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Presidential Medal of Freedom PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD
Alphabetical List of Recipients
Presentation Speech Exerpts
Citations (in chronological order)
Speech Exerpt Sources
Citation Text Sources
Alphabetical List of Recipients
Abel, I.W.
Bardeen, John
Berlin, Irving
Borlaug, Norman
Bradley, Omar N.
Bruce, David K.E.*
Burke, Arleigh
Calder, Alexander
Catton, Bruce
DiMaggio, Joe
Durant, Ariel
Durant, Will
Fiedler, Arthur
Friendly, Henry J.
Graham, Martha*
Johnson, Lady Bird
Kissinger, Henry A.
MacLeish, Archibald
Michener, James Albert
O'Keeffe, Georgia
Owens, Jesse
Rockefeller, Nelson A.
Rockwell, Norman
Rubinstein, Arthur*
Rumsfeld, Donald H.
Shouse, Catherine Filene
Thomas, Lowell
Watson, James D.
* Indicates an award of the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction
PRESENTATION SPEECH EXERPTS
During his brief Presidency, Gerald R. Ford awarded twentyeight Presidential Medals of Freedom. He felt "very deeply privileged . . . to act on behalf of all Americans in presenting the medal,"1 and he felt that the privilege was "one of a President's most enjoyable duties."2
In remarks made during a presentation ceremony, President Ford noted that: The [Presidential] Medals of Freedom you are about to receive are the highest civilian honor that our country can bestow. Of course, excellence has its own reward, not only to those who strive for it but also to the free society which encourages it. You are men and women who have used that freedom to achieve extraordinary excellence. Your outstanding accomplishments have made our lives better and set stirring examples for others to follow.
As we move from the Bicentennial Year into our third century, America must remain a place where men and women are encouraged to create, to innovate, to explore, and to set the very highest standards, whatever their vocation.
Our country and all mankind will always need people like you whose energy, whose imagination reveal our country's greatest potential.3
CITATIONS
(in chronological order)
DAVID K.E. BRUCE
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
February 10, 1976
As a diplomat and scholar, he has distinguished himself and brought great honor to his country. With wisdom, courage, discipline, dedication to principle and unerring fidelity to the best interests of the United States, he has brilliantly discharged an array of diplomatic assignmentsto France, Germany, Great Britain, the People's Republic of China and the North Atlantic Treaty Organizationunmatched in modern American history. David K.E. Bruce has truly earned the title Ambassador Extraordinary.
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ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
April 1, 1976
Musician, gentleman, and bon vivant, Arthur Rubinstein has shared his singular and deeply personal mastery of the piano throughout the world. For over seven decades, his ceaseless vitality, his luminous spirit and his profound depth of mind have brought a fresh sparkle to the lives of people everywhere. His audiences love him; his colleagues and friends revere him; and his country, the United States of America, is proud to proclaim him as a giant among artists and men.
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JESSE OWENS
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
August 5, 1976
Athlete, humanitarian, speaker, authora master of the spirit as well as the mechanics of sport. He is a winner who knows that winning is not everything. He has shared with others his courage, his dedication to the highest ideals of sportsmanship. His achievements have shown us all the promise of America and his faith in America has inspired countless others to do their best for themselves and for their country.
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MARTHA GRAHAM
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
October 14, 1976
Dancer, teacher, and choreographer, Martha Graham has captivated the world with her magic and has left a legacy of imagination with all who have witnessed her talent. Her energy, creativity and daring have opened new doors of expression in dance. Her followers and friends adore her, and her country, the United States of America, is proud to proclaim her a brilliant star and a National treasure.
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I. W. ABEL
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Steelworker, social reformer, union organizer, and labor statesman, I. W. Abel has forged a distinguished record of wise and firm leadership that exemplifies the very best traditions of the American labor movement. His many achievements and his unfailing concern for people have earned him not only the gratitude, but the esteem and respect of fellow citizens.
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JOHN BARDEEN
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
A physicist of genius, John Bardeen has combined formidable and unique scientific insights with the mathematical ability to carry them through. His discoveries have revolutionized electronics and communications changing each of our lives for the better. We are proud to honor him as a creative master in the finest traditions of science and technology.
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IRVING BERLIN
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Musician, composer, humanitarian, and patriot, Irving Berlin has captured the fondest dreams and deepest emotions of the American people in the form of popular music. His enormous talent, tireless enthusiasm, and boundless compassion have inspired generations of his countrymen. His songs will inspire generations more. In his lifein his workwe have truly seen God bless America.
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NORMAN BORLAUG
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Revolutionary scientist and eloquent prophet, he performed miracles with grain and saved untold millions from starvation. His work has pushed back the shadow of hunger on this planet and given us precious time to force its final retreat.
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GEN. OMAR N. BRADLEY
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Military hero, courageous in battle, and gentle in spirit, friend of the common soldier, General of the Army, first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he embodies the best of the American military tradition with dignity, humanity, and honor.
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ADM. ARLEIGH BURKE
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Combat commander, innovative naval strategist and tactician, inspiring leader, first three term Chief of Naval Operations, he made the sea a place of victory in war, a mighty fortress in peace.
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ALEXANDER CALDER
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Sculptor, painter, artistic genius and gentleman, Alexander Calder breathed new life into the ancient art of sculpture and added spirit and vitality to his country even as he did to his work. His wit and imagination graced a broad range of disciplines and created a truly public art. The face of America is richer and more beautiful for the many examples of his imagination which cover it.
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BRUCE CATTON
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Man of letters, preeminent historian of the War Between the States, he made us hear the sounds of battle and cherish peace. He made us see the bleeding wound of slavery and hold man's freedom dear.
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JOE DIMAGGIO
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Superb athlete, coach, author and businessman, Joe DiMaggio stands tall among the ranks of genuine American heroes. Known and revered around the world as the "Yankee Clipper," he contributed many years of style and splendid ability to the sport which has come to be know as our national pastime. His character and grace both on and off the playing field have been a continuing source of inspiration to Americans of all ages.
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ARIEL DURANT
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Writer, historian and philosopher, Ariel Durant has combined a sensitive and sweeping vision with unique literary talents. Her lifelong collaboration with her husband, Will, has helped make history accessible, popularizing but never cheapening its lessons. The style and substance of her writing have made the past more vivid and enriched our lives in the present.
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WILL DURANT
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Writer, historian and philosopher, Will Durant has provided an open window into the lives and thoughts of past ages. With the collaboration of his wife, Ariel, he has helped lead us through the past to the meaning of the present. An eloquent apostle of social order and individual freedom, he is an enemy of chaos, a friend and an invaluable guide to the millions of grateful readers.
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ARTHUR FIEDLER
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Violinist, conductor and musical innovator, Maestro Fiedler has bridged the gap between popular and classical music and given millions around the world a greater appreciation of America's rich cultural heritage. His spirit and zest for living have made an immeasurable contribution to the quality of American life.
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JUDGE HENRY J. FRIENDLY
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Honored student and servant of the law, man of intellect and wisdom, he brought a brilliance and a sense of precision to American Jurisprudence, sharpening its focus and strengthening its commitment to the high goal of equal and exact justice for every American citizen.
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LADY BIRD JOHNSON
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
One of America's great First Ladies, she claimed her own place in the hearts and history of the American people. In councils of power or in homes of the poor, she made government human with her unique compassion and her grace, warmth and wisdom. Her leadership transformed the American landscape and preserved its natural beauty as a national treasure.
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ARCHIBALD MACLEISH
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Poet and playwright, teacher and statesman, Archibald MacLeish has combined the vocation of man of letters with that of public spokesman. A poet of realities as well as dreams, his eloquent words are matched by his sensitive social conscience. He seeks truth inspired by love of his fellow men and of his country. We are proud to recognize his stature as a humanist, an artist, and an American.
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JAMES ALBERT MICHENER
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Author, teacher and popular historian, James Michener has entranced a generation with his compelling essays and novels. From "Tales of the South Pacific," to "Centennial," the prolific writings of this master storyteller have expanded the knowledge and enriched the lives of million[s].
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GEORGIA O'KEEFFE
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Painter, teacher, author, and artistic pioneer, Georgia O'Keeffe helped to shape and define the history of modern art in America. For over six decades her sensitivity and skill produced works of striking beauty that span a broad range of contemporary styles. Her country is proud to recognize her as an American of special distinction.
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VICE PRESIDENT NELSON A. ROCKEFELLER
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Patriot, philanthropist, patron of the arts, diplomat, Governor of New York, Vice President of the United States, his long years of service to his country have yielded governmental, economic, social and cultural contributions beyond measures.
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NORMAN ROCKWELL
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Artist, illustrator and author, Norman Rockwell has portrayed the American scene with unrivaled freshness and clarity. Insight, optimism and good humor are the hallmarks of his artistic style. His vivid and affectionate portraits of our country and ourselves have become a beloved part of the American tradition.
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CATHERINE FILENE SHOUSE
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Catherine Filene Shouse has given her country half a century of invaluable voluntary service. A pioneer in job training for women, she herself is an outstanding example of what good taste and intelligence, pragmatism and persistence can accomplish. A working patron of the arts as well as a giving one, her keen interest and involvement have enriched immeasurably our Nation's cultural life.
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LOWELL THOMAS
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Pioneer radio and television commentator, war correspondent, author and explorer, Lowell Thomas has lived and fulfilled many dreams. His eloquent voice, his zest for living, his superb professionalism and patriotism have left a legacy of excellence with the millions who have seen and heard him over the years.
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JAMES D. WATSON
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 10, 1977
Scholar, teacher, author and scientific pioneer, James D. Watson has challenged the mysteries of life itself and charted a new path in mankind's endless search for truth. His intellectual courage and relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge have earned him the respect and admiration of his country and a permanent place as one of the great explorers of the 20th century.
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HENRY A. KISSINGER
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 13, 1977
Henry A. Kissinger, scholar, statesman and public servant. By his extraordinary achievements he has earned a place in the first rank of American patriots. A principal architect of America's diplomacy under two Presidents, he guided the Nation in meeting the responsibilities of world leadership. A brilliant negotiator, he wielded America's great power with wisdom and compassion in the service of peace. He is honored by a grateful President and Nation in the expectation that the past is but prologue.
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DONALD H. RUMSFELD
Awarded by
President Gerald R. Ford
January 19, 1977
Donald Rumsfeld has served his country with rare distinction as a naval officer, legislator, diplomat, Counsellor to the President, and the Secretary of Defense. As United States Ambassador to NATO, he brought a new level of understanding and cooperation to our relations with our oldest allies. Under his superb leadership as Secretary of Defense, the security of the United States was preserved and strengthened.
In each of these endeavors, Donald Rumsfeld has contributed immeasurably to the security of the United States and to the continued strength of the free world.
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SPEECH EXERPT SOURCES
1 Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Arthur Rubinstein, 197677 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, Gerald R. Ford, 881 (April 1, 1976). Back to Text
2 Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, 197677 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, Gerald R. Ford, 2908 (January 10, 1977). Back to Text
3 Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, 197677 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, Gerald R. Ford, 2908 (January 10, 1977). Back to Text
CITATION TEXT SOURCES
February 10, 1976 Bruce, David K.E.
Medal of Freedom Citation Text: David K.E. Bruce (February 10, 1976), Folder 1/765/76, Box 25, David R. Gergen Files, Gerald R. Ford Library, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
April 1, 1976 Rubinstein, Arthur
Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Arthur Rubinstein, 197677 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, Gerald R. Ford, 88182 (April 1, 1976).
August 5, 1976 Owens, Jesse
Remarks to Members of the U.S. Olympic Team and Presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Jesse Owens, 197677 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, Gerald R. Ford, 213134 (August 5, 1976).
October 14, 1976 Graham, Martha
Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Martha Graham, 197677 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, Gerald R. Ford, 253436 (October 14, 1976).
January 10, 1977 Abel, I.W.; Bardeen, John; Borlaug, Norman; Bradley, Omar N.; Burke, Arleigh; Catton, Bruce; DiMaggio, Joe; Durant, Ariel; Durant, Will; Fiedler, Arthur; Friendly, Henry J.; Johnson, Lady Bird; MacLeish, Archibald; Michener, James Albert; Rockefeller, Nelson A.; Rockwell, Norman; Watson, James D.
Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, 197677 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, Gerald R. Ford, 290812 (January 10, 1977).
Berlin, Irving; Calder, Alexander; O'Keeffe, Georgia; Shouse, Catherine Filene; Thomas, Lowell
Medal of Freedom Citation Text: Irving Berlin, Alexander Calder, Georgia O'Keeffe, Catherine Filene Shouse, Lowell Thomas, Folder Medal of FreedomCitations for Recipients, 1/77, Box 20, John Marsh Files, 197477, Gerald R. Ford Library, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
January 13, 1977 Kissinger, Henry A.
Remarks Upon Presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Henry A. Kissinger, 197677 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, Gerald R. Ford, 293031 (January 13, 1977).
January 19, 1977 Rumsfeld, Donald H.
Presidential Medal of Freedom Citation to Donald H. Rumsfeld (January 19, 1977), accompanying, Donald Rumsfeld, letter to the author, January 4, 1993.
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