The Amazing Citizens Who Received Medals Of Freedom!

Richard Garwin

The man behind the first hydrogen bomb design was honored by Obama as well. The University of Chicago graduate also helped work on the development of the spy satellites. It would seem he is integral to American security so it makes sense that Obama awards him.

“One of the most renowned scientific and engineering minds of our time, Dr. Richard Garwin has always answered the call to help solve society’s most challenging problems, Obama proclaimed. He has coupled his pioneering work in defense and intelligence technologies with leadership that underscores the urgency for humanity to control the spread of nuclear arms.”

Elouise Cobell (Posthumous)

Elouise Cobell was a leader, to put it lightly. She was a Blackfeet Tribal community leader and wanted Native Americans to be determined and work toward being financially independent. She brought forth a historic settlement that gave the Blackfeet back their homelands. That only led to inspiration.

Obama strongly said, “When Elouise Cobell first filed a lawsuit to recover lands and money for her people, she didn’t set out to be a hero. She said, ‘I just wanted…to give justice to people that didn’t have it.’ And her lifelong quest to address the mismanagement of American Indian lands, resources, and trust funds wasn’t about special treatment, but the equal treatment at the heart of the American promise.”