Honours and Medals — The US Medal of Freedom — United States


Pre 1963	Post 1963
My thanks to Chris Woodcock for supplying the image of the Pre 1963 medal (above left) and pointing out that there were two versions.

The highest civilian decoration of the United States is the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This award was established as the Medal of Freedom by President Harry S. Truman on 6th July 1945. It was originally an award for meritorious service on behalf of the United States, especially in wartime.

The medal was re-established by President John F. Kennedy on 22nd February 1963, with its current name. The scope of the award was also broadened.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who 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 following documentation is from the: US National Archives and Records Administration Federal Register

Chronological History of Executive Orders for the Medal

Executive Order 9586 - The Medal of Freedom

Source: The provisions of Executive Order 9586 of July 6, 1945, appear at 10 FR 8523, 3 CFR, 1943-1948 Comp., p. 410, unless otherwise noted. (see note 1)

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the armed forces of the United States, it is ordered as follows:

[Introductory paragraph amended by Executive Order 10336 of Apr. 3, 1952, 17 FR 2957, 3 CFR, 1949-1953 Comp., p. 858] (See note 2)

Section 1. Medal established. The Medal of Freedom is hereby re-established as the Presidential Medal of Freedom, with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, hereinafter referred to as the Medal, shall be in two degrees.

[Sec. 1 amended by Executive Order 11085 of Feb. 22, 1963, 28 FR 1759, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 719] (See note 3)

Sec. 2. Award of the Medal. (a) The medal may be awarded by the President as provided in this order to any person who has 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.

(b) The President may select for the award of the Medal any person recommended to the President for award of the Medal or any person selected by the President upon his own initiative.

(c) The principal announcement of awards of the Medal shall normally be made annually, on or about 4th July of each year; but such awards may be made at other times, as the President may deem appropriate.

(d) Subject to the provisions of this Order, the Medal may be awarded posthumously.

[Sec. 2 amended by Executive Order 11085 of Feb. 22, 1963, 28 FR 1759, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 719; Executive Order 11515 of Mar. 13, 1970, 35 FR 4543, 3 CFR, 1966-1970 Comp., p. 905. Secs. 3-6 removed by Executive Order 11515 of Mar. 13, 1970, 35 FR 4543, 3 CFR, 1966-1970 Comp., p. 905]

Notes

(1) President Harry S. Truman

(2) President Harry S. Truman

(3) President John Fitzgerald Kennedy