Presidential Medal of Freedom

• Highest civilian award

• Recognizes individuals including non-US citizens for... "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, or to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

• Established in 1945 by President Harry Truman to honor service during WWII.

• President John F. Kennedy revived the medal that is awarded annually on or near July 4th to several people.

• Recipients for most recent years

Presidential Citizens Medal

• Second highest civilian award

• Recognizes U.S. citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for the nation.

• Conferred annually and may be posthumously

• Established on November 13, 1969 by President Richard Nixon

• Recipients