I've seen two different awards cited on the Internet today as the highest civilian medal that can be awarded by the United States, so which - if any - is higher? I assume that the Presidential Medal of Freedom is given to recipients put forward by the President and that the U.S. Congressional Medal goes to those cited by Congress. And how do the two differ in terms of recipients, or is it arbitrary?

"The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, recognizes exceptional meritorious service. The medal was established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize notable service in the war. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy reintroduced it as an honor for distinguished civilian service in peacetime."

"The Medal of Honor, established by joint resolution of Congress, 12 July 1862 (amended by Act of 9 July 1918 and Act of 25 July 1963) is awarded in the name of Congress to a person who, while a member of the Armed Services, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against any enemy of The United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which The United States is not a belligerent party. The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of service is exacted and each recommendation for award of this decoration is considered on the standard of extraordinary merit."

Thus the Medal of Freedom has evolved into a civilian award, while the Medal of Honor is a military award.

The Congressional Gold Medal is a civilian award of roughly equal stature to the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award given by the President and the Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award given by the Congress.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is more often described as "the highest civilian award," but, frankly, the list of Congressional Gold Medal winners is far more selective (it has been given to fewer people despite having been around 4 times as long), and the award appears to me to be less likely to be given for political reasons (the president alone decides who gets the presidential version - and it shows - while 2/3 of each house of congress must agree on the congressional version)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: methos,