The Presidential Citizens Medal

The Presidential Citizens Medal was established on November 13, 1969, by President Richard M. Nixon. The first person awarded was in 1973.

It is the second highest civilian award, bestowed by the President of the United States, which recognizes an individual who has performed exemplary deeds or services for his or her country or fellow citizens.

Subordinate only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Followed only by the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor.



Only United States citizens are eligible for the medal, which may be awarded posthumously.

The Medal is based on the Seal of the President of the United States. It is a gilt and enamel disc, with the eagle surrounded by a wreath of leaves. Officially, the medal is suspended on a dark blue ribbon with a light blue central stripe and white edge stripe.

In 1981, the Presidential Citizens Medal was jointly awarded to Hubert Dickey Ballantine and Martin Mathews as founders of the Mathews-Dickey Boy’s Club.

On November 7, 2019, President Donald J. Trump bestowed the most recent honor to date, to Rick Rescorla, posthumously.

To date (at this writing August 6, 2020) there have been 175 Presidential Citizen Medals awarded since it was established in 1969.

To read about Rick Rescorla's posthumous reception of the Presidential Citizens Medal, read this blog post on our site.