Announcement of the Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

February 21, 1984

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 March 26, 1984. The following individuals will be awarded this prestigious award by the President:

Senator Howard Baker, for his contribution in the field of government service;

James Cagney, for his contribution in the field of entertainment and the arts;

Whittaker Chambers (posthumous), for his contribution in the field of public service;

Leo Cherne, for his contribution in the field of government service and humanitarianism;

Dr. Denton Cooley, for his contribution in the field of medicine and surgery;

Tennessee Ernie Ford, for his contribution in the field of entertainment and the arts;

Dr. Hector Garcia, for his contribution in the field of humanitarianism;

Gen. Andrew Goodpaster, for his contribution in the field of international affairs;

Lincoln Kirstein, for his contribution in the field of dance and the arts;

Louis L'Amour, for his contribution in the field of literature and the arts;

The Rev. Norman Vincent Peale, for his contribution in the field of theology;

Jackie Robinson (posthumous), for his contribution in the field of sportsmanship;

Egyptian President Anwar Sadat (posthumous), for his contribution in the field of world affairs and peace; and

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, for her contribution in the field of mental retardation.