John F. Kennedy's Presidential Medal of Freedom Sash
Artifact IDMO 75.295f
Object Type
Award
Date
1963
Gifter
President Lyndon B. Johnson
Maker
The Institute of Heraldry
(United States Army)
Designer
David Webb Inc.
(Founded 1948, New York)
Medium
Grosgrain ribbon
DimensionsOverall W 3 3/8 in (8.6 cm)
Physical DescriptionPresidential Medal of Freedom shoulder sash. The sash is "Freedom blue" with a white edge. At the crossing of the sash is a ribbon rosette, where the sash badge (MO 75.295a) is fastened.
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 NoteItem was received by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library through Robert Kennedy's office from President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was donated to the Library in 1965 by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of President Lyndon B. Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesJohn F. Kennedy Memorial Collection (National Archives Identifier 76055729)
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
