December 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, December 18th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/18/2012
Incredibly scarce Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction awarded to 1960's Defense Secretary Robert McNamara. This is the highest civilian honor awarded in the United States. Its recipients are chosen by the President, and Lyndon B. Johnson bestowed this award on McNamara in 1968. His position as Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War and Cuban Missile Crisis made him one of the most high-profile, influential and controversial public figures of the 20th century. McNamara later became president of the World Bank and advocated a cautious approach to nuclear arms. As a special grade of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded ''with Distinction'', this is a larger medal than its counterpart, measuring 3'' in diameter. Medal with enamel design features a white five-point star surrounded by five eagles with wings spread and a blue center dotted with stars. Accompanied by a sash meant to be worn across the right shoulder. Blue grosgrain sash with white edges comes with a rosette bearing an enamel piece with star motif. Protocol exists for wear of the medal and lot includes a miniature of the medal on its own ribbon, a ribbon bar adorned with a gold eagle and a lapel badge for display on civilian clothing. Medal set is housed in a wooden case lined with satin and velvet. The lid features a brass medallion inlay of the seal of the United States. Included in the lot is the ''Lyndon B. Johnson'' signed document that accompanies the award, datelined the White House, 28 February 1968. Also included is a photo of McNamara accepting the award and a 5-page copy of Executive Order 11085, the law providing for the Medal's issuance. Presidential Medals of Freedom are exceptionally rare with very few coming to auction; one given to James Cagney sold in 2000 for over $51,000.
Presidential Medal of Freedom With Distinction Awarded to Robert McNamara -- Secretary of Defense for Both Presidents Kennedy & Johnson
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