Presidential Medal of Freedom

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor awarded by the U.S. president. It recognizes especially distinguished contributions to U.S. security, national interests, world peace, culture, or other significant public or private endeavors.

Executive Order 11085: A 1963 executive order that established the Presidential Medal of Freedom in its modern form. John F. Kennedy’s order created the current award and set its civilian purpose.
Executive Order 9586: A 1945 executive order that established the Medal of Freedom. It set the original award’s eligibility and presidential authority.
Rosa Parks: An American civil rights activist whose refusal to surrender her bus seat helped galvanize the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her 1996 award recognized her enduring contribution to civil rights.
Congressional Gold Medal: The highest expression of national appreciation bestowed by the U.S. Congress. It is a major civilian honor, but unlike this medal, Congress awards it.
Harry S. Truman: The 33rd president of the United States, who established the Medal of Freedom in 1945. Truman’s wartime medal was the direct predecessor of the modern presidential honor.
Presidential discretion: The authority of a president to make choices within powers granted by law or custom. The president selects recipients, including people not nominated through formal channels.
Nelson Mandela: A South African anti-apartheid leader who became the country’s first Black president. He received the medal in 2002 for his role in ending apartheid and advancing reconciliation.
Congressional Medal of Honor: The United States’ highest military decoration for valor in combat. Its military scope distinguishes it from the Medal of Freedom’s civilian recognition.
Medal of Freedom: A U.S. civilian award established in 1945 to recognize service during World War II. The modern medal grew from this award, which initially honored wartime contributions.
Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction: The higher grade of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded at the president’s discretion. This grade distinguishes recipients whose recognition the president chooses to elevate.

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