Presidential Medal of Freedom

Presidential Medal of Freedom, medal awarded annually by the president of the United States to individuals selected by him or recommended to him by the Distinguished Civilian Service Awards Board. Recipients of the medal are those who have made outstanding contributions to the security or national interest of the United States or to world peace, or those who have made a significant public or private accomplishment. In 1963 President John F. Kennedy ordered the former Medal of Freedom renamed and the recommending board altered by adding five members from outside the executive branch of the government to the five members from within it. Recipients have included educators, diplomats, authors, scientists, and business executives.