Presidential Medal of Freedom

Presidential Medal of Freedom

The Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal are the highest civilian awards of the United States. The award is not limited to U.S. citizens and, while it is a civilian award, it can also be awarded to military personnel. It was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, superseding the Medal of freedom that was established by President Harry S Truman in 1945 to honor civilian service during World War II.

About Presidential Medal of Freedom in brief

Summary Presidential Medal of FreedomThe Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal are the highest civilian awards of the United States. The award is not limited to U.S. citizens and, while it is a civilian award, it can also be awarded to military personnel and worn on the uniform. It was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, superseding the Medal of freedom that was established by President Harry S Truman in 1945 to honor civilian service during World War II. In 2015, in response to questions about the medal awarded to Bill Cosby in 2002, after the truth about his sex offenses came out, President Barack Obama stated that there was no precedent to revoke Presidential Medals of Freedom, though adding that no civilized country should tolerate rape.

The badge of the medal is in the form of a golden star with white enamel, with a red enamel pentagon behind it; the central disc bears thirteen gold stars on a blue enamel background within a golden ring. Golden North American bald eagles with spread wings stand between the points of the star. It is worn around the neck on ablue ribbon with white edge stripes. Women may choose to wear the award on a bow on the left chest.