PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM

The Presidential Medal of Freedom was established by President Kennedy by Executive Order on February 22, 1963. It is the highest civilian award of our Government. The Medal is awarded only by the President to those persons whom he deems to have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. The Medal may be awarded to citizens of other nations and may be awarded posthumously. President Kennedy announced the first Presidential Medal of Freedom awards in 1963. However, President Johnson made the first presentations of the Medal in a ceremony at the White House on December 6, 1963. Recipients receive a medal and a citation signed by the President.

Mother Teresa was bestowed the Metal of Freedom in 1985, being the first non American to receive this award.