List of Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients - wikipedia List of Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients Main article : Presidential Medal of Freedom The Presidential Medal of Freedom This is an alphabetized, partial list of recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, grouped by the aspect of life in which they are / were renowned. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded by the President of the United States `` for 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 '' ; it is awarded to individuals selected by the President or recommended to him by the Distinguished Civilian Service Awards Board. The only exception to the rule for the sitting president choosing those to be honored, was that the first recipients were selected by President John F. Kennedy before his assassination, and formally awarded by his successor in office, Lyndon B. Johnson. President Barack Obama awarded 123 Medals, the most ever, followed by President Ronald Reagan with 102 Medal recipients. Two people, Ellsworth Bunker and Colin Powell, are two - time recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Colin Powell received his second award with Distinction, while Ellsworth Bunker was given both of his awards with Distinction. This list does not include those awarded the similarly named but very distinct Medal of Freedom, an antecedent award issued prior to 1963. Contents 1 Arts 1.1 Architecture 1.2 Art 1.3 Dance 1.4 Movies & Theater 1.5 Literature 1.6 Music 1.7 Photography 2 Business and economics 3 Computing 4 Education 5 History 6 Humanitarian 7 Law 7.1 Attorneys and Judges 7.2 Supreme Court Justices 8 Media 8.1 Journalism 8.2 Radio 8.3 Television 9 Medicine 10 Military 11 Philanthropy 12 Philosophy 13 Politics and government 13.1 Activism 13.2 Diplomacy 13.3 Environmentalism 13.4 Intelligence 13.5 Foreign statesmen 13.6 U.S. Cabinet members 13.7 U.S. First Ladies 13.8 Members of the U.S. Congress 13.9 U.S. Presidents 13.10 U.S. Vice Presidents 13.11 Other political figures 14 Religion 15 Science 16 Space exploration 17 Sports 18 Notes 19 Bibliography 20 External links Arts Architecture Recipient Year President Notes Mies van der Rohe, Ludwig Ludwig Mies van der Rohe 1963 John F. Kennedy Fuller, Buckminster Buckminster Fuller Ronald Reagan Pei, I.M. I.M. Pei 1993 George H.W. Bush Gehry, Frank Frank Gehry 2016 Barack Obama Art Recipient Year President Notes Andrew Wyeth 1963 John F. Kennedy Willem de Kooning 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Alexander Calder 1977 Gerald Ford Sculptor and painter -- Posthumous Georgia O'Keeffe 1977 Gerald Ford Norman Rockwell 1977 Gerald Ford Painter and illustrator. Rockwell 's son, Jarvis, accepted the award Roger L. Stevens 1988 Ronald Reagan Theatrical producer, founding chair of the NEA, chair of the Kennedy Center Walker Hancock George H.W. Bush Sculptor, Monuments man in World War II Jasper Johns 2011 Barack Obama Maya Lin 2016 Barack Obama Architect, designer of the Vietnam Memorial Dance Chita Rivera, 2009 Recipient Year President Notes Martha Graham 1976 Gerald Ford With Distinction Lucia Chase 1980 Jimmy Carter George Balanchine Ronald Reagan Lincoln Kirstein 1984 Ronald Reagan Chita Rivera 2009 Barack Obama Alvin Ailey 2014 Barack Obama Posthumous Movies & Theater Recipient Year President Notes Walt Disney 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Described as `` Mr. Walter Disney '' Lynn Fontanne 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Alfred Lunt 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Bob Hope 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson Gregory Peck 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson Samuel Goldwyn 1971 Richard Nixon John Ford 1973 Richard Nixon John Wayne 1980 Jimmy Carter Posthumous Kirk Douglas 1981 Jimmy Carter James Cagney 1984 Ronald Reagan James Stewart 1985 Ronald Reagan Helen Hayes 1986 Ronald Reagan Danny Kaye Ronald Reagan Posthumous Audrey Hepburn 1992 George H.W. Bush Martha Raye 1993 Bill Clinton Lew Wasserman 1995 Bill Clinton Charlton Heston 2003 George W. Bush Doris Day George W. Bush Rita Moreno George W. Bush Sidney Poitier 2009 Barack Obama Meryl Streep 2014 Barack Obama Steven Spielberg 2015 Barack Obama Robert Redford 2016 Barack Obama Robert De Niro 2016 Barack Obama Tom Hanks 2016 Barack Obama Cicely Tyson 2016 Barack Obama Literature Harper Lee, 2007 Recipient Year President Notes E.B. White 1963 John F. Kennedy Edmund Wilson 1963 John F. Kennedy Thornton Wilder 1963 John F. Kennedy J. Frank Dobie 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson T.S. Eliot 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Carl Sandburg 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson John Steinbeck 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Ralph Ellison 1969 Lyndon B. Johnson Archibald MacLeish 1977 Gerald Ford Roderick MacLeish, Archibald 's nephew, accepted the award James A. Michener 1977 Gerald Ford Named as James Albert Michener on the award citation Robert Penn Warren 1980 Jimmy Carter Eudora Welty 1980 Jimmy Carter Tennessee Williams 1980 Jimmy Carter Louis L'Amour 1984 Ronald Reagan Albert Wohlstetter 1985 Ronald Reagan Elie Wiesel 1992 George H.W. Bush Harper Lee 2007 George W. Bush Maya Angelou 2011 Barack Obama Toni Morrison 2012 Barack Obama Isabel Allende 2014 Barack Obama Music Robert Conquest, Aretha Franklin, & Alan Greenspan, 2005 Frank Sinatra, 1985 Recipient Year President Notes Marian Anderson 1963 John F. Kennedy Pablo Casals 1963 John F. Kennedy Rudolf Serkin 1963 John F. Kennedy Aaron Copland 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Leontyne Price 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Duke Ellington 1969 Richard Nixon Eugene Ormandy 1970 Richard Nixon Arthur Rubinstein 1976 Gerald Ford With Distinction Irving Berlin 1977 Gerald Ford Arthur Fiedler 1977 Gerald Ford Beverly Sills 1980 Jimmy Carter James `` Eubie '' Blake 1981 Ronald Reagan Kate Smith 1982 Ronald Reagan Mabel Mercer Ronald Reagan Ernest Jennings `` Tennessee Ernie '' Ford 1984 Ronald Reagan ' Count ' Basie 1985 Ronald Reagan Posthumous Frank Sinatra 1985 Ronald Reagan Vladimir Horowitz 1986 Ronald Reagan Mstislav Rostropovich Ronald Reagan Meredith Willson Ronald Reagan Posthumous Pearl Bailey 1988 Ronald Reagan Ella Fitzgerald 1992 George H.W. Bush Isaac Stern 1992 George H.W. Bush Plácido Domingo 2002 George W. Bush Van Cliburn 2003 George W. Bush Aretha Franklin 2005 George W. Bush B.B. King 2006 George W. Bush Yo - Yo Ma 2011 Barack Obama Bob Dylan 2012 Barack Obama Loretta Lynn 2013 Barack Obama Arturo Sandoval 2013 Barack Obama Stevie Wonder 2014 Barack Obama Emilio Estefan 2015 Barack Obama Gloria Estefan 2015 Barack Obama Itzhak Perlman 2015 Barack Obama Stephen Sondheim 2015 Barack Obama Barbra Streisand 2015 Barack Obama James Taylor 2015 Barack Obama Diana Ross 2016 Barack Obama Bruce Springsteen 2016 Barack Obama Photography Recipient Year President Notes Edwin H. Land 1963 John F. Kennedy Edward Steichen 1963 John F. Kennedy Ansel Adams 1980 Jimmy Carter Business and economics Alan Greenspan, 2005 Recipient Year President Notes Clarence B. Randall 1963 John F. Kennedy Frederick Kappel 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson John L. Lewis 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Thomas Watson, Jr. 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Edgar Kaiser 1969 Richard Nixon David Dubinsky 1969 Richard Nixon Henry Ford II 1969 Richard Nixon Laurance Rockefeller 1969 Richard Nixon Paul G. Hoffman Gerald Ford Iorwith Wilbur Abel 1977 Gerald Ford Tex Thornton 1981 Ronald Reagan Juan Trippe 1985 Ronald Reagan Posthumous Walter Annenberg 1986 Ronald Reagan An Wang 1986 Ronald Reagan Justin Whitlock Dart Ronald Reagan Posthumous Irving Brown 1988 Ronald Reagan Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. 1988 Ronald Reagan Milton Friedman 1988 Ronald Reagan J. Willard Marriott 1988 Ronald Reagan Posthumous David Packard 1988 Ronald Reagan Friedrich Hayek 1991 George H.W. Bush Sam Walton 1992 George H.W. Bush Lane Kirkland 1994 Bill Clinton James Rouse 1995 Bill Clinton Walter Reuther 1995 Bill Clinton Posthumous David Rockefeller 1998 Bill Clinton Edgar Bronfman, Sr. 1999 Bill Clinton James E. Burke 2000 Bill Clinton John Kenneth Galbraith 2000 Bill Clinton Peter Drucker 2002 George W. Bush Dave Thomas 2003 George W. Bush Posthumous Estée Lauder George W. Bush Walter B. Wriston George W. Bush Alan Greenspan 2005 George W. Bush Gary Becker 2007 George W. Bush Muhammad Yunus 2009 Barack Obama Warren Buffett 2011 Barack Obama John J. Sweeney 2011 Barack Obama Daniel Kahneman 2013 Barack Obama Robert Solow 2014 Barack Obama Computing Vinton Cerf and Bob Kahn, 2005 Recipient Year President Notes Gordon Moore 2002 George W. Bush Vinton Cerf 2005 George W. Bush Robert Kahn 2005 George W. Bush Rear Admiral Grace Hopper 2016 Barack Obama Posthumous Margaret Hamilton 2016 Barack Obama Education Norman Francis, 2006 Recipient Year President Notes Genevieve Caulfield 1963 John F. Kennedy James Bryant Conant 1963 John F. Kennedy With Distinction Karl Holton 1963 John F. Kennedy Alexander Meiklejohn 1963 John F. Kennedy George W. Taylor 1963 John F. Kennedy Detlev Bronk 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Rev Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C. 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Admiral Hyman G. Rickover 1980 Jimmy Carter Margaret McNamara 1981 Ronald Reagan James E. Cheek Ronald Reagan Jerome H. Holland 1985 Ronald Reagan Posthumous Frederick Patterson Ronald Reagan Hanna Holborn Gray 1991 George H.W. Bush Antonia Pantoja Bill Clinton Ruth Johnson Colvin 2006 George W. Bush Norman Francis 2006 George W. Bush Eduardo J. Padrón 2016 Barack Obama History Recipient Year President Notes Samuel Eliot Morison 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Bruce Catton 1977 Gerald Ford Ariel Durant 1977 Gerald Ford Will Durant 1977 Gerald Ford Dumas Malone Ronald Reagan Roberta Wohlstetter 1985 Ronald Reagan John Hope Franklin 1995 Bill Clinton Jacques Barzun 2003 George W. Bush Vartan Gregorian George W. Bush Robert Conquest 2005 George W. Bush David McCullough 2006 George W. Bush Humanitarian Recipient Year President Notes Annie D. Wauneka 1963 John F. Kennedy John W. Gardner 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Eunice Kennedy Shriver 1984 Ronald Reagan Leon Sullivan 1991 George H.W. Bush Frances Hesselbein 1998 Bill Clinton Paul Rusesabagina 2005 George W. Bush Gerda Weissmann Klein 2011 Barack Obama Juliette Gordon Low 2012 Barack Obama Posthumous Bonnie Carroll 2015 Barack Obama Law Attorneys and Judges Recipient Year President Notes Henry J. Friendly 1977 Gerald Ford Elbert Tuttle 1981 Jimmy Carter Irving Robert Kaufman Ronald Reagan John Minor Wisdom 1993 Bill Clinton Joseph L. Rauh, Jr. 1993 Bill Clinton Posthumous Frank Minis Johnson 1995 Bill Clinton A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. 1995 Bill Clinton Oliver White Hill 1999 Bill Clinton Cruz Reynoso 2000 Bill Clinton Laurence Silberman 2008 George W. Bush Patricia Wald 2013 Barack Obama John Doar 2012 Barack Obama Newton N. Minow 2016 Barack Obama Supreme Court Justices Recipient Year President Notes Associate Justice Felix Frankfurter 1963 John F. Kennedy With Distinction Associate Justice Arthur J. Goldberg 1978 Jimmy Carter Chief Justice Earl Warren 1981 Ronald Reagan Posthumous Chief Justice Warren E. Burger 1988 Ronald Reagan Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall 1993 Bill Clinton Posthumous Associate Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. 1993 Bill Clinton Associate Justice Byron White 2003 George W. Bush Posthumous Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor 2009 Barack Obama Associate Justice John Paul Stevens 2012 Barack Obama Media Journalism William Safire, 2006. Recipient Year President Notes Mark S. Watson 1963 John F. Kennedy Edward R. Murrow 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson With Distinction Walter Lippmann 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Ralph McGill 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Albert Merriman Smith 1967 Lyndon B. Johnson William S. White 1969 Richard Nixon William M. Henry 1970 Richard Nixon Earl Charles Behrens 1970 Richard Nixon Raymond Moley 1970 Richard Nixon Adela Rogers St. Johns 1970 Richard Nixon David Lawrence 1970 Richard Nixon Arthur Krock 1970 Richard Nixon George Gould Lincoln 1970 Richard Nixon Lila Acheson Wallace 1972 Richard Nixon DeWitt Wallace 1972 Richard Nixon Walter Cronkite 1981 Jimmy Carter Frank Reynolds 1985 Ronald Reagan Posthumous Vermont C. Royster 1986 Ronald Reagan William F. Buckley, Jr. 1991 George H.W. Bush David Brinkley 1992 George H.W. Bush Herbert L. Block 1994 Bill Clinton John H. Johnson Bill Clinton Katharine Graham 2002 George W. Bush Posthumous A.M. Rosenthal 2002 George W. Bush Robert L. Bartley 2003 George W. Bush William Safire 2006 George W. Bush Paul Johnson 2006 George W. Bush Ben Bradlee 2013 Barack Obama Tom Brokaw 2014 Barack Obama Radio Paul Harvey, 2005 Recipient Year President Notes Lowell Thomas 1977 Gerald Ford Paul Harvey 2005 George W. Bush Television Andy Griffith, 2005 Recipient Year President Notes Lucille Ball 1989 George H.W. Bush Posthumous Johnny Carson 1992 George H.W. Bush Peggy Charren 1995 Bill Clinton Joan Ganz Cooney 1995 Bill Clinton Bill Cosby 2002 George W. Bush Fred Rogers 2002 George W. Bush Julia Child 2003 George W. Bush Carol Burnett 2005 George W. Bush Andy Griffith 2005 George W. Bush Brian P. Lamb 2007 George W. Bush Oprah Winfrey 2014 Barack Obama Marlo Thomas 2014 Barack Obama Lorne Michaels 2016 Barack Obama Ellen DeGeneres 2016 Barack Obama Medicine Recipient Year President Notes John F. Enders 1963 John F. Kennedy Lena Frances Edwards 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Helen B. Taussig 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Paul Dudley White 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Michael DeBakey 1969 Richard Nixon Charles LeRoy Lowman Gerald Ford Jonas Salk 1977 Jimmy Carter Karl Menninger 1981 Ronald Reagan Denton Cooley 1984 Ronald Reagan Albert Sabin 1986 Ronald Reagan William B. Walsh Ronald Reagan C. Everett Koop 1995 Bill Clinton David Hamburg Bill Clinton Donald Henderson 2002 George W. Bush Arnall Patz George W. Bush Ben Carson 2008 George W. Bush Anthony Fauci 2008 George W. Bush Janet Davison Rowley 2009 Barack Obama Pedro José Greer, Jr. 2009 Barack Obama Tom Little 2011 Barack Obama Posthumous William Foege 2012 Barack Obama Military Richard Myers, 2005 Recipient Year President Notes James E. Webb 1968 Lyndon B. Johnson John Paul Vann 1972 Richard Nixon Posthumous General of the Army Omar Bradley 1977 Gerald Ford Admiral Arleigh Burke 1977 Gerald Ford General Albert Coady Wedemeyer 1985 Ronald Reagan Brigadier General Chuck Yeager 1985 Ronald Reagan Captain Joseph Rochefort 1986 Ronald Reagan Posthumous General Matthew B. Ridgeway 1986 Ronald Reagan General Lyman Lemnitzer Ronald Reagan Lieutenant General Jimmy Doolittle 1989 George H.W. Bush General Colin Powell 1991 George H.W. Bush Twice awarded General H. Norman Schwarzkopf 1991 George H.W. Bush General John W. Vessey 1992 George H.W. Bush General Colin Powell 1993 Bill Clinton With Distinction ; Twice awarded Jan Nowak - Jeziorański Bill Clinton General John Shalikashvili 1997 Bill Clinton Admiral Elmo Zumwalt 1998 Bill Clinton General Wesley Clark 2000 Bill Clinton Admiral William J. Crowe 2000 Bill Clinton General Tommy Franks George W. Bush General Richard B. Myers 2005 George W. Bush General Peter Pace 2008 George W. Bush War Chief Joe Medicine Crow 2009 Barack Obama Rear Admiral Grace Hopper 2016 Barack Obama Posthumous Philanthropy Recipient Year President Notes J. Clifford MacDonald 1963 John F. Kennedy Lowell Thomas 1977 Gerald Ford Catherine Filene Shouse 1977 Gerald Ford Ronnie Eugene Ford 1978 Jimmy Carter Morris I. Leibman 1981 Ronald Reagan Eugene Lang Bill Clinton Brooke Astor 1998 Bill Clinton Zachary Fisher 1998 Bill Clinton Nancy Goodman Brinker 2009 Barack Obama Bill Gates 2016 Barack Obama Melinda Gates 2016 Barack Obama Philosophy Recipient Year President Notes Will Durant 1977 Gerald Ford Eric Hoffer 1982 Ronald Reagan James Burnham Ronald Reagan Sidney Hook 1985 Ronald Reagan Politics and government Activism Recipient Year President Notes Helen Keller 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson A. Philip Randolph 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Roy Wilkins 1967 Lyndon B. Johnson Mary Lasker 1969 Richard Nixon Martin Luther King, Jr. 1977 Jimmy Carter Posthumous Clarence M. Mitchell 1980 Jimmy Carter Esther Peterson 1981 Jimmy Carter Andrew Young 1981 Jimmy Carter Roger Nash Baldwin 1981 Jimmy Carter Hector Garcia 1984 Ronald Reagan Lech Wałęsa 1989 George H.W. Bush Dorothy Height 1994 Bill Clinton César Chávez 1994 Bill Clinton Posthumous William C. Velasquez 1995 Bill Clinton Posthumous Ginetta Sagan Bill Clinton Rosa Parks Bill Clinton Mario G. Obledo 1998 Bill Clinton Fred Korematsu 1998 Bill Clinton Justin Whitlock Dart, Jr. 1998 Bill Clinton James L. Farmer, Jr. 1998 Bill Clinton Arnold Aronson 1998 Bill Clinton Evelyn Dubrow 1999 Bill Clinton George G. Higgins 2000 Bill Clinton Rev. Jesse Jackson 2000 Bill Clinton Millie Jeffrey 2000 Bill Clinton Marian Wright Edelman 2000 Bill Clinton Natan Sharansky 2006 George W. Bush Benjamin Hooks 2007 George W. Bush Oscar Elias Biscet 2007 George W. Bush Rev. Joseph Lowery 2009 Barack Obama Harvey Milk 2009 Barack Obama Posthumous Sylvia Mendez 2011 Barack Obama Gordon Hirabayashi 2012 Barack Obama Posthumous Dolores Huerta 2012 Barack Obama Gloria Steinem 2013 Barack Obama Bayard Rustin 2013 Barack Obama Posthumous Cordy Tindell `` C.T. '' Vivian 2013 Barack Obama Andrew Goodman 2014 Barack Obama Posthumous James Chaney 2014 Barack Obama Posthumous Suzan Shown Harjo 2014 Barack Obama Ethel Kennedy 2014 Barack Obama Michael Schwerner 2014 Barack Obama Posthumous Minoru Yasui 2015 Barack Obama Posthumous Billy Frank, Jr. 2015 Barack Obama Posthumous Elouise Cobell 2016 Barack Obama Posthumous Diplomacy Ryan Crocker, 2009 Recipient Year President Notes Ralph J. Bunche 1963 John F. Kennedy With Distinction Ellsworth Bunker 1963 John F. Kennedy ( Twice ) With Distinction Ellsworth Bunker 1967 Lyndon B. Johnson ( Twice ) With Distinction Manlio Brosio 1971 Richard Nixon David K.E. Bruce 1976 Gerald Ford With Distinction Gerard C. Smith 1981 Jimmy Carter Robert S. Strauss 1981 Jimmy Carter Philip Habib 1982 Ronald Reagan General Andrew Goodpaster 1984 Ronald Reagan Jeane Kirkpatrick 1985 Ronald Reagan Anne L. Armstrong Ronald Reagan George F. Kennan 1989 George H.W. Bush Harry W. Shlaudeman 1992 George H.W. Bush Sol M. Linowitz 1998 Bill Clinton Ryan Crocker 2009 George W. Bush Jean Kennedy Smith 2011 Barack Obama Jan Karski 2012 Barack Obama Posthumous Environmentalism Recipient Year President Notes Horace M. Albright 1980 Jimmy Carter Rachel Carson 1980 Jimmy Carter Posthumous Roger Tory Peterson 1980 Jimmy Carter Russell E. Train 1991 George H.W. Bush Marjory Stoneman Douglas 1993 Bill Clinton Margaret Murie 1998 Bill Clinton Edgar Wayburn 1999 Bill Clinton Gilbert Melville Grosvenor George W. Bush John H. Adams 2011 Barack Obama Intelligence George Tenet, 2004. Recipient Year President Notes Whittaker Chambers 1984 Ronald Reagan Posthumous Jean MacArthur 1988 Ronald Reagan George Tenet George W. Bush Foreign statesmen Tony Blair, 2009 Margaret Thatcher, 1991 Recipient Year Country President Notes Joseph Luns 1984 Netherlands Ronald Reagan Carlos P. Romulo 1984 Philippines Ronald Reagan Anwar el - Sadat 1984 Egypt Ronald Reagan Posthumous Margaret Thatcher 1991 United Kingdom George H.W. Bush Wilma Mankiller 1998 Cherokee Nation Bill Clinton Helmut Kohl 1999 Germany Bill Clinton Nelson Mandela 2002 South Africa George W. Bush Václav Havel 2003 Czech Republic George W. Bush Ellen Johnson Sirleaf 2007 Liberia George W. Bush Tony Blair 2009 United Kingdom George W. Bush John Howard 2009 Australia George W. Bush Álvaro Uribe 2009 Colombia George W. Bush Mary Robinson 2009 Ireland Barack Obama Angela Merkel 2011 Germany Barack Obama Shimon Peres 2012 Israel Barack Obama U.S. Cabinet members Donald Rumsfeld, displaying 1977 Medal ( With Distinction ) Recipient Year President Notes Robert A. Lovett 1963 John F. Kennedy With Distinction Dean Acheson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson With Distinction Robert S. McNamara 1968 Lyndon B. Johnson Clark Clifford 1969 Richard Nixon With Distinction Dean Rusk 1969 Richard Nixon With Distinction Cyrus Vance 1969 Richard Nixon Averell Harriman 1969 Richard Nixon With Distinction William P. Rogers 1973 Richard Nixon Melvin Laird Gerald Ford Donald Rumsfeld 1977 Gerald Ford With Distinction Henry Kissinger 1977 Gerald Ford Warren Christopher 1981 Ronald Reagan Zbigniew Brzezinski 1981 Ronald Reagan Harold Brown 1981 Ronald Reagan Caspar Weinberger Ronald Reagan With Distinction Malcolm Baldrige, Jr. 1988 Ronald Reagan Posthumous George P. Shultz 1989 George H.W. Bush C. Douglas Dillon 1989 George H.W. Bush Dick Cheney, as Secretary of Defense 1991 George H.W. Bush James Baker 1991 George H.W. Bush Arthur Flemming 1994 Bill Clinton William T. Coleman, Jr. 1995 Bill Clinton William Perry 1997 Bill Clinton Elliot Richardson 1998 Bill Clinton Norman Mineta 2006 George W. Bush Donna Shalala 2008 George W. Bush Robert Gates 2011 Barack Obama Madeleine Albright 2012 Barack Obama U.S. First Ladies Betty Ford, 1992 Recipient Year President Notes Lady Bird Johnson 1977 Gerald Ford Betty Ford 1991 George H.W. Bush Rosalynn Carter 1999 Bill Clinton Nancy Reagan 2002 George W. Bush Members of the U.S. Congress Senator Edward Brooke, 2004 Senator Strom Thurmond, 1993 Recipient Year President Notes Representative Carl Vinson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson With Distinction Representative Walter Judd 1981 Ronald Reagan Senator Ed Muskie 1981 Ronald Reagan Senator Jacob K. Javits Ronald Reagan Representative Clare Boothe Luce Ronald Reagan Senator Henry M. Jackson 1984 Ronald Reagan Posthumous Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. 1984 Ronald Reagan Senator Barry Goldwater 1986 Ronald Reagan Senator Mike Mansfield 1989 George H.W. Bush Representative Claude Pepper 1989 George H.W. Bush Senator Margaret Chase Smith 1989 George H.W. Bush Representative Tip O'Neill 1991 George H.W. Bush Senator Strom Thurmond 1993 George H.W. Bush Senator William Fulbright 1993 Bill Clinton Representative Barbara Jordan 1994 Bill Clinton Representative Robert H. Michel 1994 Bill Clinton Senator Gaylord Nelson 1995 Bill Clinton Representative Mo Udall Bill Clinton Senator Bob Dole 1997 Bill Clinton Representative Dante B. Fascell 1998 Bill Clinton Senator Lloyd M. Bentsen 1999 Bill Clinton Senator George J. Mitchell 1999 Bill Clinton Senator George McGovern 2000 Bill Clinton Senator John H. Chafee 2000 Bill Clinton Posthumous Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan 2000 Bill Clinton Senator Edward W. Brooke George W. Bush Representative Gillespie Montgomery 2005 George W. Bush Representative Henry Hyde 2007 George W. Bush Representative Tom Lantos 2008 George W. Bush Representative Jack Kemp 2009 Barack Obama Posthumous Senator Edward Kennedy 2009 Barack Obama Representative John Lewis 2011 Barack Obama Senator Daniel Inouye 2013 Barack Obama Posthumous Senator Richard Lugar 2013 Barack Obama Representative John Dingell 2014 Barack Obama Representative Abner J. Mikva 2014 Barack Obama Representative Patsy Mink 2014 Barack Obama Posthumous Representative Edward Roybal 2014 Barack Obama Posthumous Representative Shirley Chisholm 2015 Barack Obama Posthumous Representative Lee H. Hamilton 2015 Barack Obama Senator Barbara Mikulski 2015 Barack Obama U.S. Presidents Former President Ronald Reagan, January 13, 1993 Recipient Year President Notes John F. Kennedy 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson 35th President ; posthumous Lyndon B. Johnson 1980 Jimmy Carter 36th President ; posthumous Ronald Reagan 1993 George H.W. Bush 40th President, With Distinction Gerald Ford 1999 Bill Clinton 38th President Jimmy Carter 1999 Bill Clinton 39th President George H.W. Bush 2011 Barack Obama 41st President Bill Clinton 2013 Barack Obama 42nd President Us Vice Presidents President Obama awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction to Vice President Joe Biden on January 12, 2017. Recipient Year President Notes Nelson Rockefeller 1977 Gerald Ford 41st Vice President Hubert Humphrey 1980 Jimmy Carter 38th Vice President, Posthumous Joe Biden 2017 Barack Obama 47th Vice President, With Distinction Other political figures Recipient Year President Notes Governor Luis Muñoz Marín 1963 John F. Kennedy With Distinction Governor Herbert H. Lehman 1963 John F. Kennedy Lehman died the day before the ceremony, and the medal was presented to his widow on January 28, 1964 Allied High Commissioner John J. McCloy 1963 John F. Kennedy With Distinction George Meany 1963 John F. Kennedy Jean Monnet 1963 John F. Kennedy With Distinction Ambassador Eugene M. Locke 1967 Lyndon B. Johnson Robert W. Komer 1967 Lyndon B. Johnson Walt Rostow 1969 Richard Nixon Whitney Young 1969 Richard Nixon Eugene R. Black, Sr. 1969 Richard Nixon McGeorge Bundy 1969 Richard Nixon Chairman John Macy 1969 Richard Nixon William J. Hopkins 1971 Richard Nixon Governor Ella T. Grasso 1981 Ronald Reagan Posthumous Bryce Harlow 1981 Ronald Reagan Leo Cherne 1984 Ronald Reagan Deputy Secretary Paul Nitze 1985 Ronald Reagan Director John McCone Ronald Reagan The 6th Baron Carrington 1988 Ronald Reagan Ambassador Vernon Walters 1991 George H.W. Bush Director William Webster 1991 George H.W. Bush Brent Scowcroft 1991 George H.W. Bush Secretary - General Javier Perez de Cuellar 1991 George H.W. Bush Governor Luis A. Ferré 1991 George H.W. Bush Under - Secretary - General James P. Grant 1994 Bill Clinton Ambassador Sargent Shriver 1994 Bill Clinton James Brady Bill Clinton Albert Shanker 1998 Bill Clinton Posthumous Max Kampelman 1999 Bill Clinton Simon Wiesenthal 2000 Bill Clinton State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi 2000 Bill Clinton Irving Kristol 2002 George W. Bush Secretary General Baron Robertson of Port Ellen 2003 George W. Bush Norman Podhoretz George W. Bush Paul Bremer George W. Bush Administrator William Ruckelshaus 2015 Barack Obama Religion Recipient Year President Notes Pope John XXIII 1963 Lyndon B. Johnson Posthumous Reinhold Niebuhr 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Archbishop Iakovos of America 1980 Jimmy Carter Rev Billy Graham Ronald Reagan Rev Norman Vincent Peale 1984 Ronald Reagan Terence Cardinal Cooke, former Archbishop of New York 1984 Ronald Reagan Posthumous Mother Teresa 1985 Ronald Reagan Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, Archbishop of Chicago Bill Clinton Sister Isolina Ferré 1999 Bill Clinton Rev Gardner C. Taylor 2000 Bill Clinton Gordon B. Hinckley George W. Bush Pope John Paul II George W. Bush With Distinction Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town 2009 Barack Obama Science Stephen Hawking, 2009 Recipient Year President Notes Alan Tower Waterman 1963 John F. Kennedy Clarence Johnson 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson Lewis Mumford 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson John Bardeen 1977 Gerald Ford Norman Borlaug 1977 Gerald Ford James D. Watson 1977 Gerald Ford Margaret Mead 1979 Jimmy Carter Posthumous Rachel Carson 1980 Jimmy Carter Posthumous Simon Ramo Ronald Reagan Jacques - Yves Cousteau 1985 Ronald Reagan George Low 1985 Ronald Reagan Posthumous Robert Coles 1998 Bill Clinton Mathilde Krim 2000 Bill Clinton Edward Teller 2003 George W. Bush James Q. Wilson 2003 George W. Bush Joshua Lederberg 2006 George W. Bush Francis Collins 2007 George W. Bush Stephen Hawking 2009 Barack Obama Mario Molina 2013 Barack Obama Mildred Dresselhaus 2014 Barack Obama Richard Garwin 2016 Barack Obama Space exploration The Apollo 13 astronauts are awarded the medal by President Richard Nixon in 1970 Recipient Year Mission President Notes Edwin `` Buzz '' Aldrin 1969 Apollo 11 Astronaut Richard Nixon With Distinction Neil Armstrong 1969 Apollo 11 Astronaut Richard Nixon With Distinction Michael Collins 1969 Apollo 11 Astronaut Richard Nixon With Distinction Fred Haise 1970 Apollo 13 Astronaut Richard Nixon Jim Lovell 1970 Apollo 13 Astronaut Richard Nixon Jack Swigert 1970 Apollo 13 Astronaut Richard Nixon George Abbey 1970 Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team Richard Nixon Gerald D. Griffin 1970 Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team Richard Nixon Gene Kranz 1970 Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team Richard Nixon Glynn Lunney 1970 Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team Richard Nixon James W. McBarron II 1970 Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team Richard Nixon Edgar Mitchell 1970 Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team Richard Nixon Sigurd A Sjoberg 1970 Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team Richard Nixon Milton L. Windler 1970 Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team Richard Nixon John Glenn 2012 Mercury - Atlas 6 and STS - 95 Barack Obama Sally Ride 2013 Space Shuttle Challenger STS - 7 and STS - 41 - G Barack Obama Posthumous Katherine Johnson 2015 NASA Mathematician Barack Obama Sports Arnold Palmer, 2004 Frank Robinson, 2005 Recipient Year Sport President Notes Robert J.H. Kiphuth 1963 Swimming John F. Kennedy Jesse Owens 1976 Track Gerald Ford Joe DiMaggio 1977 Baseball Gerald Ford Paul `` Bear '' Bryant Football Ronald Reagan Posthumous Jackie Robinson 1984 Baseball Ronald Reagan Posthumous Earl Blaik 1986 Football Ronald Reagan Ted Williams 1991 Baseball George H.W. Bush Richard Petty 1992 Auto racing George H.W. Bush Arthur Ashe 1993 Tennis Bill Clinton Posthumous Hank Aaron 2002 Baseball George W. Bush John Wooden 2003 Basketball George W. Bush Roberto Clemente 2003 Baseball George W. Bush Posthumous Arnold Palmer Golf George W. Bush Jack Nicklaus 2005 Golf George W. Bush Muhammad Ali 2005 Boxing George W. Bush Frank Robinson 2005 Baseball George W. Bush Buck O'Neil 2006 Baseball George W. Bush Billie Jean King 2009 Tennis Barack Obama Bill Russell 2011 Basketball Barack Obama Stan Musial 2011 Baseball Barack Obama Pat Summitt 2012 Basketball Barack Obama Dean Smith 2013 Basketball Barack Obama Ernie Banks 2013 Baseball Barack Obama Charles Sifford 2014 Golf Barack Obama Yogi Berra 2015 Baseball Barack Obama Posthumous Willie Mays 2015 Baseball Barack Obama Vin Scully 2016 Baseball Barack Obama Kareem Abdul - Jabbar 2016 Basketball Barack Obama Michael Jordan 2016 Basketball Barack Obama Notes Jump up ^ Executive Order 11085 The Presidential Medal of Freedom, retrieved July 30, 2009 Archived May 30, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Remarks With Under Secretary of State George W. Ball at the Presentation of the Medal of Freedom Awards, December 6, 1963 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 9, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Medal of Freedom Ceremony '' ( August 12, 2009 ) Archived August 12, 2009, at the Wayback Machine., a news release, August 12, 2009, from the White House Press Secretary at whitehouse.gov, the White House 's official website. Retrieved August 22, 2009. ^ Jump up to : `` President Obama Names Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients ''. whitehouse.gov. The White House. November 17, 2010. Retrieved November 18, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Secretary of the Senate, United States Congress. `` Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients ''. Official Website of the United States Senate. United States Senate ( Government of the United States ). Retrieved November 14, 2011. ^ Jump up to : Clinton, W.J. ( September 30, 1993 ). `` Remarks on the Retirement of General Colin Powell in Arlington, Virginia ''. University of California, Santa Barbara : The American Presidency Project. Retrieved September 18, 2016. In recognition of your legacy and service, of your courage and accomplishment, today, General Powell, I was honored to present you with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, with distinction. I want to tell all those here in attendance that this was the second Medal of Freedom you have received, the first from President Bush in 1991. And today, you became only the second American citizen in the history of the Republic to be the recipient of two Medals of Freedom. Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Remarks With Under Secretary of State George W. Ball at the Presentation of the Medal of Freedom Awards, December 6, 1963 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 9, 2011. Mr. Ludwig Mien van der Rohe... THE PRESIDENT. Teacher, designer, master builder, he has conceived soaring structures of glass, steel and concrete which at once embody and evoke the distinctive qualities of our age. Jump up ^ `` Frank Gehry and Maya Lin Awarded Obama 's Presidential Medal of Freedom ''. ArchDaily. 2016 - 11 - 17. Retrieved 2017 - 11 - 21. Jump up ^ `` Curriculum Vitae of I.M. Pei ''. Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. Retrieved July 20, 2009. ^ Jump up to : `` President Obama Names Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ''. whitehouse.gov. The White House. November 16, 2016. Retrieved November 16, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Andrew Wyeth receives National Medal of Arts ''. Retrieved 2017 - 11 - 21. Jump up ^ `` 30 Receive Freedom Medal at the White House ''. www.nytimes.com. Retrieved 2017 - 11 - 21. Jump up ^ Wolley, John T. ; Gerhard Peters ( June 9, 1980 ). `` Gerald Ford, XXXVIII President of the United States : 1974 -- 1977, Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, January 10, 1977 ''. The American Presidency Project. www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved May 22, 2011. NORMAN ROCKWELL... Normal Rockwell, represented by his son, Jarvis Rockwell. `` Artist, illustrator and author, Norman Rockwell has portrayed the American scene with unrivaled freshness and clarity. Insight, optimism and good humor are the hallmarks of his artistic style. His vivid and affectionate portraits of our country and ourselves have become a beloved part of the American tradition. '' Jump up ^ The National First Ladies Library ( November 16, 2010 ). Heroes of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ( PDF ). Canton Ohio. p. 3. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Georgia O'Keeffe ( 1887 -- 1986 )... Presidential Medal of Freedom received January 10, 1977 Jump up ^ Wolley, John T. ; Gerhard Peters ( June 9, 1980 ). `` Gerald Ford, XXXVIII President of the United States : 1974 -- 1977, Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, January 10, 1977 ''. The American Presidency Project. www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved May 22, 2011. But let me again congratulate each and every one of you. I regret that Irving Berlin, Alexander Calder, the late Alexander Calder, and Georgia O'Keeffe were unable to be represented here today. We will of course present their medals to them or to their families at a later date. Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Gerald R. Ford, XXXVIII President of the United States : 1974 -- 1977, Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Martha Graham, October 14, 1976 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 9, 2011. ( At this point, the President read the citation, the text of which follows : ) The President of the United States of America Awards this Presidential Medal of Freedom With Distinction to Martha Graham. Dancer, teacher, and choreographer, Martha Graham has captivated the world with her magic and has left a legacy of imagination with all who have witnessed her talent. Her energy, creativity and daring have opened new doors of expression in dance. Her followers and friends adore her, and her country, the United States of America, is proud to proclaim her a brilliant star and a National treasure. Jump up ^ `` Jimmy Carter : Presidential Medal of Freedom Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony ''. www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2017 - 11 - 21. Jump up ^ `` Ronald Reagan : Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medal of Freedom ''. www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2017 - 11 - 21. Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Ronald Reagan, XL President of the United States : 1981 -- 1989, Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, March 26, 1984 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Lincoln Kirstein : Lincoln Kirstein is an author and entrepreneur who has honored and delighted Americans through his enormous contribution to ballet in our country. Through his commitment, two major institutions of American dance, the New York City Ballet and the School of American Ballet, were created and flourished. Developing and fostering appreciation for the arts have always depended on the energy, creativity, and commitment of individual citizens. Lincoln Kirstein stands tall as one of a select and treasured few in the world of American art. ^ Jump up to : `` President Obama Names Medal of Freedom Recipients ; 16 Agents of Change to Receive Top Civilian Honor ''. White House. July 30, 2009. Archived from the original on December 15, 2009. Retrieved August 12, 2009. ^ Jump up to : `` President Obama Announces the Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients ''. The White House. November 10, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014. Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Lyndon B. Johnson, XXXVI President of the United States : 1963 -- 1969, Remarks at the Presentation of the 1964 Presidential Medal of Freedom Awards, March 26, 1984 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved May 22, 2011. Mr. Walter Disney. THE PRESIDENT. Artist and impresario, in the course of entertaining an age, he has created an American folklore. ^ Jump up to : Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Lyndon B. Johnson, XXXVI President of the United States : 1963 -- 1969, Remarks at the Presentation of the 1964 Presidential Medal of Freedom Awards, March 26, 1964 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved May 22, 2011. Mr. Alfred Lunt and Miss Lynn Fontainne. THE PRESIDENT. A luminous partnership of artistic talents and personal devotion they have brilliantly enlivened and enriched the American stage. Jump up ^ `` Public Service - Bob Hope and American Variety Exhibitions ( Library of Congress ) ''. www.loc.gov. 2000 - 05 - 10. Retrieved 2017 - 11 - 21. Jump up ^ Wolley, John T. ; Gerhard Peters ( June 9, 1980 ). `` Jimmy Carter, XXXIX President of the United States : 1977 -- 1981, Presidential Medal of Freedom Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony, June 9, 1980 ''. The American Presidency Project. www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved May 22, 2011. All of these are famous people, they 're well - known throughout the world. But even including Vice Presidents and Presidents, noted singers and dancers and writers and ornithologists, I think the next would be the most famous of us all, including the one who reads this citation. I would like to ask Mrs. John Wayne to come forward. ( At this point, the President read the citation, the text of which follows : THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AWARDS THIS PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO JOHN WAYNE. John Wayne was both an example and a symbol of true American grit and determination. Through his countless film roles, `` The Duke '' still leads millions on heroic adventures on behalf of fairness and justice. He embodies the enduring American values of individualism, relentless bravery and perseverance in pursuit of what is right. He was the quintessential patriot, and will especially be remembered whenever our Nation faces a challenge calling for steadfast courage. ) Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Ronald Reagan, XL President of the United States : 1981 -- 1989, Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, March 26, 1984 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 11, 2011. As a giant in the world of entertainment, James Cagney has left his mark not only on the film industry but on the hearts of all his fellow Americans. In some 60 years in entertainment, performing on stage and screen, he mastered drama and action adventure, as well as music and dance. One of his most remembered performances, as George M. Cohan in `` Yankee Doodle Dandy, '' was a whirlwind singing and dancing film that inspired a Nation at war when it sorely needed a lift in spirit. James Cagney 's professional and personal life has brought great credit to him and left unforgettable memories with millions who have followed his career. ^ Jump up to : `` President Obama Names Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ''. The White House. November 16, 2015. Retrieved November 16, 2015. Jump up ^ Wolley, John T. ; Gerhard Peters ( June 9, 1980 ). `` Gerald Ford, XXXVIII President of the United States : 1974 -- 1977, Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, January 10, 1977 ''. The American Presidency Project. www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved May 22, 2011. Archibald MacLeish, represented by his nephew, Roderick MacLeish. `` Poet and playwright, teacher and statesman, Archibald MacLeish has combined the vocation of man of letters with that of public spokesman. A poet of realities as well as dreams, his eloquent words are matched by his sensitive social conscience. He seeks truth inspired by love of his fellow men and of his country. We are proud to recognize his stature as a humanist, an artist, and an American. '' Jump up ^ Wolley, John T. ; Gerhard Peters ( June 9, 1980 ). `` Gerald Ford, XXXVIII President of the United States : 1974 -- 1977, Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, January 10, 1977 ''. The American Presidency Project. www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved May 22, 2011. JAMES ALBERT MICHENER, `` Author, teacher and popular historian, James Michener has entranced a generation with his compelling essays and novels. From ' Tales of the South Pacific, ' to ' Centennial, ' the prolific writings of this master storyteller have expanded the knowledge and enriched the lives of million. '' Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Ronald Reagan, XL President of the United States : 1981 -- 1989, Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, March 26, 1984 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Louis L'Amour : Through his western novels, Louis L'Amour has played a leading role in shaping our national identity. His writings portrayed the rugged individual and the deep - seated values of those who conquered the American frontier. Starting out from humble beginnings, he has lived a fulfilling and adventurous life. An eminently successful writer, more than 100 million copies of his novels are in print, L'Amour's descriptions of America and Americans have added to our understanding of our past and reaffirmed our potential as an exploring, pioneering, and free people. ^ Jump up to : `` Albright, World War II hero among 13 to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom ''. CNN. Retrieved May 29, 2012. Jump up ^ The National First Ladies Library ( November 16, 2010 ). Heroes of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ( PDF ). Canton Ohio. p. 3. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Marian Anderson ( 1897 -- 1993 )... Presidential Medal of Freedom received December 6, 1963 ^ Jump up to : http://www.nationalreview.com/article/443562/medals-freedom Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Ronald Reagan, XL President of the United States : 1981 -- 1989, Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, March 26, 1984 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Ernest Jennings `` Tennessee Ernie '' Ford : Through his musical talents, warm personality, and quick `` down - home '' wit Tennessee Ernie Ford won the hearts of the American people. Ford 's music, which revealed his character and soul to all who listened, inspired as well as entertained his audiences. His respect for traditional values, his strong faith in God, and his unlimited capacity for human kindness have greatly endeared him to his fellow countrymen. America is a Nation richer in spirit because of Tennessee Ernie Ford. ^ Jump up to : `` President Obama Names Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients ''. Office of the Press Secretary, The White House. August 8, 2013. Retrieved August 8, 2013. Jump up ^ `` The Presidential Medal of Freedom ''. The White House. Retrieved November 25, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Clarence B. Randall, 76, Dies ''. Chicago Tribune. August 6, 1967. Retrieved January 13, 2017. Jump up ^ McFeatters, Ann ( July 10, 2002 ). `` Fred Rogers gets Presidential Medal of Freedom ''. Pittsburg Post-Gazette. www.post-gazette.com. Retrieved February 9, 2011. Intel Corp. co-founder Gordon Moore. Through the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Moore is a philanthropic leader in higher education, scientific research, the environment and San Francisco Bay Area projects. Jump up ^ Vargas, Jose Antonio ( November 10, 2005 ). `` At the White House, Prizes for 14 Champs, Medal of Freedom Ceremony Shows Ali as Fast as Ever ''. The Washington Post. washingtonpost.com. Retrieved February 9, 2011. Also honored yesterday... Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn, the men who in figuring out how to routinely and quickly transmit data over computer networks helped start a digital revolution Jump up ^ `` Net pioneers receive top honour ''. BBC News. www.bbc.com. November 10, 2005. Retrieved February 9, 2011. `` Dr Cerf and Dr Kahn have been at the forefront of a digital revolution that has transformed global commerce, communication, and entertainment, '' read the citation for the medal. Jump up ^ The National First Ladies Library ( November 16, 2010 ). Heroes of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ( PDF ). Canton Ohio. p. 3. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Annie Wauneka ( 1910 -- 1997 )... Presidential Medal of Freedom received December 6, 1963 Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Ronald Reagan, XL President of the United States : 1981 -- 1989, Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, March 26, 1984 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Eunice Kennedy Shriver : With enormous conviction and unrelenting effort, Eunice Kennedy Shriver has labored on behalf of America 's least powerful people, the mentally retarded. Over the last two decades, she has been on the forefront of numerous initiatives on the behalf of the mentally retarded, from creating day camps, to establishing research centers, to the founding of the Special Olympics. Her decency and goodness have touched the lives of many, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver deserves America 's praise, gratitude, and love. Jump up ^ `` Jimmy Carter : Presidential Medal of Freedom Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony ''. Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Remarks With Under Secretary of State George W. Ball at the Presentation of the Medal of Freedom Awards, December 6, 1963 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 9, 2011. Mr. Ball : And now, Mr. President, let me present those who are to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Special Distinction... Mr. Justice Felix Frankfurter. THE PRESIDENT. Jurist, scholar, counselor, conversationalist, he has brought to all his roles a zest and wisdom which has made him teacher to his time. Jump up ^ `` President Honors 2003 Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients ''. Jump up ^ The National First Ladies Library ( November 16, 2010 ). Heroes of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ( PDF ). Canton Ohio. p. 3. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor ( 1930 -- )... Presidential Medal of Freedom received August 12, 2009 ^ Jump up to : Nixon, Richard ( April 22, 1970 ). `` Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Eight Journalists ''. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project. Archived from the original on December 25, 2011. Retrieved December 25, 2011. ^ Jump up to : Wolley, John T. ; Gerhard Peters ( January 10, 1977 ). `` Gerald Ford, XXXVIII President of the United States : 1974 -- 1977, Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, January 10, 1977 ''. The American Presidency Project. www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved May 22, 2011. Jump up ^ `` NATION : Lucille Ball Gets Medal of Freedom ''. Los Angeles Times. July 6, 1989. Retrieved May 22, 2011. Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Ronald Reagan, XL President of the United States : 1981 -- 1989, Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, March 26, 1984 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Dr. Denton Cooley : In an outstanding professional career, Dr. Denton Cooley has distinguished himself time and again in the field of medicine. As one of this country 's leading heart surgeons, he has charted new territory in his search for ways to prolong and enrich human life. His efforts have saved the lives not only of his own patients, but of those of many other doctors who have studied and mastered techniques developed by him. As a heart surgeon and as a creative, independent thinker, Dr. Denton Cooley is a force for innovation in American medicine. Jump up ^ https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/presidential-medal-freedom-1968-james-webb Jump up ^ `` The Presidential Medal of Freedom ''. The White House. Retrieved 2017 - 08 - 20. Jump up ^ Wolley, John T. ; Gerhard Peters ( January 10, 1977 ). `` Gerald Ford, XXXVIII President of the United States : 1974 -- 1977, Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, January 10, 1977 ''. The American Presidency Project. www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved May 22, 2011. WILL DURANT `` Writer, historian and philosopher, Will Durant has provided an open window into the lives and thoughts of past ages. With the collaboration of his wife, Ariel, he has helped lead us through the past to the meaning of the present. An eloquent apostle of social order and individual freedom, he is an enemy of chaos, a friend and an invaluable guide to the millions of grateful readers. '' Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Ronald Reagan, XL President of the United States : 1981 -- 1989, Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, March 26, 1984 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Dr. Hector Garcia : Dr. Hector Garcia 's patriotism and community concern exemplify the meaning of good citizenship. His many community - building endeavors included his work as a founder and first National Chairman of the American G.I. Forum, a veterans ' organization which has done much to improve the lot of Americans of Mexican descent. Over the years, he has faithfully represented our government on numerous occasions, overseas and domestically. Dr. Hector Garcia is a credit to his family and community, and to all Americans. Through his efforts, based on a deep belief in traditional American ideals, he has made this a better country. Jump up ^ The National First Ladies Library ( November 16, 2010 ). Heroes of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ( PDF ). Canton Ohio. p. 3. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Marian Wright Edelman ( 1939 -- )... Presidential Medal of Freedom received August 9, 2000 Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Remarks With Under Secretary of State George W. Ball at the Presentation of the Medal of Freedom Awards, December 6, 1963 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 9, 2011. Mr. Ball : And now, Mr. President, let me present those who are to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Special Distinction... Dr. Ralph J. Bunche. THE PRESIDENT. Scholar and diplomat, servant of the emerging world order, he has opened up new vistas in the demanding quest for international justice and peace. ^ Jump up to : Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Remarks With Under Secretary of State George W. Ball at the Presentation of the Medal of Freedom Awards, December 6, 1963 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 9, 2011. Mr. Ball : And now, Mr. President, let me present those who are to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Special Distinction... First, Mr. Ellsworth Bunker. THE PRESIDENT. Citizen and diplomat, he has brought integrity, patience and a compassionate understanding of other men and nations to the service of the Republic under three Presidents. Jump up ^ http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1984/22184b.htm Jump up ^ `` President Bush Commemorates Foreign Policy Achievements and Presents Medal of Freedom to Ambassador Ryan Crocker ''. White House. January 15, 2009. Retrieved January 16, 2009. Jump up ^ `` White House Freedom Medal Set for Whittaker Chambers ''. New York Times. February 22, 1984. Retrieved January 16, 2011. Jump up ^ Sterling, Dorothy ( March 9, 1984 ). `` Whittaker Chambers : Odd Choice for the Medal of Freedom ''. New York Times. Retrieved January 16, 2011. Jump up ^ Buckley Jr., William F. ( August 6, 2001 ). `` Witness and Friends ''. National Review. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012. Retrieved January 16, 2011. Jump up ^ Stonor - Saunders, Frances ( April 6, 2007 ). `` Was Whittaker Chambers a hero or a traitor ? ''. Telegraph. Retrieved January 16, 2011. Jump up ^ Edroso, Roy ( July 30, 2009 ). `` Medal of Freedom Recipients Announced, Include Tutu, Harvey Milk ''. Village Voice. Retrieved January 16, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Whittaker Chambers ''. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved March 22, 2015. Jump up ^ Romero, Frances ( August 12, 2009 ). `` A Brief History of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ''. TIME magazine. Retrieved March 22, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Announcement of the Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ''. UCSB American President Project. Retrieved March 22, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medal of Freedom ''. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. March 26, 1984. Retrieved March 22, 2015. Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Ronald Reagan, XL President of the United States : 1981 -- 1989, Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, March 26, 1984 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Mr. Gamal el - Sadat will accept for his father, the late President Anwar el - Sadat. President Anwar el - Sadat, as a soldier, led his country in war, but his greatest acts of courage came in pursuit of peace. He captured the imagination of people everywhere by taking the first great step toward achieving a lasting peace between Egypt and Israel. His humanity and sense of responsibility, even now that he is gone, remain a giant force for peace and stability in the world. Anwar el - Sadat was a peacemaker of monumental wisdom and tenderness who will remain forever a hero in the hearts of the American people. Jump up ^ The National First Ladies Library ( November 16, 2010 ). Heroes of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ( PDF ). Canton Ohio. p. 3. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Chief, Wilma Mankiller ( 1945 -- 2010 )... Presidential Medal of Freedom received January 15, 1998 Jump up ^ Mayer, Catherine ( January 13, 2009 ). `` A Presidential Medal for Tony Blair ''. Time. www.time.com. Retrieved February 9, 2011. Later today in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Bush is set to dole out a Presidential Medal of Freedom to Blair. Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` George Bush, XLI President of the United States : 1989 -- 1993, Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medals of Freedom and Presidential Citizen 's Medals, July 3, 1991 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 11, 2011. this ceremony would not be complete without honoring three more American leaders, exceptional public servants who each contributed singularly to our success in the Gulf... Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney... As to Dick Cheney, Secretary Cheney not only oversaw one of the largest deployments of forces in American history but also worked hard at the beginning of the crisis to ensure that America would respond decisively to aggression. His effective testimony before the United States Congress helped all our fellow countrymen understand what was at stake in the Gulf. Working swiftly, yet skillfully, when time was truly of the essence, he traveled to Saudi Arabia and arranged for the first deployment of U.S. and coalition troops to that nation. And when war came America was ready, and Secretary Cheney 's leadership contributed enormously to the victory. Jump up ^ `` Lady Bird Johnson Biography ''. Lbjlib.utexas.edu. Archived from the original on December 5, 2010. Retrieved January 5, 2011., for date of award see The National First Ladies Library ( November 16, 2010 ). Heroes of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ( PDF ). Canton Ohio. p. 3. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Lady Bird Johnson ( 1912 -- 2007 )... Presidential Medal of Freedom received January 10, 1977 Jump up ^ The National First Ladies Library ( November 16, 2010 ). Heroes of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ( PDF ). Canton Ohio. p. 3. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Betty Ford ( 1918 -- )... Presidential Medal of Freedom received November 18, 1991 Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Ronald Reagan, XL President of the United States : 1981 -- 1989, Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, March 26, 1984 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. The citation : As a Member of the United States Senate, one of the country 's most powerful and influential citizens, and an individual whose character shines brightly as an example to others, Howard Baker has been a force for responsibility and civility on a generation of Americans. In his almost 20 years of service, he has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens regardless of their political persuasion. As Majority Leader of the Senate, his quiet, cooperative style and keen legislative skills have honored America 's finest traditions of enlightened political leadership and statesmanship. Jump up ^ `` Presidential Medal of Freedom -- John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum ''. Jfklibrary.org. December 6, 1963. Retrieved January 5, 2011. Jump up ^ Wolley, John T. ; Gerhard Peters ( June 9, 1980 ). `` Jimmy Carter, XXXIX President of the United States : 1977 -- 1981, Presidential Medal of Freedom Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony, June 9, 1980 ''. The American Presidency Project. www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved February 11, 2011. The President of the United States of America Awards This Presidential Medal of Freedom to Lyndon Baines Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson cared deeply about our country, its citizens, and the condition of their lives. He knew well how to translate concern into action, and action into a national agenda. He did more than any American of his time to break the chains of injustice, illiteracy, poverty and sickness. We are a greater society because President Johnson lived among us and worked for us. Jump up ^ `` Remarks on presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to President Ronald Reagan - President George Bush - Transcript ''. The White House : Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents. January 18, 1993. Archived from the original on November 16, 2010. Retrieved December 31, 2007. Jump up ^ Wolley, John T. ; Gerhard Peters ( June 9, 1980 ). `` Gerald Ford, XXXVIII President of the United States : 1974 -- 1977, Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, January 10, 1977 ''. The American Presidency Project. www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Vice President Nelson A. Rockefeller... Patriot, philanthropist, patron of the arts, diplomat, Governor of New York, Vice President of the United States, his long years of service to his country have yielded governmental, economic, social and cultural contributions beyond measures. '' Jump up ^ Wolley, John T. ; Gerhard Peters ( June 9, 1980 ). `` Jimmy Carter, XXXIX President of the United States : 1977 -- 1981, Presidential Medal of Freedom Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony, June 9, 1980 ''. The American Presidency Project. www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved February 11, 2011. On occasion in our lives, a certain person touches the heartstrings of our existence and inspires us all in a special, deeply human way. I 'd now like to ask the wife of Hubert Humphrey to come forward. ( Applause ) If you 'll permit me an aside, I think the applause is not only for the honoree but for Muriel Humphrey as well, who shared so much. At this point, the President read the citation, the text of which follows : The President of the United States of America Awards this Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hubert H. Humphrey. Hubert H. Humphrey awed us with the scope of his knowledge ; he inspired us with the depth of his sympathy ; he moved us with his passion for social justice ; he delighted us with his joyous love of his fellow human beings. He brought honor and enthusiasm to everything he did. He ennobled the political process. Jump up ^ `` Biden surprised with Presidential Medal of Freedom ''. The Miami Herald. January 12, 2017. Retrieved January 12, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Obama jokes about ' bromance ' with Biden as he surprises VP with Presidential Medal of Freedom ''. Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Remarks With Under Secretary of State George W. Ball at the Presentation of the Medal of Freedom Awards, December 6, 1963 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 9, 2011. Mr. Ball : Governor Herbert H. Lehman. I know that we were all deeply saddened to hear yesterday of the death of this great citizen. Mr. President, you may wish to read his citation in absentia. THE PRESIDENT. Citizen and statesman, he has used wisdom and compassion as the tools of government and has made politics the highest form of public service. Later, on January 28, 1964, the medal for Herbert H. Lehman was presented to Mrs. Lehman at a special ceremony at the White House. Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Remarks With Under Secretary of State George W. Ball at the Presentation of the Medal of Freedom Awards, December 6, 1963 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 9, 2011. Mr. Ball : Mr. George Meany. THE PRESIDENT. Citizen and national leader, in serving the cause of labor, he has greatly served the cause of his Nation and of freedom throughout the world. Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Remarks With Under Secretary of State George W. Ball at the Presentation of the Medal of Freedom Awards, December 6, 1963 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 9, 2011. ( President Johnson then resumed speaking. ) I have also determined to confer the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously on another noble man whose death we mourned 6 months ago : His Holiness, Pope John XXIII. Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Ronald Reagan, XL President of the United States : 1981 -- 1989, Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, March 26, 1984 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale : With a deep understanding of human behavior and an appreciation for God 's role in our lives, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale helped originate a philosophy of happiness. Through the American Foundation of Religion and Psychiatry and his many books, Dr. Peale became an advocate of the joy of life, helping millions find new meaning in their lives. Few Americans have contributed so much to the personal happiness of their fellow citizens as Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. Jump up ^ The National First Ladies Library ( November 16, 2010 ). Heroes of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ( PDF ). Canton Ohio. p. 3. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Dr. Margaret Mead ( 1901 -- 1978 )... Presidential Medal of Freedom received January 19, 1979 Jump up ^ `` The American Presidency Project -- Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team in Houston -- April 18, 1970 ''. Presidency.ucsb.edu. April 18, 1970. Retrieved January 5, 2011. Jump up ^ `` President Obama Announces Sally Ride as a Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- April 18, 1970 ''. Office of the Press Secretary. May 20, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2013. Jump up ^ https://www.theatlantic.com/news/archive/2016/09/white-house-olympics-berlin/502325/ Jump up ^ Woolley, John T ; Gerhard Peters. `` Ronald Reagan, XL President of the United States : 1981 -- 1989, Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, March 26, 1984 ''. The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved February 11, 2011. Mrs. Jackie Robinson will accept for her late husband, Mr. Jackie Robinson. As an individual of courage and conviction, and as a skilled and dedicated athlete, Jackie Robinson stood tall among his peers. His courage opened the door of professional sports to all Americans when, in 1947, he became the first black baseball player in the major leagues. He bravely demonstrated to all that skill and sportsmanship, not race or ethnic background, are the qualities by which athletes should be judged. In doing so, he struck a mighty blow for equality, freedom, and the American way of life. Jackie Robinson was a good citizen, a great man, and a true American champion. Jump up ^ http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=46740 Jump up ^ http://m.mlb.com/news/article/56874136/ Bibliography Wetterau, Bruce. The Presidential Medal of Freedom : Winners and Their Achievements. p. 513. ISBN 978 - 1 - 56802 - 128 - 7. -- contains a list of awardees from 1963 to approximately 1995 External links Medal of Freedom, Official site for the Medal of Freedom for the current administration Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients, 1993 -- 2016, United States Senate Politicians Who Received the Medal of Freedom, The Political Graveyard Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Presidential_Medal_of_Freedom_recipients&oldid=833832126 '' Categories : Civil awards and decorations of the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients Lists of award winners Hidden categories : Webarchive template wayback links Use mdy dates from November 2016 Articles with hCards Talk Contents About Wikipedia Čeština Français Nederlands Português Edit links This page was last edited on 2 April 2018, at 16 : 52. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. 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Question: when did neil armstrong received the presidential medal of freedom
Answer: 1969