The Bronze Medallion is the highest award conferred upon civilians by New York City. The medal is presented by the Mayor to those individuals who have demonstrated, "exceptional citizenship and outstanding achievement". The recipients come from a wide range of backgrounds, including ordinary citizens, foreign dignitaries, athletes, and film stars. Description The medallion is two and three quarter inches in diameter and was designed by Michael Lantz, best known for his 1938 sculpture in front of the Federal Trade Commission building in Washington, DC. Recipients Muhammad Ali, heavyweight boxing champion David Asch (1968) Wesley Autrey, on January 5, 2007, for heroism for saving the life of a fellow commuter by throwing himself over his body in the face of an oncoming train Tony Bennett, singer (1969) Sam Briskman, inventor of pinking shears. On reverse: Presented to Sam Briskman, humanitarian and benefactor, by Robert F. Wagner, Mayor of the City of New York, February 19, 1958. Samuel Brooks, NYC Zoning board, Distinguished Service Given to him from Mayor Lindsey Roy Campanella, baseball player (1969) The Dessoff Choirs, in 1975, for contributing to the musical life and culture of New York City for fifty years Althea Gibson, after her first Wimbledon win (1957) 1974 presentation to four Brooklyn teenagers, for heroism in 1973, when they pulled an unconscious man out of the path of an oncoming BMT train. Joseph G. Greer Richard Groller Daniel Gross John P. Walsh Lionel Hampton, in 1978, jazz vibraphonist and bandleader James R Brigham Jr., on July 1, 1981, for heroic and dedicated service to the City of New York as Budget Director. Awarded by Edward I. Koch, Mayor. Gil Hodges, baseball player (1969) Philip Johnson, architect William Kavanagh, supporting and enhancing the New York education system Martin H. Kennelly, in 1950, mayor of Chicago, Illinois Alan King, comedian (1969) Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights activist Hoyt W Lark, in 1950, Mayor of Cranston Rhode Island General Douglas MacArthur, United States Army General Carlo MacDonald, lifetime achievement Willie Mays, baseball player Joseph Mruk, Buffalo, NY. Presented by Mayor William O'Dwyer 1950. Joe Namath, football quarterback (1969) Lewis Rudin, for lifetime contributions as a property developer 2019 presentation to 18 people and organizations, for "tireless advocacy, inspiration, and leadership (helping to) pass the permanent authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act" Luis Alvarez (posthumous): Former New York City Police Detective and 9/11 first-responder Chief Paul