The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States. It is given to individuals who have 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.
The first Medals of Freedom were awarded by President Harry S. Truman in 1945 to prominent World War II figures, including Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy expanded the criteria for the award to include recipients who had made significant contributions to peace and cultural understanding. Since then, the Medal of Freedom has been awarded to over five hundred individuals, including scientists, politicians, athletes, humanitarians, entertainers, and businesspeople.