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President Harry S. Truman creates the U.S. Medal of Freedom
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Presidential Medal of Freedom - President Harry Truman
Shortly after being called to the White House after Franklin Roosevelt's death, Harry Truman was sworn in as President. (NARA, Harry S. Truman Library)
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."
President Harry Truman signs the bill proclaiming February 1 as National Freedom Day, June 30, 1948
1945 U.S. Medal of Freedom Recipients
Statement on the Death of Harry S Truman
December 26, 1972
HARRY S TRUMAN will be remembered as one of the most courageous Presidents in our history, who led the Nation and the world through a critical period with exceptional vision and determination.
Our hopes today for a generation of peace rest in large measure on the firm foundations that he laid.
Recognizing the new threat to peace that had emerged from the ashes of war, he stood boldly against it with his extension of aid to Greece and Turkey in 1947--and the "Truman Doctrine" thus established was crucial to the defense of liberty in Europe and the world. In launching the Marshall Plan, he began the most farsighted and most generous act of international rebuilding ever undertaken. With his characteristically decisive action in Korea, he made possible the defense of peace and freedom in Asia.
He was a fighter who was at his best when the going was toughest. Like all political leaders, he had his friends and his opponents. But friends and opponents alike were unanimous in respecting him for his enormous courage, and for the spirit that saw him through whatever the odds. Whether in a political campaign or making the great decisions in foreign policy, they recognized and admired him--in a description he himself might have appreciated the most--as a man of "guts."
Embroiled in controversy during his Presidency, his stature in the eyes of history has risen steadily ever since. He did what had to be done, when it had to be done, and because he did the world today is a better and safer place--and generations to come will be in his debt.
It is with affection and respect that a grateful Nation now says farewell to "the man from Independence"--to its thirty-third President, Harry S Truman.
NOTE: Former President Harry S Truman, 88, died after a long illness at Research Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.
The statement was released at Key Biscayne, Fla.
On December 27, 1972, the President and Mrs. Nixon placed a wreath at President Truman's bier in the Truman Library in Independence, Mo. They later called at the Truman home to express their sympathy.
Presidential Proclamation 4176, Announcing the Death of Harry S Truman
December 26, 1972
By the President of the United States of America a Proclamation
To the People of the United States:
It is my sad duty to announce officially the death of Harry S Truman, thirty-third President of the United States, on December 26, 1972.
Throughout his long career in public service, Harry S Truman was known as a man of forthrightness and integrity. He served with distinction in the United States Senate; and when the death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt thrust him suddenly into the Presidency in April of 1945 at one of the most critical moments of our history, he met that moment with courage and vision. His farsighted leadership in the postwar era has helped ever since to preserve peace and freedom in the world.
Confronted during his Presidency with a momentous series of challenges, his strength and spirit proved equal to them all. His fortitude never wavered, and his faith in America never flagged.
President Truman had a deep respect for the office he held and for the people he served. He gave himself unstintingly to the duties of the Presidency while he held it, and in the years afterward he honorably supported and wisely counseled each of his successors.
The Nation to which he gave so much will honor his memory in admiration and respect, and the other countries for which he helped keep freedom alive will remember his name with gratitude.
Now, THEREFORE, I, RICHARD NIXON, President of the United States of America in tribute to the memory of President Truman, and as an expression of public sorrow, do hereby direct that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff at the White House and on all buildings, grounds, and Naval vessels of the United States for a period of thirty days from the day of his death. I also direct that for the same length of time the representatives of the United States in foreign countries shall make similar arrangements for the display of the flag at half-staff over their Embassies, Legations, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and stations.
I hereby order that suitable honors be rendered by units of the Armed Forces under orders of the Secretary of Defense on the day of the funeral.
I do further appoint December 28, 1972 to be a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States. I recommend that the people assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President Truman and to seek God's continued blessing on our land and on this His servant. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of December, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred ninety-seventh.
RICHARD NIXON
NOTE: On the same day, the President signed Executive Order 11693 providing for the closing of Government departments and agencies on December 28, 1972.
Vice-President Harry Truman takes the oath of office as President of the United States at the sudden death of Franklin Roosevelt in 1945. Three years later, he was elected President in his own right.
This quotation is from President Harry S. Truman's 1 June 1945 message to congress on driving for victory against Japan.
World War II Memorial
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Medal History
