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U.S. Medal of Freedom Recipients
The Presidential Medal of Freedom The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States.
It was established by President Harry Truman in 1945 to honor service during WWII. President John F. Kennedy revived the medal and began the tradition of awarding the medal annually, on or near July 4. The award is awarded to several people annually. Unlike many other US awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom can be awarded to non-US citizens.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, or to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."
Medal of Freedom Recipients 1954-1961
1954
Genevieve de Galard-Terraube, French nurse
1955
Robert B. Anderson, public servant
1956
Dr John Von Neumann, scientist
1957
Charles E. Wilson, public servant
1958
Lewis L. Strauss, public servant
1959
John Foster Dulles, public servant
Neil McElroy, public servant
Donald A. Quarles, public servant
1960
None
1961
James H. Douglas, public servant
Thomas S. Gates, public servant
Andrew J. Goodpastor, presidential liaison
Gordon Gray, public servant
Christian A. Herter, public servant
George B. Kistiakowsky, scientist
Paul-Henri Spaak, Secretary General NATO
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Medal History
