John F. Kennedy's Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction
Artifact IDMO 75.295a
Object Type
Award
Date
1963
Maker
The Institute of Heraldry
(United States Army)
Gifter
President Lyndon B. Johnson
Designer
David Webb Inc.
(Founded 1948, New York)
Medium
Gold plate, Enamel, grosgrain ribbon
DimensionsOverall: 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
Physical DescriptionPresidential Medal of Freedom breast badge, in the form of a three inch star of five white enamel points, with a gold eagle with wings inverted between each pair of points, head to right, each wing tip touching a point and talons resting on a red enamel triangle. In the center is a constellation of thirteen gold stars set in blue enamel. The back is inscribed: "Presidential Medal of Freedom, John F. Kennedy." The badge (MO 75.295a) is fastened to a blue sash with white trim (MO 75.295f).
Historical NoteThe Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of America's highest civilian awards, was established in 1963 by President Kennedy. Through Executive Order 11085, he re-established and renamed the earlier Medal of Freedom, created by President Truman in recognition of civlians whose actions aided in U.S. war efforts. Kennedy broadened the scope of the award to recognize "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."
Among the first 31 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients named by Kennedy were author E. B. White, Justice Felix Frankfurter, singer Marian Anderson, AFL-CIO leader George Meany, photographer Edward Steichen, playwright Thornton Wilder, violinist Rudolph Serkin, painter Andrew Wyeth, diplomat and civil rights advocate Ralph Bunche, scientist Dr. John F. Enders, Navajo public health activist Annie D. Wauneka, and blind teacher Genevieve Caulfield. These awards were presented by President Lyndon B. Johnson on December 6, 1963, as well as the one shown here, conferred posthumously to John F. Kennedy and accepted by Robert F. Kennedy.
Additional DetailsAmong the first 31 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients named by Kennedy were author E. B. White, Justice Felix Frankfurter, singer Marian Anderson, AFL-CIO leader George Meany, photographer Edward Steichen, playwright Thornton Wilder, violinist Rudolph Serkin, painter Andrew Wyeth, diplomat and civil rights advocate Ralph Bunche, scientist Dr. John F. Enders, Navajo public health activist Annie D. Wauneka, and blind teacher Genevieve Caulfield. These awards were presented by President Lyndon B. Johnson on December 6, 1963, as well as the one shown here, conferred posthumously to John F. Kennedy and accepted by Robert F. Kennedy.
Custodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was either government property or was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyUse Restriction NoteCopyright and other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is the user’s responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions.In Collection(s)
On view
