Medal of Freedom is nation 's highest civilian honor . It was created after World War II to honor civilian service during that war . The medal has been awarded since the 1950s, and it can be earned by serving in any branch of the military or as a member of an organization such as the United States Coast Guard, National Park Service
Medal of Freedom is nation 's highest civilian honor . It was created after World War II to honor civilian service during that war . Kennedy , Tutu , Poitier , Milk , Hawking , O'Connor among honorees .