Dr. Mitchell Besser
Dr. Mitch Besser has provided hope, healing, and encouragement to women
living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. Through his hard work and commitment to
excellence, he has developed innovative strategies to reduce
mother-to-child transmission of this terrible disease. The United States
honors Mitch Besser for his generous spirit and his determination to
stop the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
James H. Billington
For more than two decades, Dr. James H. Billington has overseen the
largest library in the world and our Nation's oldest Federal cultural
institution, the Library of Congress. A champion of interactive and
innovative technology, he has helped connect countless individuals with
resources to help them learn about defining moments in the life of our
Nation. The United States honors James H. Billington for his stewardship
of the Library of Congress and his dedication to strengthening the
cultural life of our Nation.
Dr. Forrest M. Bird
A brilliant inventor and scientist, Dr. Forrest Bird developed the
world's first reliable, mass-produced medical respirator. Through his
innovation, he has helped transform and enhance the quality of life for
people around the globe. The United States honors Forrest Bird for his
groundbreaking contributions and for his work to keep America at the
forefront of discovery.
Ward Brehm
As a public servant, author, and humanitarian, Ward Brehm has committed
himself to enhancing economic and social development in Africa. He has
worked in partnership with the people of Africa to provide clean water
to rural communities, fight poverty, and extend opportunity. The United
States honors Ward Brehm for his work to replace disease and despair
with healing and hope.
Raymond G. Chambers
Ray Chambers has reached out to help at-risk youth and worked to turn
the tide against malaria in Africa. By standing with the people of
Africa in the fight against this treatable and preventable disease, he
has helped lift a burden of unnecessary suffering. The United States
honors Ray Chambers for his steadfast commitment to mentoring young
people and his noble work to eliminate malaria.
Charles W. Colson
For more than three decades, Chuck Colson has dedicated his life to
sharing the message of God's boundless love and mercy with prisoners,
former prisoners, and their families. Through his strong faith and
leadership, he has helped courageous men and women from around the world
make successful transitions back into society. The United States honors
Chuck Colson for his good heart and his compassionate efforts to renew a
spirit of purpose in the lives of countless individuals.
General Wayne A. Downing, USA (Ret.)
General Wayne Downing was an American hero who stepped forward to help
defend our Nation and uphold the ideals of our founding. He answered
history's call with honor, decency, and resolve, and he earned the
respect and admiration of a grateful Nation. The United States honors
Wayne Downing for his selfless service that continues to inspire us as
we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.
Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin
Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin recognize the importance of educating our
next generation of leaders. By developing innovative programs in
inner-city communities, these educators have helped young people develop
the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in school and in life. The
United States honors Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin for their work to
encourage youth to make responsible choices and build a solid foundation
for a lifetime of accomplishment.
Arnold Fisher
By devoting his time and talents to his fellow veterans, Arnold Fisher
has helped America fulfill its obligations to those who have defended
our freedom. His compassion and dedication to our military families
reflect the best of the American spirit. The United States honors Arnold
Fisher for his service to our country's veterans and their families and
for demonstrating the generous and grateful heart of America.
John P. Foley, S.J.
Father John Foley has successfully reached some of our Nation's most
vulnerable youth and instilled in them a love of learning. Through his
spiritual leadership of a faith-based education system that partners
with the community, he has provided opportunities for young people to
achieve their dreams. The United States honors Father John Foley for his
commitment to helping his fellow citizens lead lives of integrity and
achievement.
Robert P. George
With wisdom and integrity, Dr. Robby George has brought forceful
analytic clarity to the study of America's ideals and institutions. He
has helped strengthen our Nation's system of ordered liberty by
exploring enduring questions of American constitutional law and Western
political theory. The United States honors Robby George for his many
contributions to our civic life.
Samuel J. Heyman
As a lawyer, public servant, and philanthropist, Samuel Heyman has acted
on his steadfast devotion to our Nation. By encouraging young leaders to
answer the call of public service, he has helped promote a vibrant
Federal workforce. The United States honors Samuel Heyman for his
dedication to improving the efficiency, transparency, and accountability
of the Federal Government.
Wendy Kopp
Wendy Kopp is an education innovator who believes that every child can
learn if given a chance. Through her determined efforts, she has created
opportunities for new teachers to help disadvantaged children realize
their potential. The United States honors Wendy Kopp for her strong
leadership in ensuring a quality education for students across America.
Dr. Donald W. Landry
As a physician, organic chemist, and Chairman of the Department of
Medicine at Columbia University, Dr. Donald Landry has applied his
passion for discovery to expanding human knowledge and improving patient
treatment. A man of science and a man of faith, he has demonstrated that
there are responsible and ethical ways to advance stem cell research.
The United States honors Donald Landry for his diverse and pioneering
research and his efforts to improve the well-being of his fellow man.
Andrew W. Marshall
A tireless public servant, Andrew Marshall has helped protect our
citizens and preserve the ideals that make our country strong. His
expertise and advice, spanning seven Presidential Administrations, has
bolstered our Nation's security and advanced the cause of freedom. The
United States honors Andrew Marshall for his service, patriotism, and
selfless devotion to the Nation's security.
Erwin Morse and Jeffery L. Miller
Erwin Morse and Jeff Miller exemplify the spirit of citizenship that has
helped define our Nation. By providing our deserving veterans the
opportunity to visit the World War II Memorial, they have shown the
compassion and gratitude of our Nation. The United States honors Erwin
Morse and Jeff Miller for their work to honor our Nation's veterans.
Donald E. Powell
Reflecting a spirit of compassion and leadership, Donald Powell answered
the call of public service, offering hope to those in need. With vigor
and firm resolve, he helped coordinate Federal support for the
rebuilding of the Gulf Coast following the devastating hurricanes of
2005. The United States honors Donald E. Powell for his compassionate
and dedicated service to fellow citizens.
Anne-Imelda M. Radice
Anne-Imelda Radice is a skilled administrator, art historian, and museum
professional. Through her career in public service, she has worked to
enhance the intellectual and cultural development of all Americans. The
United States honors Dr. Anne-Imelda Radice for her commitment to
excellence and her dedication to providing people of all ages the
resources to explore new ideas and better understand the world around
them.
Timothy R. Scully, C.S.C.
Father Timothy Scully has committed his life to strengthening
communities through faith-based education that prepares individuals for
a lifetime of achievement, service, and compassion. Through his
leadership at the University of Notre Dame, he has developed innovative
ways to support under-resourced schools. The United States honors Father
Timothy Scully for demonstrating that every human being has boundless
potential.
Gary Sinise
Gary Sinise is a humanitarian and a patriot. Working alongside our
military and reaching out a compassionate hand to Iraqi children, he is
helping a society once brutalized by a tyrant to rebuild and realize the
great blessings of liberty. He has also travelled the world to show
America's gratitude to our service members. The United States honors
Gary Sinise for his efforts to improve the human condition and his
strong commitment to the selfless men and women who devote their lives
to military service.
Admiral James D. Watkins, USN (Ret.)
As a decorated military leader and innovative public servant, Admiral
James Watkins exemplifies the American ideals of courage, character, and
ingenuity. He has brought great skill and determination to all of his
duties and demonstrated a patriot's devotion to our country. The United
States honors James Watkins for his distinguished and varied public
service.
Robert L. Woodson, Sr.
Through his compassion and leadership, Robert Woodson has improved the
lives of his fellow citizens and worked to make our country a better
place. His work in low-income neighborhoods reflects the good heart of
our Nation and the great strength of the American character. The United
States honors Robert Woodson for giving his time, talents, and energy to
creating a brighter and more hopeful future for his fellow citizens. Other
Recipients | Presidential Civilian
Medals Information |
