Presidential Medal of Freedom

American  

noun

1. a medal awarded by the president of the U.S. to any citizen who has made an exceptionally meritorious contribution to the security or national interest of the U.S., to world peace, or to cultural or other significant endeavors.

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Etymology

Origin of Presidential Medal of Freedom

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65; originally, its name was Medal of Freedom, established in 1945 by President Harry S. Truman to honor civilian serivce in World War II; its name was changed to its current name by President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Presidential Medal of Freedom

And in 2013, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her lifetime of work as a journalist and activist.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 5, 2026

Parton repeatedly refused to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom from both Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

From Salon ● Aug. 27, 2026

She turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom from two different presidents.

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026

The next year Bush presented the pope with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, vowing to work with the pope “for human liberty and human dignity, in order to spread peace and compassion.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 18, 2026

That day, President Obama awarded me the highest honor our nation can award a civilian: the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson