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Green Says Space Shuttle Astronauts Deserve Medal of Freedom
Houston Congressman to Introduce House Resolution Today
2/3/2003 Washington, DC
Congressman Gene Green (D-Houston) today will introduce a resolution that would express the sense of the House of Representatives that the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation's highest civilian honor, be posthumously bestowed on the crew of Columbia, STS-107.
"Individuals who proudly brave these dangerous conditions in pursuit of technology and scientific research to improve life on earth deserve our highest respect," said Green. "Our scientific understanding, quality of life, and visions of a better future have been immeasurably increased by the brave men and women who volunteer and are selected for these difficult missions. I believe Rick Husband, William McCool, Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel Clark, and Ilan Ramon deserve this final honor, and I hope the president will agree with me."
According to Executive Order 11085, signed by President John F. Kennedy, the Presidential Medal of Freedom "may be awarded by the President as provided in this order 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) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."
Congressman Mickey Leland of Houston, Texas offered a similar resolution in 1986 to honor the 1986 Challenger crew, and the resolution passed unanimously on February 6, 1986.
Columbia Crew Biographies
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Medal History
