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Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient Lena Frances Edwards
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Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient
Lena Frances Edwards
DR. LENA F. EDWARDS
Awarded by
President Lyndon B. Johnson
September 14, 1964
Physician and humanitarian, she has applied her medical skills and compassionate understanding to the women and children of our migratory work force.
Lena Frances Edwards, MD (1900-1986)
Dr. Edwards, a 1924 graduate of Howard University Medical School, established her long medical practice in Jersey City in 1925. Her practice was largely within the European immigrant community. An advocate of natural childbirth, she struggled for years before being admitted for a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Margaret Hague Hospital in Jersey City. During her long career in service to others, she taught obstetrics at Howard University Medical School, was medical advisor to the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, and volunteered at a mission for Mexican migrant workers in Texas. Her service to society was recognized by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 when he awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. A devout Roman Catholic, she was given the Poverello Medal in 1967, as one whose life exemplified the ideals of St. Francis of Assisi.
Dr. Lena F. Edwards (right), Texas humanitarian and physician, her daughter, Mrs. Allen West, and two year old grandson, Joseph Edward West, are shown with President Lyndon and Mrs. Johnson in reception line following a ceremony at the White House 9/14 in which Dr. Edwards and 29 others were presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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Medal History
