From Booklist
Established by President Kennedy in 1963, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor. It has been awarded to distinguished people from the arts and sciences, such as Duke Ellington, Helen Hayes, Jonas Salk, and Albert Sabin, but other choices have been odd, to say the least. Some have evoked controversy, such as Nixon's selection of Vietnam adviser John Paul Vann and Reagan's choice of Whittaker Chambers. President Johnson used the medal to reward service in his administration by such men as Robert McNamara and Clark Clifford. President Bush awarded the medal to President Reagan. And some selections have just been silly--Tennessee Ernie Ford and Johnny Carson.
The one-to two-page biographies in this book are arranged in the order in which the medal was awarded. They are current through those awarded by President Clinton in September 1995. Entries quote from the medal citations, note the date and place the award ceremonies were held, and give a brief overview of the medalists' accomplishments. Black-and-white photographs are provided for some entries. Introductory chapters describe the history of this medal and other American medals.
Biographical information on most of these award recipients will be easy to find in other sources. This book will be useful for those who are interested in the rather checkered history of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Sandy Whiteley
