Executive Orders

Executive Order 9586--The Medal of Freedom

Source: The provisions of Executive Order 9586 of July 6, 1945, appear at 10 FR 8523, 3 CFR, 1943-1948 Comp., p. 410, unless otherwise noted.

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the armed forces of the United States, it is ordered as follows:

[Introductory paragraph amended by Executive Order 10336 of Apr. 3, 1952, 17 FR 2957, 3 CFR, 1949-1953 Comp., p. 858]

Section 1. Medal established. The Medal of Freedom is hereby re-established as the Presidential Medal of Freedom, with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, hereinafter referred to as the Medal, shall be in two degrees.

[Sec. 1 amended by Executive Order 11085 of Feb. 22, 1963, 28 FR 1759, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 719]

Sec. 2. Award of the Medal. (a) The medal may be awarded by the President as provided in this order to any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
(b) The President may select for the award of the Medal any person recommended to the President for award of the Medal or any person selected by the President upon his own initiative.
(c) The principal announcement of awards of the Medal shall normally be made annually, on or about July 4 of each year; but such awards may be made at other times, as the President may deem appropriate.
(d) Subject to the provisions of this Order, the Medal may be awarded posthumously.

[Sec. 2 amended by Executive Order 11085 of Feb. 22, 1963, 28 FR 1759, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 719; Executive Order 11515 of Mar. 13, 1970, 35 FR 4543, 3 CFR, 1966-1970 Comp., p. 905. Secs. 3-6 removed by Executive Order 11515 of Mar. 13, 1970, 35 FR 4543, 3 CFR, 1966-1970 Comp., p. 905]