April 8, 1985
The President today announced his intention to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the
highest civilian award of our Government, at a luncheon to be held at the White House on May
23, 1985. The following individuals will be awarded this prestigious award by the President.
Mr. Count Basie, jazz pianist, (posthumous), for his contribution in the fields of entertainment and
the arts.
Mr. Jacques-Yves Cousteau, marine explorer, for his contributions in the fields of education and
science.
Dr. Jerome Holland, educator and Ambassador (posthumous), for his contributions in the fields of
education and public service..
Professor Sidney Hook, philosopher and educator, for his contributions in the fields of education
and philosophy.
Ambassador Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, political scientist, for her contributions to the security and
national interests of the United States.
Dr. George M. Low, educator and NASA Administrator (posthumous), for his contributions in
the fields of science and education.
Mr. Frank Reynolds, news correspondent (posthumous), for his contributions in the fields of
journalism and communications.
Mr. S. Dillon Ripley, former Secretary of the Smithsonian, for his contributions in cultural and
other significant public endeavors.
The Reverend Mother Teresa, nun, for her contributions in the field of humanitarianism.
Mr. Frank Sinatra, entertainer, for his contributions in the fields of the arts and entertainment and
public service.
Mr. James M. Stewart, actor, for his contributions in the fields of the arts and entertainment and
public service.
Gen. Albert Coady Wedemeyer, distinguished military hero, for his contributions to the security
and national interests of the United States.
Gen. Charles E. Yeager, Air Force test pilot, for his contributions in the field of public service and
national interests of the United States.