What's the civillian award a president can give to artists & entertainers?

[Bombtrack]

I'm trying to think of it but I can't remember. Isn't there some special medal or star or something that presidents sometimes give to really big people in the American arts and show bussiness sometimes? It's not the medal of freedom is it?

[JohnLocke]

1. Yes, it's the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

"The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, recognizes exceptional meritorious service. The medal was established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize notable service in the war. In 1963, President Kennedy reintroduced it as an honor for distinguished civilian service in peacetime."
http://www.medaloffreedom.com/

"The Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, or to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidential_Medal_of_Freedom

[Bombtrack]

2. ok thanks

[JohnLocke]

3. No problem (nt).