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Presidential Medal of Freedom
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President Barack Obama places the Presidential Medal of Freedom around chemist Mario Molina's neck during a ceremony at the White House. Paul Harvey receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom Alan Greenspan receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom as President George W. Bush places the medal around his neck at the White House in 2005. David McCullough and George W. Bush
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President Barack Obama places the Presidential Medal of Freedom around chemist Mario Molina's neck during a ceremony at the White House.
Mario Molina receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom Mario Molina receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Pres. Barack Obama at the White House, Washington, D.C., 2013.

Presidential Medal of Freedom

American award
Written by
Michael Ray
Michael Ray is an assistant managing editor who has worked at Britannica since 2003. In addition to leading the Geography and History team, he oversees coverage of European history and military affairs....
Michael Ray
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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•History

Presidential Medal of Freedom, the foremost U.S. civilian decoration, awarded to individuals who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” Recipients of the award are selected by the president of the United States, with the assistance of the Distinguished Civilian Service Awards Board, an advisory group created in 1957. Although the majority of honorees are U.S....

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