US President Barack Obama on 22nd Nov 2016 presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honour to scientists, philanthropists, sports legends,artists and celebs
Among the notable winners were Robert Redford, Bill and Melinda Gates, Tom Hanks and Diana Ross.
List of WinnersKareem Abdul-Jabbar: American retired professional basketball player who played 20 seasons in the National Basketball Association for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.
Elouise Cobell (posthumous): Blackfeet Tribal community leader and an advocate for Native American self-determination and financial independence.
Ellen DeGeneres: Award-winning comedian who has been hosting her popular daytime talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, since 2003.
Robert De Niro: American actor and producer who has both Italian and American citizenship.
Richard Garwin: American physicist, widely known to be the author of the first hydrogen bomb design.
Bill and Melinda Gates: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000 to help all people lead healthy, productive lives.
Frank Gehry: Canadian-born American architect.
Margaret H. Hamilton: Computer scientist, systems engineer and business owner.
Tom Hanks: American actor, comedian and filmmaker.
Grace Hopper (posthumous): American computer scientist and United States Navy Rear Admiral.
Michael Jordan: American retired professional basketball player.
Maya Lin: Artist and designer who is known for her work in sculpture and landscape art.
Lorne Michaels: Producer and screenwriter, best known for creating and producing Saturday Night Live.
Newt Minow: Attorney with a long and distinguished career in public life.
Eduardo Padrón: President of Miami Dade College (MDC), one of the largest institutions of higher education in the United States.
Robert Redford: Actor, director, producer, businessman, and environmentalist.
Diana Ross: American singer, songwriter, actress and record producer.
Vin Scully: American sportscaster.
Bruce Springsteen: American singer, songwriter, and bandleader.
Cicely Tyson: American actress nominated for Academy and Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress for her performance as Rebecca Morgan in Sounder.
Presidential Medal of Freedom: Highest US Honour- Bestowed by the President of USA
- Established in 1963 by President John Kennedy
- Can be conferred on civilians as well as military personnel and uniform wearers
- Not limited to US citizens
- Three people are 2 time recipients: Colin Powell, John Kenneth Galbraith and Ellsworth Bunker
