WASHINGTON – Today, President Biden named twenty recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal.
The Presidential Citizens Medal is awarded to citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.
He has transformed battlefield trauma care for the United States military and saved countless lives.
Nancy Landon Kassebaum The first woman to represent Kansas, Nancy Kassebaum was a force in the United States Senate.
Thomas J. Vallely A United States Marine during the Vietnam War, Thomas Vallely has never given up on peace.
WASHINGTON — President Biden announced the names of 20 Presidential Citizens Medal winners today.
American citizens who have carried out outstanding acts of service for their nation or fellow citizens are eligible to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal. These Americans, according to President Biden, are united by their dedication to helping others and shared sense of decency. Their sacrifice and commitment have improved the nation.
On January 2, 2025, the White House will host the award presentation. The Presidential Citizens Medal will be given to the following people.
The Mary L. Bonauto.
After advocating for same-sex marriage legalization in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine, lawyer and activist Mary Bonauto appeared before the Supreme Court in the Obergefell v. Hodges, which made equality in marriage the rule of law. Millions of families were restored thanks to her efforts, which also created a better Union.
Bradley Bill.
Growing up in a small Missouri town, Bill Bradley’s commitment to basketball would come to define his bravery, selflessness, and discipline. A two-time NBA champion and Hall of Fame New York Knick, he was a three-term United States Senator from New Jersey and a presidential candidate. He worked to advance civil rights, water rights, tax reform, and other issues while continuing to work to strengthen our shared humanity with compassion and humility.
Frank K. . Butler Jr.
Dr. Frank Butler, a Navy Seal, pioneering innovator, and leader in dive medicine, brought Tactical Combat Casualty Care to the medical community, which established new guidelines for the application of tourniquets for injuries sustained in everyday civilian life as well as during times of war. In addition to saving many lives, he has revolutionized battlefield trauma care for US military personnel.
Elizabeth A. Cheney.
During her twenty years in public service, Liz Cheney has stood up for our country and the principles we hold dear: Freedom. She has served as a congresswoman for Wyoming and as the vice chair of the committee on the January 6 attack. Respect. and morality. We are all reminded of what is possible when we collaborate by her honesty and bravery.
Christopher J. Dodd.
As a renowned lawyer, diplomat, senator, and congressman, Chris Dodd has distinguished himself in the service of our country for over 50 years. He has maintained America’s position as a global leader by promoting partnerships throughout the Western Hemisphere, improving childcare, and reshaping our financial markets.
Evans, Diane Carlson.
Diane Carlson Evans established the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation after working as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War in order to fulfill one of our country’s most sacred duties: to guarantee that female service members receive the acknowledgment they are due. Her dedication and duty are the epitome of what it means to be an American.
Joseph L. Galloway (dead).
Joe Galloway spent decades recounting first-hand stories of horror, humanity, and valor in combat from the Persian Gulf to Vietnam. He was regarded as the soldier’s friend and reporter, embedded with American forces, saved wounded soldiers from gunfire, and was the only civilian to receive a Bronze Star for combat valor from the US Army. He was also one of the most well-respected war correspondents that time.
Kassebaum, Nancy Landon.
Nancy Kassebaum, the first female senator from Kansas, was a powerful member of the US Senate. She stood up for what she believed in, even if it meant standing alone, and she reached across the aisle to do what she thought was right, whether it was by supporting a woman’s right to choose or reforming health care.
Ted Kaufman.
With honesty and integrity, Ted Kaufman has served the country for decades, including as a United States Senator from Delaware. As a Senate master who fought for common citizens and public servants, he has led important discussions concerning the financial system, the courts, and other topics.
McCarthy, Carolyn.
Carolyn McCarthy had a natural desire to help and heal as a nurse. She became an advocate so strong that she was asked to run for Congress after her husband and son were shot on a local commuter train. She was a citizen legislator dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of our country for eighteen years, during which time she promoted gun safety measures, such as enhanced background checks.
Posthumous Louis Lorenzo Redding.
As the first Black lawyer admitted to the Delaware bar, Louis was a trailblazing civil rights activist who argued against segregation in the landmark Bulah v. Belton and Gebhart v. Gebhart—establishing the rules of law for Brown v. Education Board. A towering figure and benevolent mentor, he provided all Americans with opportunities and equity.
Sager, Bobby…
As a photographer and philanthropist with a foundation in family and empathy, Bobby Sager, a native of Boston, travels the world. He uses his camera and influence to connect with people in war-torn nations, document their humanity and hope, and motivate others to take action and see a more complete picture of the world we all share.
Collins, J. Seitz (after his death).
Judge Seitz, who was a state judge in Delaware, was the first judge in the United States to integrate a white public school. He did this with meticulous attention to detail and respect for the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. His courageous decision helped us see one another as fellow citizens by tearing down barriers of division.
Eleanor Smeal. .
Ellie Smeal pushed the country to value women as equals and power brokers, not only by organizing large-scale demonstrations and inspiring women’s votes in the 1970s but also by advancing equal pay and assisting in the passage of the Violence Against Women Act. Her more than four decades of strategic vision exemplify America’s efforts to build a more equitable and just world.
Bennie G. Thompson.
Bennie Thompson, a college student motivated by the Civil Rights movement, volunteered on campaigns and registered southern Black voters after growing up in a segregated Mississippi. In the end, that call to service brought him to Congress, where he chaired the House January 6th Committee and was at the forefront of upholding the rule of law with unwavering honesty and integrity.
Endo Tsutsumi Mitsuye (posthumous).
During a disgraceful period in our country’s history, Mitsuye Endo was imprisoned with over 120,000 Japanese Americans. Unfazed, she appealed the injustice all the way to the Supreme Court. Her determination served as a reminder that our country is one that supports freedom for all by enabling thousands of Japanese Americans to return home and start over.
Thomas J. Valley.
Thomas Vallely, who served in the United States Marines during the Vietnam War, has never abandoned the pursuit of peace. By creating Fulbright University Vietnam, encouraging increased economic and cultural exchange, and overcoming the dangers of the past to grasp the promise of the future, he has united Vietnam and the United States over the course of five decades. His service is still regarded as a testament to American leadership worldwide.
Visco, Frances M.
Fran Visco has bravely and relentlessly pushed to expand Federal funding for breast cancer research, early detection education, and women’s healthcare access in her role as president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition. Being a breast cancer survivor, she transformed suffering into meaning, transformed breast cancer advocacy, and has emerged as a potent national symbol of hope.
Wallace, Paula S.
Paula Wallace, a lifelong teacher and artistic trailblazer, had a vision for a school that would revolutionize the way we view professional education. As president of the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design, she has helped thousands of students pursue careers in the creative industries.
Evan Wolfson.
Evan Wolfson assisted millions of people across all 50 states in gaining the fundamental right to love, marriage, and self-expression by spearheading the marriage equality movement. Beginning with a groundbreaking law school thesis, Evan Wolfson dedicated 32 years of his life to changing society and the law. He created a political playbook for change and continues to share its lessons with innumerable causes around the globe.
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