Presidential Medal of Freedom

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Presidential Medal of Freedom¹

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

Instead Minow was treated as a hero, winning the George Peabody Award in 1961 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Dr Goodall was appointed a Dame in 2003 and received the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.

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Featuring a set of pictures of him throughout his career, he thanked fans for their support "through every step", saying it "meant the world" and referenced his achievements from his breakout movies to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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He received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

Read more on Salon

She was the first female athlete to receive both the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal and she is the founder of the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Women’s Tennis Assn.

Read more on Los Angeles Times