Announcement of the Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

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.