in this report may not be
comprehensive.comprehensive.
28 While awarding the medal to the Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team, President Richard M. Nixon mentioned five 28 While awarding the medal to the Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team, President Richard M. Nixon mentioned five
individuals: Sig Sjoberg, Glynn Lunney, Milt Windler, Gerald Griffin, and Gene Krantz. See “Remarks on Presenting individuals: Sig Sjoberg, Glynn Lunney, Milt Windler, Gerald Griffin, and Gene Krantz. See “Remarks on Presenting
the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team in Houston” (April 18, 1970) in the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team in Houston” (April 18, 1970) in Public
Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Richard M. Nixon, 1970, pp. 366-369. , 1970, pp. 366-369.
29 Kyle C. Kopko et al., “The Politics of the Presidential Medal of Freedom: A Fifty-Year Analysis, 1963-2013,” 29 Kyle C. Kopko et al., “The Politics of the Presidential Medal of Freedom: A Fifty-Year Analysis, 1963-2013,” New
England Journal of Political Science, vol. 8, no. 2 (Fall 2015), pp. 156-184. See Table 4, pp. 174-175. , vol. 8, no. 2 (Fall 2015), pp. 156-184. See Table 4, pp. 174-175.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

4 4

link to page 8 link to page 8 link to page 8 link to page 8 Presidential Medal of Freedom

Table 1. Number of Presidential Medals of Freedom, by President
President
Number Awarded
Lyndon B. Johnson Lyndon B. Johnson
89a
Richard M. Nixon Richard M. Nixon
28 28
Gerald R. Ford Jr. Gerald R. Ford Jr.
28 28
James E. Carter Jr. James E. Carter Jr.
34 34
Ronald W. Reagan Ronald W. Reagan
86 86
George H.W. Bush George H.W. Bush
38 38
Wil iam J. Clinton Wil iam J. Clinton
89 89
George W. Bush George W. Bush
82 82
Barack H. Obama Barack H. Obama
118 118
Donald J. Trump Donald J. Trump
24 24
Joseph R. Biden Jr. Joseph R. Biden Jr.
~~17b~~36b
Total
~~633~~652
Sources: CRS analysis based on information from theCRS analysis based on information from the Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents, , Public Papers of
the Presidents of the United States, , Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, , ~~and news reports~~news reports, and White House press releases. .
Note: Current as of Current as of ~~June 2023~~May 2024. .
a. Includes 31 honorees selected by President John F. Kennedy before his assassination. a. Includes 31 honorees selected by President John F. Kennedy before his assassination.
b. b. ~~Current incumbent~~Incumbent. .
Tables 2-12 list honorees by the President who presented their medal. Recipients are listed in list honorees by the President who presented their medal. Recipients are listed in
alphabetical order by last name.30 The recipients who are known to have been awarded the medal alphabetical order by last name.30 The recipients who are known to have been awarded the medal
“with distinction” are marked with a table note (a).31 “with distinction” are marked with a table note (a).31
Table 2. Presidential Medals of Freedom: Joseph R. Biden Jr. (2021-Present)
Name
Year
Simone Biles Simone Biles
2022 2022
~~Simone Campbell~~
~~2022~~
~~Juliet García~~
~~2022~~
~~Gabrielle Giffords~~
~~2022~~
~~Fred Gray Sr.~~
~~2022~~
~~Steve Jobs~~
~~2022~~Michael Bloomberg 2024 Greg Boyle 2024 Simone Campbell 2022 James Clyburn 2024 Elizabeth Dole 2024

30 Names are generally presented as they appear in biographical reference sources. For names that varied from source to 30 Names are generally presented as they appear in biographical reference sources. For names that varied from source to
source, CRS typically selected the most common option. For example, Babe Ruth (posthumously recognized in 2018) source, CRS typically selected the most common option. For example, Babe Ruth (posthumously recognized in 2018)
appears under that name in the appears under that name in the Almanac of Famous People, , American Decades, , Scribner Encyclopedia of American
Lives, and , and St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture, though he is “George Herman Ruth” in the , though he is “George Herman Ruth” in the Dictionary of
American Biography and and Merriam Webster’s Biographical Dictionary, and “George Herman Ruth Jr.” in the , and “George Herman Ruth Jr.” in the
Encyclopedia of World Biography Online. .
31 Information about whether the Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded “with distinction” comes from Glenn P. 31 Information about whether the Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded “with distinction” comes from Glenn P.
Hogan, Hogan, The Presidential Medal of Freedom (Ann Arbor, MI: Glenn P. Hogan, 1996), pp. 155-156; Candace Elizabeth (Ann Arbor, MI: Glenn P. Hogan, 1996), pp. 155-156; Candace Elizabeth
Todd, “Designating Heroes: Theory and Analysis of Presidential Epideictic Awards” (PhD diss., University of Iowa, Todd, “Designating Heroes: Theory and Analysis of Presidential Epideictic Awards” (PhD diss., University of Iowa,
1998), pp. 189-203; Wetterau, 1998), pp. 189-203; Wetterau, Presidential Medal of Freedom; and contemporaneous presidential remarks. The 55 ; and contemporaneous presidential remarks. The 55
instances of “with distinction” noted in this report may not be comprehensive. instances of “with distinction” noted in this report may not be comprehensive.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

5 5

Presidential Medal of Freedom

Name
Year
~~Alexander Karloutsos~~
~~2022~~
~~Khizr Khan~~
~~2022~~
~~Sandra Lindsay~~
~~2022~~
~~John McCain~~
~~2022~~
~~Diane Nash~~
~~2022~~
~~Megan Rapinoe~~
~~2022~~
~~Alan Simpson~~
~~2022~~Phil Donahue 2024 Medgar Evers 2024 Juliet García 2022 Gabrielle Giffords 2022 Albert Gore Jr. 2024 Fred Gray Sr. 2022 Steve Jobs 2022 Clarence B. Jones 2024 Alexander Karloutsos 2022 John Kerry 2024 Khizr Khan 2022 Frank R. Lautenberg 2024 Katie Ledecky 2024 Opal Lee 2024 Sandra Lindsay 2022 John McCain 2022 Diane Nash 2022 El en Ochoa 2024 Nancy Pelosi 2024 Megan Rapinoe 2022 Jane Rigby 2024 Teresa Romero 2024 Judy Shepard 2024 Alan Simpson 2022 Jim Thorpe 2024
Richard Trumka Richard Trumka
2022 2022
Wilma L. Vaught Wilma L. Vaught
2022 2022
Denzel Washington Denzel Washington
2022 2022
Michelle Yeoh 2024 Raul Yzaguirre Raul Yzaguirre
2022 2022
~~Source~~Sources: Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents.
Note: List current as of June 2023.
; White House, “President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” press release, May 3, 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/03/president-biden-announces-recipients-of-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom-2/. Note: List current as of May 2024. Congressional Research Service 6 Presidential Medal of Freedom Table 3. Presidential Medals of Freedom: Donald J. Trump (2017-2021)
Name
Year
Miriam Adelson Miriam Adelson
2018 2018
Bob Cousy Bob Cousy
2019 2019
Dan Gable Dan Gable
2020 2020
Orrin G. Hatch Orrin G. Hatch
2018 2018
Lou Holtz Lou Holtz
2020 2020
Jim Jordan Jim Jordan
2021 2021
Jack Keane Jack Keane
2020 2020
Arthur Betz Laffer Arthur Betz Laffer
2019 2019
Rush Limbaugh Rush Limbaugh
2020 2020
Edwin Meese Edwin Meese
2019 2019
Devin Nunes Devin Nunes
2021 2021
Alan Cedric Page Alan Cedric Page
2018 2018
Roger Penske Roger Penske
2019 2019
Gary Jim Player Gary Jim Player
2021 2021
Elvis Presley Elvis Presley
2018 2018
Mariano Rivera Mariano Rivera
2019 2019
Babe Ruth Babe Ruth
2018 2018
Jim Ryun Jim Ryun
2020 2020
Antonin Scalia Antonin Scalia
2018 2018
Annika Sorenstam Annika Sorenstam
2021 2021
Roger Thomas Staubach Roger Thomas Staubach
2018 2018
~~Congressional Research Service~~

6

~~link to page 13~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Jerry West Jerry West
2019 2019
Tiger Woods Tiger Woods
2019 2019
Mildred Didrikson Zaharias Mildred Didrikson Zaharias
2021 2021
Source: Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents. .
Table 4. Presidential Medals of Freedom: Barack H. Obama (2009-2017)
Name
Year
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
2016 2016
John H. Adams John H. Adams
2011 2011
Alvin Ailey Alvin Ailey
2014 2014
Madeleine Albright Madeleine Albright
2012 2012
Isabel Allende Isabel Allende
2014 2014
Maya Angelou Maya Angelou
2011 2011
Ernie Banks Ernie Banks
2013 2013
Yogi Berra Yogi Berra
2015 2015
Congressional Research Service 7 link to page 14 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year Joseph R. Biden Jr~~Joseph R. Biden~~ Jr.a
2017 2017
Ben Bradlee Ben Bradlee
2013 2013
Nancy Brinker Nancy Brinker
2009 2009
Tom Brokaw Tom Brokaw
2014 2014
Warren Buffett Warren Buffett
2011 2011
George H.W. Bush George H.W. Bush
2011 2011
Bonnie Carrol Bonnie Carrol
2015 2015
James Earl Chaney James Earl Chaney
2014 2014
Shirley Chisholm Shirley Chisholm
2015 2015
Wil iam J. Clinton Wil iam J. Clinton
2013 2013
Elouise Cobell Elouise Cobell
2016 2016
Robert De Niro Robert De Niro
2016 2016
El en DeGeneres El en DeGeneres
2016 2016
John David Dingell John David Dingell
2014 2014
John Michael Doar John Michael Doar
2012 2012
Mildred Spiewak Dresselhaus Mildred Spiewak Dresselhaus
2014 2014
Bob Dylan Bob Dylan
2012 2012
Emilio Estefan Jr. Emilio Estefan Jr.
2015 2015
Gloria Estefan Gloria Estefan
2015 2015
Wil iam H. Foege Wil iam H. Foege
2012 2012
Bil y Frank Bil y Frank
2015 2015
Richard Lawrence Garwin Richard Lawrence Garwin
2016 2016
~~Congressional Research Service~~

7

~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Bil Gates Bil Gates
2016 2016
Melinda Gates Melinda Gates
2016 2016
Robert M. Gates Robert M. Gates
2011 2011
Frank O. Gehry Frank O. Gehry
2016 2016
John Glenn John Glenn
2012 2012
Andrew Goodman Andrew Goodman
2014 2014
Pedro Jose Greer Jr. Pedro Jose Greer Jr.
2009 2009
Lee H. Hamilton Lee H. Hamilton
2015 2015
Margaret Hamilton Margaret Hamilton
2016 2016
Tom Hanks Tom Hanks
2016 2016
Suzan Shown Harjo Suzan Shown Harjo
2014 2014
Stephen Hawking Stephen Hawking
2009 2009
Gordon Hirabayashi Gordon Hirabayashi
2012 2012
Grace Hopper Grace Hopper
2016 2016
Dolores Huerta Dolores Huerta
2012 2012 Congressional Research Service 8 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year
Daniel Inouye Daniel Inouye
2013 2013
Jasper Johns Jasper Johns
2011 2011
Katherine Johnson Katherine Johnson
2015 2015
Michael Jordan Michael Jordan
2016 2016
Daniel Kahneman Daniel Kahneman
2013 2013
Jan Karski Jan Karski
2012 2012
Jack French Kemp Jack French Kemp
2009 2009
Edward M. Kennedy Edward M. Kennedy
2009 2009
Ethel Kennedy Ethel Kennedy
2014 2014
Bil ie Jean King Bil ie Jean King
2009 2009
Gerda Weissmann Klein Gerda Weissmann Klein
2011 2011
John Robert Lewis John Robert Lewis
2011 2011
Maya Lin Maya Lin
2016 2016
Tom Little Tom Little
2011 2011
Juliette Gordon Low Juliette Gordon Low
2012 2012
Joseph E. Lowery Joseph E. Lowery
2009 2009
Richard Green Lugar Richard Green Lugar
2013 2013
Loretta Lynn Loretta Lynn
2013 2013
Yo-Yo Ma Yo-Yo Ma
2011 2011
Wil ie Mays Wil ie Mays
2015 2015
Joseph Medicine Crow Joseph Medicine Crow
2009 2009
Sylvia Mendez Sylvia Mendez
2011 2011
~~Congressional Research Service~~

8

~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Angela Merkel Angela Merkel
2011 2011
Lorne Michaels Lorne Michaels
2016 2016
Barbara Mikulski Barbara Mikulski
2015 2015
Abner Joseph Mikva Abner Joseph Mikva
2014 2014
Harvey Milk Harvey Milk
2009 2009
Patsy Takemoto Mink Patsy Takemoto Mink
2014 2014
Newton Minow Newton Minow
2016 2016
Mario Molina Mario Molina
2013 2013
Toni Morrison Toni Morrison
2012 2012
Stan Musial Stan Musial
2011 2011
Sandra Day O’Connor Sandra Day O’Connor
2009 2009
Eduardo Padrón Eduardo Padrón
2016 2016
Shimon Peres Shimon Peres
2012 2012
Itzhak Perlman Itzhak Perlman
2015 2015
Sidney Poitier Sidney Poitier
2009 2009
Congressional Research Service 9 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year Robert Redford Robert Redford
2016 2016
Sally K. Ride Sally K. Ride
2013 2013
Chita Rivera Chita Rivera
2009 2009
Mary Robinson Mary Robinson
2009 2009
Diana Ross Diana Ross
2016 2016
Janet D. Rowley Janet D. Rowley
2009 2009
Edward Roybal Edward Roybal
2014 2014
Wil iam Doyle Ruckelshaus Wil iam Doyle Ruckelshaus
2015 2015
Bil Russell Bil Russell
2011 2011
Bayard Rustin Bayard Rustin
2013 2013
Arturo Sandoval Arturo Sandoval
2013 2013
Michael Henry Schwerner Michael Henry Schwerner
2014 2014
Vin Scul y Vin Scul y
2016 2016
Charlie Sifford Charlie Sifford
2014 2014
Dean Smith Dean Smith
2013 2013
Jean Kennedy Smith Jean Kennedy Smith
2011 2011
Robert M. Solow Robert M. Solow
2014 2014
Stephen Sondheim Stephen Sondheim
2015 2015
Steven Spielberg Steven Spielberg
2015 2015
Bruce Springsteen Bruce Springsteen
2016 2016
Gloria Steinem Gloria Steinem
2013 2013
John Paul Stevens John Paul Stevens
2012 2012
~~Congressional Research Service~~

9

~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Meryl Streep Meryl Streep
2014 2014
Barbra Streisand Barbra Streisand
2015 2015
Pat Summitt Pat Summitt
2012 2012
John J. Sweeney John J. Sweeney
2011 2011
James Taylor James Taylor
2015 2015
Marlo Thomas Marlo Thomas
2014 2014
Desmond Tutu Desmond Tutu
2009 2009
Cicely Tyson Cicely Tyson
2016 2016
C.T. Vivian C.T. Vivian
2013 2013
Patricia M. Wald Patricia M. Wald
2013 2013
Oprah Winfrey Oprah Winfrey
2013 2013
Stevie Wonder Stevie Wonder
2014 2014
Minoru Yasui Minoru Yasui
2015 2015
Muhammad Yunus Muhammad Yunus
2009 2009
Source: Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States. .
Congressional Research Service 10 Presidential Medal of Freedom a. Medal known to be awarded “with distinction.” a. Medal known to be awarded “with distinction.”
Table 5. Presidential Medals of Freedom: George W. Bush (2001-2009)
Name
Year
Hank Aaron Hank Aaron
2002 2002
Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali
2005 2005
Robert LeRoy Bartley Robert LeRoy Bartley
2003 2003
Jacques Barzun Jacques Barzun
2003 2003
Gary Becker Gary Becker
2007 2007
Oscar Elias Biscet Oscar Elias Biscet
2007 2007
Tony Blair Tony Blair
2009 2009
L. Paul Bremer L. Paul Bremer
2004 2004
Edward W. Brooke Edward W. Brooke
2004 2004
Carol Burnett Carol Burnett
2005 2005
Ben Carson Ben Carson
2008 2008
Vinton G. Cerf Vinton G. Cerf
2005 2005
Julia Child Julia Child
2003 2003
Roberto Clemente Roberto Clemente
2003 2003
Van Cliburn Van Cliburn
2003 2003
Francis Col ins Francis Col ins
2007 2007
Ruth Johnson Colvin Ruth Johnson Colvin
2006 2006
Robert Conquest Robert Conquest
2005 2005
~~Congressional Research Service~~

10

~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Bil Cosby Bil Cosby
2002 2002
Ryan C. Crocker Ryan C. Crocker
2009 2009
Doris Day Doris Day
2004 2004
Placido Domingo Placido Domingo
2002 2002
Peter F. Drucker Peter F. Drucker
2002 2002
Anthony S. Fauci Anthony S. Fauci
2008 2008
Norman C. Francis Norman C. Francis
2006 2006
Aretha Franklin Aretha Franklin
2005 2005
Tommy R. Franks Tommy R. Franks
2004 2004
Katharine Graham Katharine Graham
2002 2002
Alan Greenspan Alan Greenspan
2005 2005
Vartan Gregorian Vartan Gregorian
2004 2004
Andy Griffith Andy Griffith
2005 2005
Gilbert Melvil e Grosvenor Gilbert Melvil e Grosvenor
2004 2004
Paul Harvey Paul Harvey
2005 2005
Vaclav Havel Vaclav Havel
2003 2003
Donald A. Henderson Donald A. Henderson
2002 2002
Congressional Research Service 11 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year Charlton Heston Charlton Heston
2003 2003
Gordon B. Hinckley Gordon B. Hinckley
2004 2004
Benjamin L. Hooks Benjamin L. Hooks
2007 2007
John Howard John Howard
2009 2009
Henry Hyde Henry Hyde
2007 2007
Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul II
2004 2004
Paul Johnson Paul Johnson
2006 2006
Robert E. Kahn Robert E. Kahn
2005 2005
B.B. King B.B. King
2006 2006
Irving Wil iam Kristol Irving Wil iam Kristol
2002 2002
Brian Lamb Brian Lamb
2007 2007
Tom Lantos Tom Lantos
2008 2008
Estee Lauder Estee Lauder
2004 2004
Joshua Lederberg Joshua Lederberg
2006 2006
Harper Lee Harper Lee
2007 2007
Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela
2002 2002
David McCul ough David McCul ough
2006 2006
Norman Yoshio Mineta Norman Yoshio Mineta
2006 2006
Gil espie V. (“Sonny”) Gil espie V. (“Sonny”)
2005 2005
Montgomery Montgomery
~~Congressional Research Service~~

11

~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Gordon E. Moore Gordon E. Moore
2002 2002
Rita Moreno Rita Moreno
2004 2004
Richard B. Myers Richard B. Myers
2005 2005
Jack Nicklaus Jack Nicklaus
2005 2005
Buck O’Neil Buck O’Neil
2006 2006
Peter Pace Peter Pace
2008 2008
Arnold Palmer Arnold Palmer
2004 2004
Arnall Patz Arnall Patz
2004 2004
Norman Podhoretz Norman Podhoretz
2004 2004
Nancy Reagan Nancy Reagan
2002 2002
George Islay MacNeil George Islay MacNeil
2003 2003
Robertson Robertson
Frank Robinson Frank Robinson
2005 2005
Fred Rogers Fred Rogers
2002 2002
A.M. Rosenthal A.M. Rosenthal
2002 2002
Paul Rusesabagina Paul Rusesabagina
2005 2005
Wil iam L. Safire Wil iam L. Safire
2006 2006
Donna Shalala Donna Shalala
2008 2008
Congressional Research Service 12 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year Natan Sharansky Natan Sharansky
2006 2006
Laurence H. Silberman Laurence H. Silberman
2008 2008
El en Johnson Sirleaf El en Johnson Sirleaf
2007 2007
Edward Teller Edward Teller
2003 2003
George Tenet George Tenet
2004 2004
Dave Thomas Dave Thomas
2003 2003
Alvaro Uribe Alvaro Uribe
2009 2009
Byron R. White Byron R. White
2003 2003
James Q. Wilson James Q. Wilson
2003 2003
John Wooden John Wooden
2003 2003
Walter Wriston Walter Wriston
2004 2004
Source: Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States. .
Table 6. Presidential Medals of Freedom: William J. Clinton (1993-2001)
Name
Year
Arnold Aronson Arnold Aronson
1998 1998
Arthur Ashe Arthur Ashe
1993 1993
Brooke Astor Brooke Astor
1998 1998
Lloyd Bentsen Lloyd Bentsen
1999 1999
~~Congressional Research Service~~

12

~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Joseph Bernardin Joseph Bernardin
1996 1996
Herbert “Herblock” Block Herbert “Herblock” Block
1994 1994
James Scott Brady James Scott Brady
1996 1996
Wil iam J. Brennan Jr. Wil iam J. Brennan Jr.
1993 1993
Edgar M. Bronfman Sr. Edgar M. Bronfman Sr.
1999 1999
James E. Burke James E. Burke
2000 2000
James E. Carter Jr. James E. Carter Jr.
1999 1999
Rosalynn Carter Rosalynn Carter
1999 1999
John Hubbard Chafee John Hubbard Chafee
2000 2000
Peggy Charren Peggy Charren
1995 1995
Cesar Chavez Cesar Chavez
1994 1994
Wesley Clark Wesley Clark
2000 2000
Wil iam T. Coleman Jr. Wil iam T. Coleman Jr.
1995 1995
Robert Coles Robert Coles
1998 1998
Joan Ganz Cooney Joan Ganz Cooney
1995 1995
Wil iam James Crowe Wil iam James Crowe
2000 2000
Justin Dart Jr. Justin Dart Jr.
1998 1998
Bob Dole Bob Dole
1997 1997
Congressional Research Service 13 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year Marjory Stoneman Douglas Marjory Stoneman Douglas
1993 1993
Evelyn Dubrow Evelyn Dubrow
1999 1999
Marian Wright Edelman Marian Wright Edelman
2000 2000
James Farmer James Farmer
1998 1998
Dante Bruno Fascell Dante Bruno Fascell
1998 1998
Maria Isolina Ferre Maria Isolina Ferre
1999 1999
Zachary Fisher Zachary Fisher
1998 1998
Arthur Sherwood Flemming Arthur Sherwood Flemming
1994 1994
Gerald R. Ford Jr. Gerald R. Ford Jr.
1999 1999
John Hope Franklin John Hope Franklin
1995 1995
J. Wil iam Fulbright J. Wil iam Fulbright
1993 1993
Mil ard Ful er Mil ard Ful er
1996 1996
John Kenneth Galbraith John Kenneth Galbraith
2000 2000
James P. Grant James P. Grant
1994 1994
David A. Hamburg David A. Hamburg
1996 1996
Dorothy Irene Height Dorothy Irene Height
1994 1994
Frances Hesselbein Frances Hesselbein
1998 1998
Leon A. Higginbotham Jr. Leon A. Higginbotham Jr.
1995 1995
George G. Higgins George G. Higgins
2000 2000
~~Congressional Research Service~~

13

~~link to page 18~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Oliver W. Hil Oliver W. Hil
1999 1999
Jesse Jackson Jesse Jackson
2000 2000
Mildred Jeffrey Mildred Jeffrey
2000 2000
Frank Johnson Jr. Frank Johnson Jr.
1995 1995
John H. Johnson John H. Johnson
1996 1996
Barbara Jordan Barbara Jordan
1994 1994
Max M. Kampelman Max M. Kampelman
1999 1999
Lane Kirkland Lane Kirkland
1994 1994
Helmut Kohl Helmut Kohl
1999 1999
C. Everett Koop C. Everett Koop
1995 1995
Fred Korematsu Fred Korematsu
1998 1998
Mathilde Krim Mathilde Krim
2000 2000
Eugene M. Lang Eugene M. Lang
1996 1996
Sol Myron Linowitz Sol Myron Linowitz
1998 1998
Wilma Mankil er Wilma Mankil er
1998 1998
Thurgood Marshall Thurgood Marshall
1993 1993
George Stanley McGovern George Stanley McGovern
2000 2000
Bob Michel Bob Michel
1994 1994 Congressional Research Service 14 link to page 18 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year
George John Mitchell George John Mitchell
1999 1999
Daniel Patrick Moynihan Daniel Patrick Moynihan
2000 2000
Margaret Murie Margaret Murie
1998 1998
Gaylord Nelson Gaylord Nelson
1995 1995
Jan Nowak Jan Nowak
1996 1996
Mario G. Obledo Mario G. Obledo
1998 1998
Antonia Pantoja Antonia Pantoja
1996 1996
Rosa Parks Rosa Parks
1996 1996
Wil iam James Perry Wil iam James Perry
1997 1997
Colin Powe Colin Powel a
1993 1993
Joseph L. Rauh Jr. Joseph L. Rauh Jr.
1993 1993
Martha Raye Martha Raye
1993 1993
Walter Philip Reuther Walter Philip Reuther
1995 1995
Cruz Reynoso Cruz Reynoso
2000 2000
El iot Richardson El iot Richardson
1998 1998
David Rockefeller David Rockefeller
1998 1998
James W. Rouse James W. Rouse
1995 1995
Ginetta Sagan Ginetta Sagan
1996 1996
John Shalikashvili John Shalikashvili
1997 1997
~~Congressional Research Service~~

14

~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Albert Shanker Albert Shanker
1998 1998
Sargent Shriver Sargent Shriver
1994 1994
Aung San Suu Kyi Aung San Suu Kyi
2000 2000
Gardner C. Taylor Gardner C. Taylor
2000 2000
Mo Udal Mo Udal
1996 1996
Wil iam C. Velasquez Wil iam C. Velasquez
1995 1995
Lew R. Wasserman Lew R. Wasserman
1995 1995
Edgar Wayburn Edgar Wayburn
1999 1999
Simon Wiesenthal Simon Wiesenthal
2000 2000
John Minor Wisdom John Minor Wisdom
1993 1993
Elmo R. Zumwalt Elmo R. Zumwalt
1998 1998
Source: Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States. .
a. Medal known to be awarded “with distinction.” a. Medal known to be awarded “with distinction.”
Table 7. Presidential Medals of Freedom: George H.W. Bush (1989-1993)
Name
Year
James Addison Baker III James Addison Baker III
1991 1991
Lucil e Ball Lucil e Ball
1989 1989
Congressional Research Service 15 link to page 20 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year David Brinkley David Brinkley
1992 1992
Wil iam F. Buckley Jr. Wil iam F. Buckley Jr.
1991 1991
Johnny Carson Johnny Carson
1992 1992
Dick Cheney Dick Cheney
1991 1991
Javier Perez de Cuellar Javier Perez de Cuellar
1991 1991
C. Douglas Dil on C. Douglas Dil on
1989 1989
James Harold Doolittle James Harold Doolittle
1989 1989
Luis A. Ferre Luis A. Ferre
1991 1991
El a Fitzgerald El a Fitzgerald
1992 1992
Betty Ford Betty Ford
1991 1991
Hannah Holborn Gray Hannah Holborn Gray
1991 1991
Friedrich August von Hayek Friedrich August von Hayek
1991 1991
Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn
1992 1992
George F. Kennan George F. Kennan
1989 1989
Tip O’Neil Tip O’Neil
1991 1991
I.M. Pei I.M. Pei
1992 1992
Claude Pepper Claude Pepper
1989 1989
Richard Petty Richard Petty
1992 1992
Colin Powel Colin Powel
1991 1991
~~Congressional Research Service~~

15

~~link to page 19~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Ronald W.Ronald W. Reagana
1993 1993
Harry W. Schlaudeman Harry W. Schlaudeman
1992 1992
H. Norman Schwarzkopf H. Norman Schwarzkopf
1991 1991
Brent Scowcroft Brent Scowcroft
1991 1991
Margaret Chase Smith Margaret Chase Smith
1989 1989
Isaac Stern Isaac Stern
1992 1992
Leon Sul ivan Leon Sul ivan
1991 1991
Margaret Thatcher Margaret Thatcher
1991 1991
Strom Thurmond Strom Thurmond
1993 1993
Russell Erol Train Russell Erol Train
1991 1991
John Wil iam Vessey John Wil iam Vessey
1992 1992
Lech Walesa Lech Walesa
1989 1989
Vernon Anthony Walters Vernon Anthony Walters
1991 1991
Sam Walton Sam Walton
1992 1992
Wil iam Hedgcock Webster Wil iam Hedgcock Webster
1991 1991
Elie Wiesel Elie Wiesel
1992 1992
Ted Wil iams Ted Wil iams
1991 1991
Congressional Research Service 16 Presidential Medal of Freedom Sources: Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States; Associated Press, “Bush Honors Webster,” July 25, ; Associated Press, “Bush Honors Webster,” July 25,
1991; Christopher Connell, “Bush Gives Thurmond An Award,” Associated Press, January 12, 1993. 1991; Christopher Connell, “Bush Gives Thurmond An Award,” Associated Press, January 12, 1993.
a. Medal known to be awarded “with distinction.” a. Medal known to be awarded “with distinction.”
Table 8. Presidential Medals of Freedom: Ronald W. Reagan (1981-1989)
Name
Year
Walter H. Annenberg Walter H. Annenberg
1986 1986
Anne Legendre Armstrong Anne Legendre Armstrong
1987 1987
Pearl Bailey Pearl Bailey
1988 1988
Howard Henry Baker Jr. Howard Henry Baker Jr.
1984 1984
George Balanchine George Balanchine
1983 1983
Malcolm Baldrige Malcolm Baldrige
1988 1988
Count Basie Count Basie
1985 1985
Red Blaik Red Blaik
1986 1986
Eubie Blake Eubie Blake
1981 1981
Irving Brown Irving Brown
1988 1988
Paul Wil iam Bryant Paul Wil iam Bryant
1983 1983
Warren E. Burger Warren E. Burger
1988 1988
James Burnham James Burnham
1983 1983
James Cagney James Cagney
1984 1984
Peter Alexander Rupert Peter Alexander Rupert
1988 1988
Carrington Carrington
~~Congressional Research Service~~

16

~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Whittaker Chambers Whittaker Chambers
1984 1984
James Edward Cheek James Edward Cheek
1983 1983
Leo Cherne Leo Cherne
1984 1984
Terence James Cooke Terence James Cooke
1984 1984
Denton Arthur Cooley Denton Arthur Cooley
1984 1984
Jacques-Yves Cousteau Jacques-Yves Cousteau
1985 1985
Justin Whitlock Dart Justin Whitlock Dart
1987 1987
Tennessee Ernie Ford Tennessee Ernie Ford
1984 1984
Milton Friedman Milton Friedman
1988 1988
R. Buckminster Ful er R. Buckminster Ful er
1983 1983
Hector Perez Garcia Hector Perez Garcia
1984 1984
Barry Goldwater Barry Goldwater
1986 1986
Andrew Jackson Goodpaster Andrew Jackson Goodpaster
1984 1984
Bil y Graham Bil y Graham
1983 1983
El a Grasso El a Grasso
1981 1981
Philip Charles Habib Philip Charles Habib
1982 1982
Bryce N. Harlow Bryce N. Harlow
1981 1981
Helen Hayes Helen Hayes
1986 1986
Eric Hoffer Eric Hoffer
1983 1983
Jerome Heartwell Hol and Jerome Heartwell Hol and
1985 1985
Congressional Research Service 17 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year Sidney Hook Sidney Hook
1985 1985
Vladimir Horowitz Vladimir Horowitz
1986 1986
Henry M. Jackson Henry M. Jackson
1984 1984
Jacob Koppel Javits Jacob Koppel Javits
1983 1983
Walter Henry Judd Walter Henry Judd
1981 1981
Irving Robert Kaufman Irving Robert Kaufman
1987 1987
Danny Kaye Danny Kaye
1987 1987
Jeane Duane Jordan Kirkpatrick Jeane Duane Jordan Kirkpatrick
1985 1985
Lincoln Kirstein Lincoln Kirstein
1984 1984
Louis L’Amour Louis L’Amour
1984 1984
Morris I. Leibman Morris I. Leibman
1981 1981
Lyman Louis Lemnitzer Lyman Louis Lemnitzer
1987 1987
George Michael Low George Michael Low
1985 1985
Clare Boothe Luce Clare Boothe Luce
1983 1983
Joseph Luns Joseph Luns
1984 1984
Jean Marie Faircloth MacArthur Jean Marie Faircloth MacArthur
1988 1988
Dumas Malone Dumas Malone
1983 1983
Mike Mansfield Mike Mansfield
1989 1989
J. Wil ard Marriott J. Wil ard Marriott
1988 1988
John A. McCone John A. McCone
1987 1987
~~Congressional Research Service~~

17

~~link to page 21~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Mabel Mercer Mabel Mercer
1983 1983
Paul Henry Nitze Paul Henry Nitze
1985 1985
David Packard David Packard
1988 1988
Frederick Douglass Patterson Frederick Douglass Patterson
1987 1987
Norman Vincent Peale Norman Vincent Peale
1984 1984
Nathan Perlmutter Nathan Perlmutter
1987 1987
Simon Ramo Simon Ramo
1983 1983
Frank Reynolds Frank Reynolds
1985 1985
Matthew Bunker Ridgway Matthew Bunker Ridgway
1986 1986
S. Dil on Ripley S. Dil on Ripley
1985 1985
Jackie Robinson Jackie Robinson
1984 1984
Carlos Pena Romulo Carlos Pena Romulo
1984 1984
Mstislav Rostropovich Mstislav Rostropovich
1987 1987
Vermont Connecticut Royster Vermont Connecticut Royster
1986 1986
Albert Bruce Sabin Albert Bruce Sabin
1986 1986
Anwar Sadat Anwar Sadat
1984 1984
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Eunice Kennedy Shriver
1984 1984
George P. Shultz George P. Shultz
1989 1989
Frank Sinatra Frank Sinatra
1985 1985
Kate Smith Kate Smith
1982 1982
Congressional Research Service 18 link to page 22 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year Roger L. Stevens Roger L. Stevens
1988 1988
Jimmy Stewart Jimmy Stewart
1985 1985
Mother Teresa Mother Teresa
1985 1985
Charles Bates Thornton Charles Bates Thornton
1981 1981
Wil iam Bertalan Walsh Wil iam Bertalan Walsh
1987 1987
Albert Coady Wedemeyer Albert Coady Wedemeyer
1985 1985
Caspar Wil ard Weinber Caspar Wil ard Weinbergera
1987 1987
Meredith Wil son Meredith Wil son
1987 1987
Albert J. Wohlstetter Albert J. Wohlstetter
1985 1985
Roberta Wohlstetter Roberta Wohlstetter
1985 1985
Chuck Yeager Chuck Yeager
1985 1985
Source: Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States. .
a. Medal known to be awarded “with distinction.” a. Medal known to be awarded “with distinction.”
Table 9. Presidential Medals of Freedom: James E. Carter Jr. (1977-1981)
Name
Year
Ansel Adams Ansel Adams
1980 1980
Horace Marden Albright Horace Marden Albright
1980 1980
Roger Nash Baldwin Roger Nash Baldwin
1981 1981
~~Congressional Research Service~~

18

~~link to page 23 link to page 23~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Harold Brown Harold Brown
1981 1981
Zbigniew Brzezinski Zbigniew Brzezinski
1981 1981
Rachel Louise Carson Rachel Louise Carson
1980 1980
Lucia Chase Lucia Chase
1980 1980
Warren Christopher Warren Christopher
1981 1981
Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. Walter Leland Cronkite Jr.
1981 1981
Kirk Douglas Kirk Douglas
1981 1981
Arthur Joseph Goldberg Arthur Joseph Goldberg
1978 1978
Hubert H. Humphrey Hubert H. Humphrey
1980 1980
Archbishop Iakovos Archbishop Iakovos
1980 1980
Lyndon B. Johnson Lyndon B. Johnson
1980 1980
Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr.
1977 1977
Margaret Craig McNamara Margaret Craig McNamara
1981 1981
Margaret Mead Margaret Mead
1979 1979
Karl Menninger Karl Menninger
1981 1981
Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. Clarence M. Mitchell Jr.
1980 1980
Edmund S. Muskie Edmund S. Muskie
1981 1981
Esther Peterson Esther Peterson
1981 1981
Roger Tory Peterson Roger Tory Peterson
1980 1980
Congressional Research Service 19 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year Hyman George Rickover Hyman George Rickover
1980 1980
Jonas Edward Salk Jonas Edward Salk
1977 1977
Beverly Sil s Beverly Sil s
1980 1980
Gerald Coad Smith Gerald Coad Smith
1981 1981
Robert Schwarz Strauss Robert Schwarz Strauss
1981 1981
Elbert P. Tuttle Elbert P. Tuttle
1981 1981
Earl Warren Earl Warren
1981 1981
Robert Penn Warren Robert Penn Warren
1980 1980
John Wayne John Wayne
1980 1980
Eudora Welty Eudora Welty
1980 1980
Tennessee Wil iams Tennessee Wil iams
1980 1980
Andrew Young Andrew Young
1981 1981
Source: Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States. .
Table 10. Presidential Medals of Freedom: Gerald R. Ford Jr. (1974-1977)
Name
Year
Iorwith Wilbur Ab Iorwith Wilbur Abela
1977 1977
John John Bardeena
1977 1977
~~Congressional Research Service~~

19

link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Irving BerliIrving Berlina
1977 1977
Norman Ernest Borlau Norman Ernest Borlauga
1977 1977
Omar Nelson Bradl Omar Nelson Bradleya
1977 1977
David Kirkpatrick Este Bruc David Kirkpatrick Este Brucea
1976 1976
Arleigh Albert Bur Arleigh Albert Burkea
1977 1977
Alexander Cald Alexander Caldera
1977 1977
Bruce Catto Bruce Cattona
1977 1977
Joe DiMaggi Joe DiMaggioa
1977 1977
Ariel Duran Ariel Duranta
1977 1977
Wil Duran Wil Duranta
1977 1977
Arthur Fiedl Arthur Fiedlera
1977 1977
Henry Jacob Friendl Henry Jacob Friendlya
1977 1977
Martha Grah Martha Grahama
1976 1976
Lady Bird Johnso Lady Bird Johnsona
1977 1977
Henry Alfred Kissin Henry Alfred Kissingera
1977 1977
Archibald MacLeis Archibald MacLeisha
1977 1977
James A. Michen James A. Michenera
1977 1977
Georgia O’Keeff Georgia O’Keeffea
1977 1977
Jesse Owen Jesse Owensa
1976 1976 Congressional Research Service 20 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 25 link to page 25 link to page 25 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year
Nelson A. Rockefell Nelson A. Rockefellera
1977 1977
Norman Rockw Norman Rockwella
1977 1977
Arthur Rubinstei Arthur Rubinsteina
1976 1976
Donald Henry Rumsfel Donald Henry Rumsfelda
1977 1977
Catherine Filene Shou Catherine Filene Shousea
1977 1977
Lowell Jackson Tho Lowell Jackson Thomasa
1977 1977
James Watso James Watsona
1977 1977
Sources: Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, , Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents. .
a. Medals known to be awarded “with distinction.” a. Medals known to be awarded “with distinction.”
Table 11. Presidential Medals of Freedom: Richard M. Nixon (1969-1974)
Name
Year
Edwin Aldri Edwin Aldrina
1969 1969
Apol o 13 Mission Operations Apol o 13 Mission Operations
1970 1970
Team Team
Neil Alden Armstron Neil Alden Armstronga
1969 1969
Earl C. Behrens Earl C. Behrens
1970 1970
Manilo Giovanni Brosio Manilo Giovanni Brosio
1971 1971
Michael Col in Michael Col insa
1969 1969
~~Congressional Research Service~~

20

~~link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Duke El ington Duke El ington
1969 1969
Edward Thomas Fol iard Edward Thomas Fol iard
1970 1970
John Ford John Ford
1973 1973
Samuel Goldwyn Samuel Goldwyn
1971 1971
Fred W. Haise Fred W. Haise
1970 1970
Wil iam M. Henry Wil iam M. Henry
1970 1970
Paul G. Hoffman Paul G. Hoffman
1974 1974
Wil iam J. Hopkins Wil iam J. Hopkins
1971 1971
Arthur Krock Arthur Krock
1970 1970
Melvin Robert Laird Jr. Melvin Robert Laird Jr.
1974 1974
David Lawrence David Lawrence
1970 1970
George Gould Lincoln George Gould Lincoln
1970 1970
Jim Lovell Jim Lovell
1970 1970
Charles LeRoy Lowman Charles LeRoy Lowman
1974 1974
Raymond Charles Moley Raymond Charles Moley
1970 1970
Eugene Ormandy Eugene Ormandy
1970 1970
Wil iam P. Rogers Wil iam P. Rogers
1973 1973
Adela Rogers St. Johns Adela Rogers St. Johns
1970 1970
Jack Swigert Jack Swigert
1970 1970
Congressional Research Service 21 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year John Paul Vann John Paul Vann
1972 1972
DeWitt Wallace DeWitt Wallace
1972 1972
Lila Bell Acheson Wallace Lila Bell Acheson Wallace
1972 1972
Source: Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States. .
a. Medals known to be awarded “with distinction.” a. Medals known to be awarded “with distinction.”
Table 12. Presidential Medals of Freedom: Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969)
Name
Year
Dean Gooderham Ach Dean Gooderham Achesona
1964 1964
Marian Anderson Marian Anderson
1963 1963
Eugene Robert Bl Eugene Robert Blacka
1969 1969
Detlev W. Bronk Detlev W. Bronk
1964 1964
Ralph Johnson Bunch Ralph Johnson Bunchea
1963 1963
McGeorge Bundy McGeorge Bundy
1969 1969
El sworth Bunke El sworth Bunkera
1963 1963
El sworth Bunke El sworth Bunkera
1967 1967
Pablo Casals Pablo Casals
1963 1963
Genevieve Caulfield Genevieve Caulfield
1963 1963
~~Congressional Research Service~~

21

~~link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Clark ClifforClark Clifforda
1969 1969
James B. Conan James B. Conanta
1963 1963
Aaron Copland Aaron Copland
1964 1964
Wil em de Kooning Wil em de Kooning
1964 1964
Michael E. DeBakey Michael E. DeBakey
1969 1969
Walt Disney Walt Disney
1964 1964
James Frank Dobie James Frank Dobie
1964 1964
David Dubinsky David Dubinsky
1969 1969
Lena Frances Edwards Lena Frances Edwards
1964 1964
T.S. Eliot T.S. Eliot
1964 1964
Ralph El ison Ralph El ison
1969 1969
John Franklin Enders John Franklin Enders
1963 1963
Lynn Fontanne Lynn Fontanne
1964 1964
Henry Ford II Henry Ford II
1969 1969
Felix Frankfurte Felix Frankfurtera
1963 1963
John Wil iam Gardner John Wil iam Gardner
1964 1964
W. Averell Harri W. Averell Harrimana
1969 1969
Theodore M. Hesburgh Theodore M. Hesburgh
1964 1964
Karl Holton Karl Holton
1963 1963
Congressional Research Service 22 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year Bob Hope Bob Hope
1969 1969
Pope John XXII Pope John XXIIIa
1963 1963
Clarence Leonard Johnson Clarence Leonard Johnson
1964 1964
Edgar Fosburgh Kaiser Edgar Fosburgh Kaiser
1969 1969
Frederick Russell Kappel Frederick Russell Kappel
1964 1964
Helen Keller Helen Keller
1964 1964
John F. Kenn John F. Kennedya
1963 1963
Robert John Herman Kiphuth Robert John Herman Kiphuth
1963 1963
Robert Wil iam Komer Robert Wil iam Komer
1967 1967
Edwin Herbert Land Edwin Herbert Land
1963 1963
Mary Woodward Lasker Mary Woodward Lasker
1969 1969
Herbert Henry Lehman Herbert Henry Lehman
1963 1963
John Llewel yn Lewis John Llewel yn Lewis
1964 1964
Walter Lippmann Walter Lippmann
1964 1964
Eugene M. Locke Eugene M. Locke
1967 1967
Robert Abercrombie Lovet Robert Abercrombie Lovetta
1963 1963
Alfred Lunt Alfred Lunt
1964 1964
J. Clifford MacDonald J. Clifford MacDonald
1963 1963
~~Congressional Research Service~~

22

~~link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
John Wil iams Macy John Wil iams Macy
1969 1969
Luis Munoz Mari Luis Munoz Marina
1963 1963
John J. McClo John J. McCloya
1963 1963
Ralph McGil Ralph McGil
1964 1964
Robert S. McNamara Robert S. McNamara
1968 1968
George Meany George Meany
1963 1963
Alexander Meiklejohn Alexander Meiklejohn
1963 1963
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
1963 1963
Jean Monn Jean Monneta
1963 1963
Samuel Eliot Morison Samuel Eliot Morison
1964 1964
Lewis Mumford Lewis Mumford
1964 1964
Edward R. Murro Edward R. Murrowa
1964 1964
Reinhold Niebuhr Reinhold Niebuhr
1964 1964
Gregory Peck Gregory Peck
1969 1969
Leontyne Price Leontyne Price
1964 1964
Clarence Belden Randall Clarence Belden Randall
1963 1963
A. Philip Randolph A. Philip Randolph
1964 1964
Laurance S. Rockefeller Laurance S. Rockefeller
1969 1969
Walt Rosto Walt Rostowa
1969 1969
Congressional Research Service 23 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 27 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year Dean RuDean Ruska
1969 1969
Carl Sandburg Carl Sandburg
1964 1964
Rudolf Serkin Rudolf Serkin
1963 1963
Merriman Smith Merriman Smith
1969 1969
Edward Steichen Edward Steichen
1963 1963
John Steinbeck John Steinbeck
1964 1964
Helen Taussig Helen Taussig
1964 1964
George Wil iam Taylor George Wil iam Taylor
1963 1963
Cyrus Vanc Cyrus Vancea
1969 1969
Carl Vinso Carl Vinsona
1964 1964
Alan T. Waterman Alan T. Waterman
1963 1963
Thomas J. Watson Jr. Thomas J. Watson Jr.
1964 1964
Mark S. Watson Mark S. Watson
1963 1963
Annie Dodge Wauneka Annie Dodge Wauneka
1963 1963
James Edwin Webb James Edwin Webb
1968 1968
E.B. White E.B. White
1963 1963
Paul Dudley White Paul Dudley White
1964 1964
Wil iam Smith White Wil iam Smith White
1969 1969
~~Congressional Research Service~~

23

~~link to page 27 link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
Thornton Niven Wilder Thornton Niven Wilder
1963 1963
Roy Wilkins Roy Wilkins
1969 1969
Edmund Wilson Edmund Wilson
1963 1963
Andrew Wyeth Andrew Wyeth
1963 1963
Whitney M. Young Jr. Whitney M. Young Jr.
1969 1969
Sources: Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, , Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents. .
a. Medals known to be awarded “with distinction.” a. Medals known to be awarded “with distinction.”
Table 13 lists all lists all ~~633~~652 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, listed in alphabetical order recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, listed in alphabetical order
by last name. The recipients who are known to have been awarded the medal “with distinction” by last name. The recipients who are known to have been awarded the medal “with distinction”
are marked with a table note (a).32 are marked with a table note (a).32
Table 13. Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients, 1963-~~2022~~2024
Name
Year
President
Hank Aaron Hank Aaron
2002 George W. Bush 2002 George W. Bush
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Iorwith Wilbur Ab Iorwith Wilbur Abela
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
32 As in Tables 2-12, information about whether the Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded “with distinction” comes from Hogan, Presidential Medal of Freedom, pp. 155-156; Todd, “Designating Heroes,” pp. 189-203; Wetterau, Presidential Medal of Freedom; and contemporaneous presidential remarks. The 55 instances of “with distinction” noted in this report may not be comprehensive. Congressional Research Service 24 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President Dean Gooderham Ach Dean Gooderham Achesona
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Ansel Adams Ansel Adams
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
John H. Adams John H. Adams
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Miriam Adelson Miriam Adelson
2018 Donald J. Trump 2018 Donald J. Trump
Alvin Ailey Alvin Ailey
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Horace Marden Albright Horace Marden Albright
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
Madeleine Albright Madeleine Albright
2012 Barack H. Obama 2012 Barack H. Obama
Edwin Aldri Edwin Aldrina
1969 Richard M. Nixon 1969 Richard M. Nixon
Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali
2005 George W. Bush 2005 George W. Bush
Isabel Allende Isabel Allende
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Marian Anderson Marian Anderson
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Maya Angelou Maya Angelou
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Walter H. Annenberg Walter H. Annenberg
1986 Ronald W. Reagan 1986 Ronald W. Reagan
Apol o 13 Mission Operations Team 1970 Richard M. Nixon Apol o 13 Mission Operations Team 1970 Richard M. Nixon
Anne Legendre Armstrong Anne Legendre Armstrong
1987 Ronald W. Reagan 1987 Ronald W. Reagan
Neil Alden Armstron Neil Alden Armstronga
1969 Richard M. Nixon 1969 Richard M. Nixon
Arnold Aronson Arnold Aronson
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Arthur Ashe Arthur Ashe
1993 Wil iam J. Clinton 1993 Wil iam J. Clinton

~~32 As in Tables 2-12, information about whether the Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded “with distinction”~~
~~comes from Hogan, Presidential Medal of Freedom, pp. 155-156; Todd, “Designating Heroes,” pp. 189-203; Wetterau,~~
Presidential Medal of Freedom; and contemporaneous presidential remarks. The 55 instances of “with distinction”
~~noted in this report may not be comprehensive.~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

24

~~link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
~~President~~
Brooke Astor Brooke Astor
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Pearl Bailey Pearl Bailey
1988 Ronald W. Reagan 1988 Ronald W. Reagan
James Addison Baker III James Addison Baker III
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Howard Henry Baker Jr. Howard Henry Baker Jr.
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
George Balanchine George Balanchine
1983 Ronald W. Reagan 1983 Ronald W. Reagan
Malcolm Baldrige Malcolm Baldrige
1988 Ronald W. Reagan 1988 Ronald W. Reagan
Roger Nash Baldwin Roger Nash Baldwin
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Lucil e Ball Lucil e Ball
1989 George H.W. Bush 1989 George H.W. Bush
Ernie Banks Ernie Banks
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
John John Bardeena
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Robert LeRoy Bartley Robert LeRoy Bartley
2003 George W. Bush 2003 George W. Bush
Jacques Barzun Jacques Barzun
2003 George W. Bush 2003 George W. Bush
Count Basie Count Basie
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
Gary Becker Gary Becker
2007 George W. Bush 2007 George W. Bush
Earl C. Behrens Earl C. Behrens
1970 Richard M. Nixon 1970 Richard M. Nixon
Lloyd Bentsen Lloyd Bentsen
1999 Wil iam J. Clinton 1999 Wil iam J. Clinton
Irving Berli Irving Berlina
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Joseph Bernardin Joseph Bernardin
1996 Wil iam J. Clinton 1996 Wil iam J. Clinton
Yogi Berra Yogi Berra
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Congressional Research Service 25 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President Joseph R. Biden JJoseph R. Biden Jr.a
2017 Barack H. Obama 2017 Barack H. Obama
Simone Biles Simone Biles
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Oscar Elias Biscet Oscar Elias Biscet
2007 George W. Bush 2007 George W. Bush
Eugene Robert Bl Eugene Robert Blacka
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Red Blaik Red Blaik
1986 Ronald W. Reagan 1986 Ronald W. Reagan
Tony Blair Tony Blair
2009 George W. Bush 2009 George W. Bush
Eubie Blake Eubie Blake
1981 Ronald W. Reagan 1981 Ronald W. Reagan
Herbert “Herblock” Block Herbert “Herblock” Block
1994 Wil iam J. Clinton 1994 Wil iam J. Clinton
Michael Bloomberg 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. Norman Ernest BorlauNorman Ernest Borlauga
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Greg Boyle 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. Ben Bradlee Ben Bradlee
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
Omar Nelson Bradl Omar Nelson Bradleya
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
James Scott Brady James Scott Brady
1996 Wil iam J. Clinton 1996 Wil iam J. Clinton
L. Paul Bremer L. Paul Bremer
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
Wil iam J. Brennan Jr. Wil iam J. Brennan Jr.
1993 Wil iam J. Clinton 1993 Wil iam J. Clinton
Nancy Brinker Nancy Brinker
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
David Brinkley David Brinkley
1992 George H.W. Bush 1992 George H.W. Bush
Tom Brokaw Tom Brokaw
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Edgar M. Bronfman Sr. Edgar M. Bronfman Sr.
1999 Wil iam J. Clinton 1999 Wil iam J. Clinton
~~Congressional Research Service~~

25

~~link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
~~President~~
Detlev W. Bronk Detlev W. Bronk
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Edward W. Brooke Edward W. Brooke
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
Manilo Giovanni Brosio Manilo Giovanni Brosio
1971 Richard M. Nixon 1971 Richard M. Nixon
Harold Brown Harold Brown
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Irving Brown Irving Brown
1988 Ronald W. Reagan 1988 Ronald W. Reagan
David Kirkpatrick Este Bruc David Kirkpatrick Este Brucea
1976 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1976 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Paul Wil iam Bryant Paul Wil iam Bryant
1983 Ronald W. Reagan 1983 Ronald W. Reagan
Zbigniew Brzezinski Zbigniew Brzezinski
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Wil iam F. Buckley Jr. Wil iam F. Buckley Jr.
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Warren Buffett Warren Buffett
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Ralph Johnson Bunch Ralph Johnson Bunchea
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
McGeorge Bundy McGeorge Bundy
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
El sworth Bunke El sworth Bunkera
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
El sworth Bunke El sworth Bunkera
1967 Lyndon B. Johnson 1967 Lyndon B. Johnson
Warren E. Burger Warren E. Burger
1988 Ronald W. Reagan 1988 Ronald W. Reagan
Arleigh Albert Bur Arleigh Albert Burkea
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
James E. Burke James E. Burke
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
Congressional Research Service 26 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President Carol Burnett Carol Burnett
2005 George W. Bush 2005 George W. Bush
James Burnham James Burnham
1983 Ronald W. Reagan 1983 Ronald W. Reagan
George H.W. Bush George H.W. Bush
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
James Cagney James Cagney
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
Alexander Cald Alexander Caldera
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Simone Campbell Simone Campbell
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Peter Alexander Rupert Carrington Peter Alexander Rupert Carrington
1988 Ronald W. Reagan 1988 Ronald W. Reagan
Bonnie Carrol Bonnie Carrol
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Ben Carson Ben Carson
2008 George W. Bush 2008 George W. Bush
Johnny Carson Johnny Carson
1992 George H.W. Bush 1992 George H.W. Bush
Rachel Louise Carson Rachel Louise Carson
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
James E. Carter Jr. James E. Carter Jr.
1999 Wil iam J. Clinton 1999 Wil iam J. Clinton
Rosalynn Carter Rosalynn Carter
1999 Wil iam J. Clinton 1999 Wil iam J. Clinton
Pablo Casals Pablo Casals
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Bruce Catto Bruce Cattona
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Genevieve Caulfield Genevieve Caulfield
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Vinton G. Cerf Vinton G. Cerf
2005 George W. Bush 2005 George W. Bush
John Hubbard Chafee John Hubbard Chafee
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
Whittaker Chambers Whittaker Chambers
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
James Earl Chaney James Earl Chaney
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
~~Congressional Research Service~~

26

~~link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
~~President~~
Peggy Charren Peggy Charren
1995 Wil iam J. Clinton 1995 Wil iam J. Clinton
Lucia Chase Lucia Chase
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
Cesar Chavez Cesar Chavez
1994 Wil iam J. Clinton 1994 Wil iam J. Clinton
James Edward Cheek James Edward Cheek
1983 Ronald W. Reagan 1983 Ronald W. Reagan
Dick Cheney Dick Cheney
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Leo Cherne Leo Cherne
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
Julia Child Julia Child
2003 George W. Bush 2003 George W. Bush
Shirley Chisholm Shirley Chisholm
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Warren Christopher Warren Christopher
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Wesley Clark Wesley Clark
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
Roberto Clemente Roberto Clemente
2003 George W. Bush 2003 George W. Bush
Van Cliburn Van Cliburn
2003 George W. Bush 2003 George W. Bush
Clark Cliffor Clark Clifforda
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Wil iam J. Clinton Wil iam J. Clinton
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
James Clyburn 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. Elouise Cobell Elouise Cobell
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Wil iam T. Coleman Jr. Wil iam T. Coleman Jr.
1995 Wil iam J. Clinton 1995 Wil iam J. Clinton
Congressional Research Service 27 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President Robert Coles Robert Coles
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Francis Col ins Francis Col ins
2007 George W. Bush 2007 George W. Bush
Michael Col in Michael Col insa
1969 Richard M. Nixon 1969 Richard M. Nixon
Ruth Johnson Colvin Ruth Johnson Colvin
2006 George W. Bush 2006 George W. Bush
James B. Conan James B. Conanta
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Robert Conquest Robert Conquest
2005 George W. Bush 2005 George W. Bush
Terence James Cooke Terence James Cooke
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
Denton Arthur Cooley Denton Arthur Cooley
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
Joan Ganz Cooney Joan Ganz Cooney
1995 Wil iam J. Clinton 1995 Wil iam J. Clinton
Aaron Copland Aaron Copland
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Bil Cosby Bil Cosby
2002 George W. Bush 2002 George W. Bush
Jacques-Yves Cousteau Jacques-Yves Cousteau
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
Bob Cousy Bob Cousy
2019 Donald J. Trump 2019 Donald J. Trump
Ryan C. Crocker Ryan C. Crocker
2009 George W. Bush 2009 George W. Bush
Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. Walter Leland Cronkite Jr.
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Wil iam James Crowe Wil iam James Crowe
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
Justin Dart Jr. Justin Dart Jr.
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Justin Whitlock Dart Justin Whitlock Dart
1987 Ronald W. Reagan 1987 Ronald W. Reagan
Doris Day Doris Day
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
Javier Perez de Cuellar Javier Perez de Cuellar
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Wil em de Kooning Wil em de Kooning
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
~~Congressional Research Service~~

27

~~link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
~~President~~
Robert De Niro Robert De Niro
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Michael E. DeBakey Michael E. DeBakey
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
El en DeGeneres El en DeGeneres
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
C. Douglas Dil on C. Douglas Dil on
1989 George H.W. Bush 1989 George H.W. Bush
Joe DiMaggi Joe DiMaggioa
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
John David Dingell John David Dingell
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Walt Disney Walt Disney
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
John Michael Doar John Michael Doar
2012 Barack H. Obama 2012 Barack H. Obama
James Frank Dobie James Frank Dobie
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Bob Dole Bob Dole
1997 Wil iam J. Clinton 1997 Wil iam J. Clinton
~~Placido Domingo~~
~~2002 George W. Bush~~Elizabeth Dole 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. Placido Domingo 2002 George W. Bush Phil Donahue 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
James Harold Doolittle James Harold Doolittle
1989 George H.W. Bush 1989 George H.W. Bush
Kirk Douglas Kirk Douglas
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Marjory Stoneman Douglas
1993 Wil iam J. Clinton 1993 Wil iam J. Clinton
Congressional Research Service 28 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President Mildred Spiewak Dresselhaus Mildred Spiewak Dresselhaus
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Peter F. Drucker Peter F. Drucker
2002 George W. Bush 2002 George W. Bush
David Dubinsky David Dubinsky
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Evelyn Dubrow Evelyn Dubrow
1999 Wil iam J. Clinton 1999 Wil iam J. Clinton
Ariel Duran Ariel Duranta
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Wil Duran Wil Duranta
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Bob Dylan Bob Dylan
2012 Barack H. Obama 2012 Barack H. Obama
Marian Wright Edelman Marian Wright Edelman
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
Lena Frances Edwards Lena Frances Edwards
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
T.S. Eliot T.S. Eliot
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Duke El ington Duke El ington
1969 Richard M. Nixon 1969 Richard M. Nixon
Ralph El ison Ralph El ison
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
John Franklin Enders John Franklin Enders
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Emilio Estefan Jr. Emilio Estefan Jr.
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Gloria Estefan Gloria Estefan
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Medgar Evers 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. James Farmer James Farmer
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Dante Bruno Fascell Dante Bruno Fascell
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Anthony S. Fauci Anthony S. Fauci
2008 George W. Bush 2008 George W. Bush
Luis A. Ferre Luis A. Ferre
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Maria Isolina Ferre Maria Isolina Ferre
1999 Wil iam J. Clinton 1999 Wil iam J. Clinton
Arthur Fiedl Arthur Fiedlera
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Zachary Fisher Zachary Fisher
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
El a Fitzgerald El a Fitzgerald
1992 George H.W. Bush 1992 George H.W. Bush
~~Congressional Research Service~~

28

~~link to page 44 link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
~~President~~
Arthur Sherwood Flemming Arthur Sherwood Flemming
1994 Wil iam J. Clinton 1994 Wil iam J. Clinton
Wil iam H. Foege Wil iam H. Foege
2012 Barack H. Obama 2012 Barack H. Obama
Edward Thomas Fol iard Edward Thomas Fol iard
1970 Richard M. Nixon 1970 Richard M. Nixon
Lynn Fontanne Lynn Fontanne
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Henry Ford II Henry Ford II
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Gerald R. Ford Jr. Gerald R. Ford Jr.
1999 Wil iam J. Clinton 1999 Wil iam J. Clinton
Betty Ford Betty Ford
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
John Ford John Ford
1973 Richard M. Nixon 1973 Richard M. Nixon
Tennessee Ernie Ford Tennessee Ernie Ford
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
Norman C. Francis Norman C. Francis
2006 George W. Bush 2006 George W. Bush
Bil y Frank Bil y Frank
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Felix Frankfurte Felix Frankfurtera
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Aretha Franklin Aretha Franklin
2005 George W. Bush 2005 George W. Bush
Congressional Research Service 29 link to page 45 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President John Hope Franklin John Hope Franklin
1995 Wil iam J. Clinton 1995 Wil iam J. Clinton
Tommy R. Franks Tommy R. Franks
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
Milton Friedman Milton Friedman
1988 Ronald W. Reagan 1988 Ronald W. Reagan
Henry Jacob Friendl Henry Jacob Friendlya
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
J. Wil iam Fulbright J. Wil iam Fulbright
1993 Wil iam J. Clinton 1993 Wil iam J. Clinton
Mil ard Ful er Mil ard Ful er
1996 Wil iam J. Clinton 1996 Wil iam J. Clinton
R. Buckminster Ful er R. Buckminster Ful er
1983 Ronald W. Reagan 1983 Ronald W. Reagan
Dan Gable Dan Gable
2020 Donald J. Trump 2020 Donald J. Trump
John Kenneth Galbraith John Kenneth Galbraith
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
Hector Perez Garcia Hector Perez Garcia
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
Juliet García Juliet García
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
John Wil iam Gardner John Wil iam Gardner
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Richard Lawrence Garwin Richard Lawrence Garwin
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Bil Gates Bil Gates
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Melinda Gates Melinda Gates
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Robert M. Gates Robert M. Gates
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Frank O. Gehry Frank O. Gehry
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Gabrielle Giffords Gabrielle Giffords
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
John Glenn John Glenn
2012 Barack H. Obama 2012 Barack H. Obama
Arthur Joseph Goldberg Arthur Joseph Goldberg
1978 James E. Carter Jr. 1978 James E. Carter Jr.
Barry Goldwater Barry Goldwater
1986 Ronald W. Reagan 1986 Ronald W. Reagan
Samuel Goldwyn Samuel Goldwyn
1971 Richard M. Nixon 1971 Richard M. Nixon
Andrew Goodman Andrew Goodman
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Andrew Jackson Goodpaster Andrew Jackson Goodpaster
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
~~Congressional Research Service~~

29

~~link to page 44 link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
~~President~~Albert Gore Jr. 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Bil y Graham Bil y Graham
1983 Ronald W. Reagan 1983 Ronald W. Reagan
Katharine Graham Katharine Graham
2002 George W. Bush 2002 George W. Bush
Martha Grah Martha Grahama
1976 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1976 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
James P. Grant James P. Grant
1994 Wil iam J. Clinton 1994 Wil iam J. Clinton
El a Grasso El a Grasso
1981 Ronald W. Reagan 1981 Ronald W. Reagan
Fred Gray Sr. Fred Gray Sr.
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Hannah Holborn Gray Hannah Holborn Gray
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Alan Greenspan Alan Greenspan
2005 George W. Bush 2005 George W. Bush
Pedro Jose Greer Jr. Pedro Jose Greer Jr.
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
Vartan Gregorian Vartan Gregorian
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
Andy Griffith Andy Griffith
2005 George W. Bush 2005 George W. Bush
Gilbert Melvil e Grosvenor Gilbert Melvil e Grosvenor
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
Congressional Research Service 30 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President Philip Charles Habib Philip Charles Habib
1982 Ronald W. Reagan 1982 Ronald W. Reagan
Fred W. Haise Fred W. Haise
1970 Richard M. Nixon 1970 Richard M. Nixon
David A. Hamburg David A. Hamburg
1996 Wil iam J. Clinton 1996 Wil iam J. Clinton
Lee H. Hamilton Lee H. Hamilton
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Margaret Hamilton Margaret Hamilton
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Tom Hanks Tom Hanks
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Suzan Shown Harjo Suzan Shown Harjo
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Bryce N. Harlow Bryce N. Harlow
1981 Ronald W. Reagan 1981 Ronald W. Reagan
W. Averell Harri W. Averell Harrimana
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Paul Harvey Paul Harvey
2005 George W. Bush 2005 George W. Bush
Orrin G. Hatch Orrin G. Hatch
2018 Donald J. Trump 2018 Donald J. Trump
Vaclav Havel Vaclav Havel
2003 George W. Bush 2003 George W. Bush
Stephen Hawking Stephen Hawking
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
Friedrich August von Hayek Friedrich August von Hayek
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Helen Hayes Helen Hayes
1986 Ronald W. Reagan 1986 Ronald W. Reagan
Dorothy Irene Height Dorothy Irene Height
1994 Wil iam J. Clinton 1994 Wil iam J. Clinton
Donald A. Henderson Donald A. Henderson
2002 George W. Bush 2002 George W. Bush
Wil iam M. Henry Wil iam M. Henry
1970 Richard M. Nixon 1970 Richard M. Nixon
Audrey Hepburn Audrey Hepburn
1992 George H.W. Bush 1992 George H.W. Bush
Theodore M. Hesburgh Theodore M. Hesburgh
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Frances Hesselbein Frances Hesselbein
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Charlton Heston Charlton Heston
2003 George W. Bush 2003 George W. Bush
Leon A. Higginbotham Jr. Leon A. Higginbotham Jr.
1995 Wil iam J. Clinton 1995 Wil iam J. Clinton
George G. Higgins George G. Higgins
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
Oliver W. Hil Oliver W. Hil
1999 Wil iam J. Clinton 1999 Wil iam J. Clinton
~~Congressional Research Service~~

30

~~link to page 44 link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
~~President~~
Gordon B. Hinckley Gordon B. Hinckley
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
Gordon Hirabayashi Gordon Hirabayashi
2012 Barack H. Obama 2012 Barack H. Obama
Eric Hoffer Eric Hoffer
1983 Ronald W. Reagan 1983 Ronald W. Reagan
Paul G. Hoffman Paul G. Hoffman
1974 Richard M. Nixon 1974 Richard M. Nixon
Jerome Heartwell Hol and Jerome Heartwell Hol and
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
Karl Holton Karl Holton
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Lou Holtz Lou Holtz
2020 Donald J. Trump 2020 Donald J. Trump
Sidney Hook Sidney Hook
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
Benjamin L. Hooks Benjamin L. Hooks
2007 George W. Bush 2007 George W. Bush
Bob Hope Bob Hope
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Wil iam J. Hopkins Wil iam J. Hopkins
1971 Richard M. Nixon 1971 Richard M. Nixon
Grace Hopper Grace Hopper
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Congressional Research Service 31 link to page 45 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President Vladimir Horowitz Vladimir Horowitz
1986 Ronald W. Reagan 1986 Ronald W. Reagan
John Howard John Howard
2009 George W. Bush 2009 George W. Bush
Dolores Huerta Dolores Huerta
2012 Barack H. Obama 2012 Barack H. Obama
Hubert H. Humphrey Hubert H. Humphrey
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
Henry Hyde Henry Hyde
2007 George W. Bush 2007 George W. Bush
Archbishop Iakovos Archbishop Iakovos
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
Daniel Inouye Daniel Inouye
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
Henry M. Jackson Henry M. Jackson
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
Jesse Jackson Jesse Jackson
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
Jacob Koppel Javits Jacob Koppel Javits
1983 Ronald W. Reagan 1983 Ronald W. Reagan
Mildred Jeffrey Mildred Jeffrey
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
Steve Jobs Steve Jobs
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul II
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
Pope John Pope John XXIIIa
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Jasper Johns Jasper Johns
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Frank Johnson Jr. Frank Johnson Jr.
1995 Wil iam J. Clinton 1995 Wil iam J. Clinton
Clarence Leonard Johnson Clarence Leonard Johnson
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
John H. Johnson John H. Johnson
1996 Wil iam J. Clinton 1996 Wil iam J. Clinton
Katherine Johnson Katherine Johnson
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Lady Bird Johnso Lady Bird Johnsona
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Lyndon B. Johnson Lyndon B. Johnson
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
Paul Johnson Paul Johnson
2006 George W. Bush 2006 George W. Bush
Clarence B. Jones 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. Barbara Jordan Barbara Jordan
1994 Wil iam J. Clinton 1994 Wil iam J. Clinton
Jim Jordan Jim Jordan
2021 Donald J. Trump 2021 Donald J. Trump
Michael Jordan Michael Jordan
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
~~Congressional Research Service~~

31

~~link to page 44 link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
~~President~~
Walter Henry Judd Walter Henry Judd
1981 Ronald W. Reagan 1981 Ronald W. Reagan
Robert E. Kahn Robert E. Kahn
2005 George W. Bush 2005 George W. Bush
Daniel Kahneman Daniel Kahneman
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
Edgar Fosburgh Kaiser Edgar Fosburgh Kaiser
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Max M. Kampelman Max M. Kampelman
1999 Wil iam J. Clinton 1999 Wil iam J. Clinton
Frederick Russell Kappel Frederick Russell Kappel
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Alexander Karloutsos Alexander Karloutsos
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Jan Karski Jan Karski
2012 Barack H. Obama 2012 Barack H. Obama
Irving Robert Kaufman Irving Robert Kaufman
1987 Ronald W. Reagan 1987 Ronald W. Reagan
Danny Kaye Danny Kaye
1987 Ronald W. Reagan 1987 Ronald W. Reagan
Jack Keane Jack Keane
2020 Donald J. Trump 2020 Donald J. Trump
Congressional Research Service 32 link to page 45 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President Helen Keller Helen Keller
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Jack French Kemp Jack French Kemp
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
George F. Kennan George F. Kennan
1989 George H.W. Bush 1989 George H.W. Bush
Edward M. Kennedy Edward M. Kennedy
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
Ethel Kennedy Ethel Kennedy
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
John F. Kenn John F. Kennedya
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
John Kerry 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. Khizr Khan Khizr Khan
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr.
1977 James E. Carter Jr. 1977 James E. Carter Jr.
B.B. King B.B. King
2006 George W. Bush 2006 George W. Bush
Bil ie Jean King Bil ie Jean King
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
Robert John Herman Kiphuth Robert John Herman Kiphuth
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Lane Kirkland Lane Kirkland
1994 Wil iam J. Clinton 1994 Wil iam J. Clinton
Jeane Duane Jordan Kirkpatrick Jeane Duane Jordan Kirkpatrick
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
Lincoln Kirstein Lincoln Kirstein
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
Henry Alfred Kissin Henry Alfred Kissingera
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Gerda Weissmann Klein Gerda Weissmann Klein
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Helmut Kohl Helmut Kohl
1999 Wil iam J. Clinton 1999 Wil iam J. Clinton
Robert Wil iam Komer Robert Wil iam Komer
1967 Lyndon B. Johnson 1967 Lyndon B. Johnson
C. Everett Koop C. Everett Koop
1995 Wil iam J. Clinton 1995 Wil iam J. Clinton
Fred Korematsu Fred Korematsu
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Mathilde Krim Mathilde Krim
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
Irving Wil iam Kristol Irving Wil iam Kristol
2002 George W. Bush 2002 George W. Bush
Arthur Krock Arthur Krock
1970 Richard M. Nixon 1970 Richard M. Nixon
Arthur Betz Laffer Arthur Betz Laffer
2019 Donald J. Trump 2019 Donald J. Trump
Melvin Robert Laird Jr. Melvin Robert Laird Jr.
1974 Richard M. Nixon 1974 Richard M. Nixon
Brian Lamb Brian Lamb
2007 George W. Bush 2007 George W. Bush
~~Congressional Research Service~~

32

~~link to page 44 link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
~~President~~
Louis L’Amour Louis L’Amour
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
Edwin Herbert Land Edwin Herbert Land
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Eugene M. Lang Eugene M. Lang
1996 Wil iam J. Clinton 1996 Wil iam J. Clinton
Tom Lantos Tom Lantos
2008 George W. Bush 2008 George W. Bush
Mary Woodward Lasker Mary Woodward Lasker
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Estee Lauder Estee Lauder
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
~~David Lawrence~~
~~1970 Richard M. Nixon~~
~~Joshua Lederberg~~
~~2006 George W. Bush~~
~~Harper Lee~~
~~2007 George W. Bush~~Frank R. Lautenberg 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. David Lawrence 1970 Richard M. Nixon Katie Ledecky 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. Joshua Lederberg 2006 George W. Bush Congressional Research Service 33 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President Harper Lee 2007 George W. Bush Opal Lee 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Herbert Henry Lehman Herbert Henry Lehman
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Morris I. Leibman Morris I. Leibman
1981 Ronald W. Reagan 1981 Ronald W. Reagan
Lyman Louis Lemnitzer Lyman Louis Lemnitzer
1987 Ronald W. Reagan 1987 Ronald W. Reagan
John Llewel yn Lewis John Llewel yn Lewis
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
John Robert Lewis John Robert Lewis
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Rush Limbaugh Rush Limbaugh
2020 Donald J. Trump 2020 Donald J. Trump
Maya Lin Maya Lin
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
George Gould Lincoln George Gould Lincoln
1970 Richard M. Nixon 1970 Richard M. Nixon
Sandra Lindsay Sandra Lindsay
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Sol Myron Linowitz Sol Myron Linowitz
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Walter Lippmann Walter Lippmann
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Tom Little Tom Little
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Eugene M. Locke Eugene M. Locke
1967 Lyndon B. Johnson 1967 Lyndon B. Johnson
Jim Lovell Jim Lovell
1970 Richard M. Nixon 1970 Richard M. Nixon
Robert Abercrombie Lovet Robert Abercrombie Lovetta
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
George Michael Low George Michael Low
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
Juliette Gordon Low Juliette Gordon Low
2012 Barack H. Obama 2012 Barack H. Obama
Joseph E. Lowery Joseph E. Lowery
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
Charles LeRoy Lowman Charles LeRoy Lowman
1974 Richard M. Nixon 1974 Richard M. Nixon
Clare Boothe Luce Clare Boothe Luce
1983 Ronald W. Reagan 1983 Ronald W. Reagan
Richard Green Lugar Richard Green Lugar
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
Joseph Luns Joseph Luns
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
Alfred Lunt Alfred Lunt
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Loretta Lynn Loretta Lynn
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
Yo-Yo Ma Yo-Yo Ma
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Jean Marie Faircloth MacArthur Jean Marie Faircloth MacArthur
1988 Ronald W. Reagan 1988 Ronald W. Reagan
J. Clifford MacDonald J. Clifford MacDonald
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Archibald MacLeis Archibald MacLeisha
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
~~Congressional Research Service~~

33

~~link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
~~President~~
John Wil iams Macy John Wil iams Macy
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Dumas Malone Dumas Malone
1983 Ronald W. Reagan 1983 Ronald W. Reagan
Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela
2002 George W. Bush 2002 George W. Bush
Wilma Mankil er Wilma Mankil er
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Mike Mansfield Mike Mansfield
1989 Ronald W. Reagan 1989 Ronald W. Reagan
Luis Munoz Mari Luis Munoz Marina
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
J. Wil ard Marriott J. Wil ard Marriott
1988 Ronald W. Reagan 1988 Ronald W. Reagan
Congressional Research Service 34 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President Thurgood Marshall Thurgood Marshall
1993 Wil iam J. Clinton 1993 Wil iam J. Clinton
Wil ie Mays Wil ie Mays
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
John McCain John McCain
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
John J. McClo John J. McCloya
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
John A. McCone John A. McCone
1987 Ronald W. Reagan 1987 Ronald W. Reagan
David McCul ough David McCul ough
2006 George W. Bush 2006 George W. Bush
Ralph McGil Ralph McGil
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
George Stanley McGovern George Stanley McGovern
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
Margaret Craig McNamara Margaret Craig McNamara
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Robert S. McNamara Robert S. McNamara
1968 Lyndon B. Johnson 1968 Lyndon B. Johnson
Margaret Mead Margaret Mead
1979 James E. Carter Jr. 1979 James E. Carter Jr.
George Meany George Meany
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Joseph Medicine Crow Joseph Medicine Crow
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
Edwin Meese Edwin Meese
2019 Donald J. Trump 2019 Donald J. Trump
Alexander Meiklejohn Alexander Meiklejohn
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Sylvia Mendez Sylvia Mendez
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Karl Menninger Karl Menninger
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Mabel Mercer Mabel Mercer
1983 Ronald W. Reagan 1983 Ronald W. Reagan
Angela Merkel Angela Merkel
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Lorne Michaels Lorne Michaels
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Bob Michel Bob Michel
1994 Wil iam J. Clinton 1994 Wil iam J. Clinton
James A. Michen James A. Michenera
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Barbara Mikulski Barbara Mikulski
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Abner Joseph Mikva Abner Joseph Mikva
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Harvey Milk Harvey Milk
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
Norman Yoshio Mineta Norman Yoshio Mineta
2006 George W. Bush 2006 George W. Bush
Patsy Takemoto Mink Patsy Takemoto Mink
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Newton Minow Newton Minow
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. Clarence M. Mitchell Jr.
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
~~Congressional Research Service~~

34

~~link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
~~President~~
George John Mitchell George John Mitchell
1999 Wil iam J. Clinton 1999 Wil iam J. Clinton
Raymond Charles Moley Raymond Charles Moley
1970 Richard M. Nixon 1970 Richard M. Nixon
Mario Molina Mario Molina
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
Jean Monn Jean Monneta
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Gil espie V. (“Sonny”) Montgomery Gil espie V. (“Sonny”) Montgomery
2005 George W. Bush 2005 George W. Bush
Gordon E. Moore Gordon E. Moore
2002 George W. Bush 2002 George W. Bush
Rita Moreno Rita Moreno
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
Congressional Research Service 35 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President Samuel Eliot Morison Samuel Eliot Morison
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Toni Morrison Toni Morrison
2012 Barack H. Obama 2012 Barack H. Obama
Daniel Patrick Moynihan Daniel Patrick Moynihan
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
Lewis Mumford Lewis Mumford
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Margaret Murie Margaret Murie
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Edward R. Murro Edward R. Murrowa
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Stan Musial Stan Musial
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Edmund S. Muskie Edmund S. Muskie
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Richard B. Myers Richard B. Myers
2005 George W. Bush 2005 George W. Bush
Diane Nash Diane Nash
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Gaylord Nelson Gaylord Nelson
1995 Wil iam J. Clinton 1995 Wil iam J. Clinton
Jack Nicklaus Jack Nicklaus
2005 George W. Bush 2005 George W. Bush
Reinhold Niebuhr Reinhold Niebuhr
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Paul Henry Nitze Paul Henry Nitze
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
Jan Nowak Jan Nowak
1996 Wil iam J. Clinton 1996 Wil iam J. Clinton
Devin Nunes Devin Nunes
2021 Donald J. Trump 2021 Donald J. Trump
Sandra Day O’Connor Sandra Day O’Connor
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
Mario G. Obledo Mario G. Obledo
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
El en Ochoa 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. Georgia O’KeeffGeorgia O’Keeffea
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Buck O’Neil Buck O’Neil
2006 George W. Bush 2006 George W. Bush
Tip O’Neil Tip O’Neil
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Eugene Ormandy Eugene Ormandy
1970 Richard M. Nixon 1970 Richard M. Nixon
Jesse Owen Jesse Owensa
1976 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1976 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Peter Pace Peter Pace
2008 George W. Bush 2008 George W. Bush
David Packard David Packard
1988 Ronald W. Reagan 1988 Ronald W. Reagan
Eduardo Padrón Eduardo Padrón
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Alan Cedric Page Alan Cedric Page
2018 Donald J. Trump 2018 Donald J. Trump
Arnold Palmer Arnold Palmer
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
Antonia Pantoja Antonia Pantoja
1996 Wil iam J. Clinton 1996 Wil iam J. Clinton
Rosa Parks Rosa Parks
1996 Wil iam J. Clinton 1996 Wil iam J. Clinton
~~Congressional Research Service~~

35

~~link to page 44 link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
~~President~~
Frederick Douglass Patterson Frederick Douglass Patterson
1987 Ronald W. Reagan 1987 Ronald W. Reagan
Arnall Patz Arnall Patz
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
Norman Vincent Peale Norman Vincent Peale
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
Gregory Peck Gregory Peck
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
I.M. Pei I.M. Pei
1992 George H.W. Bush 1992 George H.W. Bush
Nancy Pelosi 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. Congressional Research Service 36 link to page 45 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President Roger Penske Roger Penske
2019 Donald J. Trump 2019 Donald J. Trump
Claude Pepper Claude Pepper
1989 George H.W. Bush 1989 George H.W. Bush
Shimon Peres Shimon Peres
2012 Barack H. Obama 2012 Barack H. Obama
Itzhak Perlman Itzhak Perlman
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Nathan Perlmutter Nathan Perlmutter
1987 Ronald W. Reagan 1987 Ronald W. Reagan
Wil iam James Perry Wil iam James Perry
1997 Wil iam J. Clinton 1997 Wil iam J. Clinton
Esther Peterson Esther Peterson
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Roger Tory Peterson Roger Tory Peterson
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
Richard Petty Richard Petty
1992 George H.W. Bush 1992 George H.W. Bush
Gary Jim Player Gary Jim Player
2021 Donald J. Trump 2021 Donald J. Trump
Norman Podhoretz Norman Podhoretz
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
Sidney Poitier Sidney Poitier
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
Colin Powel Colin Powel
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Colin Powe Colin Powel a
1993 Wil iam J. Clinton 1993 Wil iam J. Clinton
Elvis Presley Elvis Presley
2018 Donald J. Trump 2018 Donald J. Trump
Leontyne Price Leontyne Price
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Simon Ramo Simon Ramo
1983 Ronald W. Reagan 1983 Ronald W. Reagan
Clarence Belden Randall Clarence Belden Randall
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
A. Philip Randolph A. Philip Randolph
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Megan Rapinoe Megan Rapinoe
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Joseph L. Rauh Jr. Joseph L. Rauh Jr.
1993 Wil iam J. Clinton 1993 Wil iam J. Clinton
Martha Raye Martha Raye
1993 Wil iam J. Clinton 1993 Wil iam J. Clinton
Nancy Reagan Nancy Reagan
2002 George W. Bush 2002 George W. Bush
Ronald W. Ronald W. Reagana
1993 George H.W. Bush 1993 George H.W. Bush
Robert Redford Robert Redford
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Walter Philip Reuther Walter Philip Reuther
1995 Wil iam J. Clinton 1995 Wil iam J. Clinton
Frank Reynolds Frank Reynolds
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
Cruz Reynoso Cruz Reynoso
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
El iot Richardson El iot Richardson
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Hyman George Rickover Hyman George Rickover
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
Sally K. Ride Sally K. Ride
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
Matthew Bunker Ridgway Matthew Bunker Ridgway
1986 Ronald W. Reagan 1986 Ronald W. Reagan
~~Congressional Research Service~~

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~~link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44 link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
~~President~~
~~S. Dil on Ripley~~
~~1985 Ronald W. Reagan~~
~~Chita Rivera~~
~~2009 Barack H. Obama~~
~~Mariano Rivera~~
~~2019 Donald J. Trump~~
~~George Islay MacNeil Robertson~~
~~2003 George W. Bush~~Jane Rigby 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. S. Dil on Ripley 1985 Ronald W. Reagan Chita Rivera 2009 Barack H. Obama Mariano Rivera 2019 Donald J. Trump George Islay MacNeil Robertson 2003 George W. Bush Congressional Research Service 37 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President
Frank Robinson Frank Robinson
2005 George W. Bush 2005 George W. Bush
Jackie Robinson Jackie Robinson
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
Mary Robinson Mary Robinson
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
David Rockefeller David Rockefeller
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Laurance S. Rockefeller Laurance S. Rockefeller
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Nelson A. Rockefell Nelson A. Rockefellera
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Norman Rockw Norman Rockwella
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Fred Rogers Fred Rogers
2002 George W. Bush 2002 George W. Bush
Wil iam P. Rogers Wil iam P. Rogers
1973 Richard M. Nixon 1973 Richard M. Nixon
Teresa Romero 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. Carlos Pena Romulo Carlos Pena Romulo
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
A.M. Rosenthal A.M. Rosenthal
2002 George W. Bush 2002 George W. Bush
Diana Ross Diana Ross
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Walt Rosto Walt Rostowa
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Mstislav Rostropovich Mstislav Rostropovich
1987 Ronald W. Reagan 1987 Ronald W. Reagan
James W. Rouse James W. Rouse
1995 Wil iam J. Clinton 1995 Wil iam J. Clinton
Janet D. Rowley Janet D. Rowley
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
Edward Roybal Edward Roybal
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Vermont Connecticut Royster Vermont Connecticut Royster
1986 Ronald W. Reagan 1986 Ronald W. Reagan
Arthur Rubinstei Arthur Rubinsteina
1976 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1976 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Wil iam Doyle Ruckelshaus Wil iam Doyle Ruckelshaus
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Donald Henry Rumsfel Donald Henry Rumsfelda
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Paul Rusesabagina Paul Rusesabagina
2005 George W. Bush 2005 George W. Bush
Dean Ru Dean Ruska
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Bil Russell Bil Russell
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Bayard Rustin Bayard Rustin
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
Babe Ruth Babe Ruth
2018 Donald J. Trump 2018 Donald J. Trump
Jim Ryun Jim Ryun
2020 Donald J. Trump 2020 Donald J. Trump
Albert Bruce Sabin Albert Bruce Sabin
1986 Ronald W. Reagan 1986 Ronald W. Reagan
Anwar Sadat Anwar Sadat
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
Wil iam L. Safire Wil iam L. Safire
2006 George W. Bush 2006 George W. Bush
Ginetta Sagan Ginetta Sagan
1996 Wil iam J. Clinton 1996 Wil iam J. Clinton
Jonas Edward Salk Jonas Edward Salk
1977 James E. Carter Jr. 1977 James E. Carter Jr.
Carl Sandburg Carl Sandburg
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
~~Congressional Research Service~~

37

~~link to page 44~~ ~~Presidential Medal of Freedom~~

~~Name~~
~~Year~~
~~President~~
Arturo Sandoval Arturo Sandoval
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
Antonin Scalia Antonin Scalia
2018 Donald J. Trump 2018 Donald J. Trump
Harry W. Schlaudeman Harry W. Schlaudeman
1992 George H.W. Bush 1992 George H.W. Bush
Congressional Research Service 38 link to page 45 Presidential Medal of Freedom Name Year President H. Norman Schwarzkopf H. Norman Schwarzkopf
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Michael Henry Schwerner Michael Henry Schwerner
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Brent Scowcroft Brent Scowcroft
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Vin Scul y Vin Scul y
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Rudolf Serkin Rudolf Serkin
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Donna Shalala Donna Shalala
2008 George W. Bush 2008 George W. Bush
John Shalikashvili John Shalikashvili
1997 Wil iam J. Clinton 1997 Wil iam J. Clinton
Albert Shanker Albert Shanker
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Natan Sharansky Natan Sharansky
2006 George W. Bush 2006 George W. Bush
Judy Shepard 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. Catherine Filene ShouCatherine Filene Shousea
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Eunice Kennedy Shriver
1984 Ronald W. Reagan 1984 Ronald W. Reagan
Sargent Shriver Sargent Shriver
1994 Wil iam J. Clinton 1994 Wil iam J. Clinton
George P. Shultz George P. Shultz
1989 Ronald W. Reagan 1989 Ronald W. Reagan
Charlie Sifford Charlie Sifford
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Laurence H. Silberman Laurence H. Silberman
2008 George W. Bush 2008 George W. Bush
Beverly Sil s Beverly Sil s
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
Alan Simpson Alan Simpson
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Frank Sinatra Frank Sinatra
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
El en Johnson Sirleaf El en Johnson Sirleaf
2007 George W. Bush 2007 George W. Bush
Dean Smith Dean Smith
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
Gerald Coad Smith Gerald Coad Smith
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Jean Kennedy Smith Jean Kennedy Smith
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Kate Smith Kate Smith
1982 Ronald W. Reagan 1982 Ronald W. Reagan
Margaret Chase Smith Margaret Chase Smith
1989 George H.W. Bush 1989 George H.W. Bush
Merriman Smith Merriman Smith
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Robert M. Solow Robert M. Solow
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Stephen Sondheim Stephen Sondheim
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Annika Sorenstam Annika Sorenstam
2021 Donald J. Trump 2021 Donald J. Trump
Steven Spielberg Steven Spielberg
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Bruce Springsteen Bruce Springsteen
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Adela Rogers St. Johns Adela Rogers St. Johns
1970 Richard M. Nixon 1970 Richard M. Nixon
Roger Thomas Staubach Roger Thomas Staubach
2018 Donald J. Trump 2018 Donald J. Trump
Edward Steichen Edward Steichen
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
John Steinbeck John Steinbeck
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Gloria Steinem 2013 Barack H. Obama Isaac Stern 1992 George H.W. Bush Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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link to page link to page 4445 link to page link to page 4445 Presidential Medal of Freedom

Name
Year
President
~~Gloria Steinem~~
~~2013 Barack H. Obama~~
~~Isaac Stern~~
~~1992 George H.W. Bush~~
John Paul Stevens John Paul Stevens
2012 Barack H. Obama 2012 Barack H. Obama
Roger L. Stevens Roger L. Stevens
1988 Ronald W. Reagan 1988 Ronald W. Reagan
Jimmy Stewart Jimmy Stewart
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
Robert Schwarz Strauss Robert Schwarz Strauss
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Meryl Streep Meryl Streep
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Barbra Streisand Barbra Streisand
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Leon Sul ivan Leon Sul ivan
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Pat Summitt Pat Summitt
2012 Barack H. Obama 2012 Barack H. Obama
Aung San Suu Kyi Aung San Suu Kyi
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
John J. Sweeney John J. Sweeney
2011 Barack H. Obama 2011 Barack H. Obama
Jack Swigert Jack Swigert
1970 Richard M. Nixon 1970 Richard M. Nixon
Helen Taussig Helen Taussig
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Gardner C. Taylor Gardner C. Taylor
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
George Wil iam Taylor George Wil iam Taylor
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
James Taylor James Taylor
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Edward Teller Edward Teller
2003 George W. Bush 2003 George W. Bush
George Tenet George Tenet
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
Mother Teresa Mother Teresa
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
Margaret Thatcher Margaret Thatcher
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Dave Thomas Dave Thomas
2003 George W. Bush 2003 George W. Bush
Lowell Jackson Tho Lowell Jackson Thomasa
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Marlo Thomas Marlo Thomas
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
Charles Bates Thornton Charles Bates Thornton
1981 Ronald W. Reagan 1981 Ronald W. Reagan
Jim Thorpe 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. Strom Thurmond Strom Thurmond
1993 George H.W. Bush 1993 George H.W. Bush
Russell Erol Train Russell Erol Train
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Richard Trumka Richard Trumka
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Elbert P. Tuttle Elbert P. Tuttle
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Desmond Tutu Desmond Tutu
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
Cicely Tyson Cicely Tyson
2016 Barack H. Obama 2016 Barack H. Obama
Mo Udal Mo Udal
1996 Wil iam J. Clinton 1996 Wil iam J. Clinton
Alvaro Uribe Alvaro Uribe
2009 George W. Bush 2009 George W. Bush
Cyrus Vanc Cyrus Vancea
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
John Paul Vann John Paul Vann
1972 Richard M. Nixon 1972 Richard M. Nixon
Wilma L. Vaught Wilma L. Vaught
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Wil iam C. Velasquez Wil iam C. Velasquez
1995 Wil iam J. Clinton 1995 Wil iam J. Clinton
John Wil iam Vessey 1992 George H.W. Bush Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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link to page link to page 4445 link to page link to page 4445 link to page link to page 4445 Presidential Medal of Freedom

Name
Year
President
~~John Wil iam Vessey~~
~~1992 George H.W. Bush~~
Carl VinsoCarl Vinsona
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
C.T. Vivian C.T. Vivian
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
Patricia M. Wald Patricia M. Wald
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
Lech Walesa Lech Walesa
1989 George H.W. Bush 1989 George H.W. Bush
DeWitt Wallace DeWitt Wallace
1972 Richard M. Nixon 1972 Richard M. Nixon
Lila Bell Acheson Wallace Lila Bell Acheson Wallace
1972 Richard M. Nixon 1972 Richard M. Nixon
Wil iam Bertalan Walsh Wil iam Bertalan Walsh
1987 Ronald W. Reagan 1987 Ronald W. Reagan
Vernon Anthony Walters Vernon Anthony Walters
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Sam Walton Sam Walton
1992 George H.W. Bush 1992 George H.W. Bush
Earl Warren Earl Warren
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Robert Penn Warren Robert Penn Warren
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
Denzel Washington Denzel Washington
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Lew R. Wasserman Lew R. Wasserman
1995 Wil iam J. Clinton 1995 Wil iam J. Clinton
Alan T. Waterman Alan T. Waterman
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Thomas J. Watson Jr. Thomas J. Watson Jr.
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
James Watso James Watsona
1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr. 1977 Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Mark S. Watson Mark S. Watson
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Annie Dodge Wauneka Annie Dodge Wauneka
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Edgar Wayburn Edgar Wayburn
1999 Wil iam J. Clinton 1999 Wil iam J. Clinton
John Wayne John Wayne
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
James Edwin Webb James Edwin Webb
1968 Lyndon B. Johnson 1968 Lyndon B. Johnson
Wil iam Hedgcock Webster Wil iam Hedgcock Webster
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Albert Coady Wedemeyer Albert Coady Wedemeyer
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
Caspar Wil ard Weinber Caspar Wil ard Weinbergera
1987 Ronald W. Reagan 1987 Ronald W. Reagan
Eudora Welty Eudora Welty
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
Jerry West Jerry West
2019 Donald J. Trump 2019 Donald J. Trump
Byron R. White Byron R. White
2003 George W. Bush 2003 George W. Bush
E.B. White E.B. White
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Paul Dudley White Paul Dudley White
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
Wil iam Smith White Wil iam Smith White
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Elie Wiesel Elie Wiesel
1992 George H.W. Bush 1992 George H.W. Bush
Simon Wiesenthal Simon Wiesenthal
2000 Wil iam J. Clinton 2000 Wil iam J. Clinton
Thornton Niven Wilder Thornton Niven Wilder
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Roy Wilkins Roy Wilkins
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Ted Wil iams Ted Wil iams
1991 George H.W. Bush 1991 George H.W. Bush
Tennessee Wil iams Tennessee Wil iams
1980 James E. Carter Jr. 1980 James E. Carter Jr.
Meredith Wil son 1987 Ronald W. Reagan Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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Presidential Medal of Freedom

Name
Year
President
~~Meredith Wil son~~
~~1987 Ronald W. Reagan~~
Edmund Wilson Edmund Wilson
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
James Q. Wilson James Q. Wilson
2003 George W. Bush 2003 George W. Bush
Oprah Winfrey Oprah Winfrey
2013 Barack H. Obama 2013 Barack H. Obama
John Minor Wisdom John Minor Wisdom
1993 Wil iam J. Clinton 1993 Wil iam J. Clinton
Albert J. Wohlstetter Albert J. Wohlstetter
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
Roberta Wohlstetter Roberta Wohlstetter
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
Stevie Wonder Stevie Wonder
2014 Barack H. Obama 2014 Barack H. Obama
John Wooden John Wooden
2003 George W. Bush 2003 George W. Bush
Tiger Woods Tiger Woods
2019 Donald J. Trump 2019 Donald J. Trump
Walter Wriston Walter Wriston
2004 George W. Bush 2004 George W. Bush
Andrew Wyeth Andrew Wyeth
1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson
Minoru Yasui Minoru Yasui
2015 Barack H. Obama 2015 Barack H. Obama
Chuck Yeager Chuck Yeager
1985 Ronald W. Reagan 1985 Ronald W. Reagan
Michelle Yeoh 2024 Joseph R. Biden Jr. Whitney M. Young Jr. Whitney M. Young Jr.
1969 Lyndon B. Johnson 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson
Andrew Young Andrew Young
1981 James E. Carter Jr. 1981 James E. Carter Jr.
Muhammad Yunus Muhammad Yunus
2009 Barack H. Obama 2009 Barack H. Obama
Raul Yzaguirre Raul Yzaguirre
2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr. 2022 Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Mildred Didrikson Zaharias Mildred Didrikson Zaharias
2021 Donald J. Trump 2021 Donald J. Trump
Elmo R. Zumwalt Elmo R. Zumwalt
1998 Wil iam J. Clinton 1998 Wil iam J. Clinton
Sources: Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents; ; Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States; ; Weekly
Compilation of Presidential Documents; Associated Press, “Bush Honors Webster,” July 25, 1991; Christopher ; Associated Press, “Bush Honors Webster,” July 25, 1991; Christopher
Connell, “Bush Gives Thurmond An Award,” Associated Press, January 12, 1993Connell, “Bush Gives Thurmond An Award,” Associated Press, January 12, 1993.
; White House, “President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” press release, May 3, 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/03/president-biden-announces-recipients-of-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom-2/. a. Medals known to be awarded “with distinction.” a. Medals known to be awarded “with distinction.”
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Author Information

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Research Librarian Research Librarian

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