Presidential Medal of Freedom
From BR Bullpen
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is one of the two highest civilian awards in the United States, along with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. It is designed to recognize 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." It was first established by President Truman in 1945 to honor service during World War II. President Kennedy reestablished the award in 1963 to recognize "distinguished civilian service in peace time."
The Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded to six former major league baseball players and three former Negro League players.
- Moe Berg in 1945 by President Harry Truman, as an award for war service
- Joe DiMaggio in 1977 by President Gerald Ford
- Jackie Robinson in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan
- Ted Williams in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush
- Hank Aaron in 2002 by President George W. Bush
- Frank Robinson in 2005 by President George W. Bush
- Buck O'Neil in 2006 by President George W. Bush
Berg declined the award but it was accepted on his behalf posthumously.
