Medal of Freedom (1945)
American civil decoration awarded 1945–1961 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Not to be confused with Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Medal of Freedom was a decoration established by President Harry S. Truman to honor civilians whose actions aided in the war efforts of the United States and its allies during and beyond World War II. It was intended to be awarded by the secretary of state, the secretary of war, or the secretary of the navy, but presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy also authorized awards.[3] The first woman and American citizen to receive it was Anna M. Rosenberg by Robert P. Patterson on the recommendation of Eisenhower.[4][5]
Quick Facts Type, Awarded for ...
Medal of Freedom | |
---|---|
Type | Medal |
Awarded for | "A meritorious act or service which has aided the United States in the prosecution of a war against an enemy or enemies and for which an award of another United States medal or decoration is considered inappropriate" |
Country | United States |
Presented by | the Secretary of State, Secretary of War or Secretary of the Navy |
Eligibility | Any person not a member of the armed forces of the United States |
Status | Replaced 22 February 1963 by Presidential Medal of Freedom[1] |
Established | 1945 |
First awarded | 1945 |
Last awarded | 1962[2] |
Total | Over 20,000 |
Precedence | |
Next (higher) | Medal for Merit |
Next (lower) | unspecified |
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