List of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients facts for kids

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is one of the highest awards a civilian can receive in the United States. It's given by the president of the United States to people who have made amazing contributions to the security or national interests of the U.S., to world peace, or to cultural or other important public or private efforts.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom

History of the Medal

The Presidential Medal of Freedom was first created by President John F. Kennedy. However, after his death, the first medals were actually given out by the next president, Lyndon B. Johnson.

Some presidents have given out more medals than others. For example, President Barack Obama awarded 118 medals, which is the most by any president. President Bill Clinton is next, having given out 89 medals.

Did you know that two people have received this medal twice? They are Ellsworth Bunker and Colin Powell. Both of Ellsworth Bunker's awards were given "with Distinction," which is a special honor. Colin Powell also received his second award "with Distinction."

Eight U.S. presidents have also received the medal themselves! Some received it after they left office, some before they became president, and some were given it after they passed away. These presidents include:

• John F. Kennedy (1963, after his death)
• Lyndon B. Johnson (1980, after his death)
• Ronald Reagan (1993, with Distinction)
• Gerald Ford (1999)
• Jimmy Carter (1999)
• George H. W. Bush (2011)
• Bill Clinton (2013)
• Joe Biden (2017, when he was Vice President; with Distinction)

This medal is different from an older award called the Medal of Freedom. That earlier medal was given between 1945 and 1963 for civilian help during World War II.

In 2022, at just 25 years old, the famous gymnast and activist Simone Biles became the youngest person ever to receive this important award.

People Who Said "No Thanks"

Sometimes, people turn down the medal. For example, Bill Belichick, a famous football coach, was offered the medal by President Donald Trump. He first said yes, but then changed his mind after the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol.

Country music star Dolly Parton also turned down the medal twice from Donald Trump. She explained that the first time her husband was sick, and the second time was because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Awarded with Distinction

The "with Distinction" honor is given to a very select group of recipients. It means their contributions were especially outstanding. As of early 2025, 27 individuals have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom "with Distinction." Ellsworth Bunker received it twice, making a total of 28 "with Distinction" awards.

Here are some presidents and how many "with Distinction" medals they awarded:

• John F. Kennedy – 8 people, including Ralph Bunche and Felix Frankfurter.
• Lyndon B. Johnson – 6 people, including Edward R. Murrow and Ellsworth Bunker (his second time).
• Richard Nixon – 4 people, including astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins.
• Gerald Ford – 4 people, including dancer Martha Graham and pianist Arthur Rubinstein.
• Jimmy Carter – 0 people.
• Ronald Reagan – 1 person, Caspar Weinberger.
• George H. W. Bush – 1 person, Ronald Reagan.
• Bill Clinton – 1 person, Colin Powell.
• George W. Bush – 1 person, Pope John Paul II.
• Barack Obama – 1 person, Joe Biden.
• Donald Trump – 0 people (so far).
• Joe Biden – 1 person, Pope Francis.

List of Recipients

This is a list of some notable people who have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

• † – Awarded after the person passed away
• WD – Awarded "with Distinction"

Awarded by John F. Kennedy

President John F. Kennedy chose 31 people to receive the medal in 1963. After his death, President Lyndon B. Johnson officially presented these awards.

Awarded by Lyndon B. Johnson

President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded 58 medals between 1963 and 1969, not counting the 31 chosen by President Kennedy.

Awarded by Richard Nixon

President Richard Nixon awarded 28 medals between 1969 and 1974.

Awarded by Gerald Ford

President Gerald Ford awarded 28 medals between 1974 and 1977.

Awarded by Jimmy Carter

President Jimmy Carter awarded 34 medals between 1977 and 1981.

Awarded by Ronald Reagan

President Ronald Reagan awarded 86 medals between 1981 and 1989.

Awarded by George H. W. Bush

President George H. W. Bush awarded 38 medals between 1989 and 1993.

Awarded by Bill Clinton

President Bill Clinton awarded 89 medals between 1993 and 2001.

Awarded by George W. Bush

President George W. Bush awarded 82 medals between 2001 and 2009.

Awarded by Barack Obama

President Barack Obama awarded 118 medals between 2009 and 2017.

Awarded by Donald Trump (first presidency)

President Donald Trump awarded 24 medals between 2017 and 2021.

Awarded by Joe Biden

President Joe Biden has awarded 57 medals between 2022 and 2025.

Images for kids

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  The Presidential Medal of Freedom