The Presidential Citizens Medal is an award bestowed by the president of the United States. It is the second-highest civilian award in the United States and is second only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Established by executive order on November 13, 1969, by President Richard Nixon, it recognizes an individual "who has performed exemplary deeds or services for his or her country or fellow citizens." Only United States citizens are eligible for the medal, which may be awarded posthumously.
thumb|407x407px|Presidential Citizens Medal prior to a ceremony at the White House on January 2, 2025
The medal is a disc of gilt and enamel, based on the seal of the president of the United States, with the eagle surrounded by a wreath of leaves. The medal is suspended on a ribbon, dark blue with a light blue central stripe and white edge stripes. Despite being a civilian award, it may be worn on some military uniforms.
Recipients
thumb|261x261px|President [[Joe Biden presents the Presidential Citizens Medal to D.C. Metropolitan Police officer Michael Fanone during a ceremony on January 6, 2023]]
{| border="1" class="wikitable sortable"
! scope="row" | Recipient
!Posthumous?
! scope="row" | Year
!Awarded by
!Citation
! scope="row" | Notes
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|Roberto Clemente
|yes
|1973
|Richard Nixon
|"All who saw Roberto Clemente in action, whether on the diamond or on the front lines of charitable endeavor, are richer for the experience. He stands with that handful of men whose brilliance has transformed the game of baseball into a showcase of skill and spirit, giving universal delight and inspiration. More than that, his selfless dedication to helping those with two strikes against them in life blessed thousands and set an example for millions. As long as athletes and humanitarians are honored, Roberto Clemente's memory will live; as long as Citizens Medals are presented, each will mean a little more because this first one went to him."
|First medal awarded
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| Henry "Hank" Aaron
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| 2001
|Bill Clinton
|A sports legend, Hank Aaron not only set baseball's all-time home-run record, but tore down racial barriers in the process. He played the game with extraordinary grace and skill despite encountering chilling discrimination, and he blazed a trail to baseball's front office for other African Americans. A staunch civil rights advocate and a champion of underprivileged children, Hank Aaron has shown us the thrill of victory and the importance of giving every American an equal opportunity to strive for it.
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| Albert Abramson
|No
| 1998
|Bill Clinton
|Abramson was a Maryland real estate developer and chairman of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's development committee.
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| Muhammad Ali
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| 2001
|Bill Clinton
|The most celebrated boxer in history and a devoted social activist, Muhammad Ali continues to inspire us. Truly the "greatest of all time," Ali dominated boxing for two decades, winning an Olympic gold medal and becoming a three-time heavyweight champion of the world. With equal tenacity, through his advocacy for peace, tolerance, and compassion, he challenges our Nation to strive for equality and justice for all, earning our deepest respect and gratitude.
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| Brooke Astor
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| 1988
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|Hubert Dickey Ballantine
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|1982
|Ronald Reagan
|The President of the United States of America awards the Presidential Citizens Medal to Martin Mathews<nowiki></nowiki> -- and the other certificate will read ``to Mr. Dickey Ballantine.<nowiki></nowiki> ``The good works of Martin Mathews flow as deeply through the city of St. Louis as the Mississippi River itself. His inspiring contribution to bettering the lives of inner-city youth is a shining example of the power of good.<nowiki></nowiki>
|Presented in St. Louis, Missouri on July 22
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| Arnold O. Beckman
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| 1989
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| Ezra Taft Benson
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| 1989
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| Jocelyn Benson
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| 2023
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| Mitchell Besser
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| 2008
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| James H. Billington
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| 2008
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| Forrest M. Bird
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| 2008
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| Rusty Bowers
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| 2023
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| Ward Brehm
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| 2008
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| Ruby Bridges
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| 2001
|Bill Clinton
|As a small, brave child, Ruby Bridges walked with courage past angry protestors and into the history books as the African American child who integrated her New Orleans school. Forty years later, she continues to show that same courage, rejecting bitterness to bring a message of love, faith, and acceptance to a new generation of Americans.
|Los Angeles, CA
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| Daisy M. Brooks
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| 2010
|Barack Obama
|When a pregnant teenager with no place to stay arrived at her door, Daisy Brooks welcomed the young woman in. What followed was a lifelong commitment to helping many of North Chicago's young mothers and their infants. Brooks opened Daisy's Resource and Developmental Center to serve as a dormitory, school, and catalyst for young women to improve their lives. Brooks receives the Citizens Medal for offering guidance and support.
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| John F. W. Rogers
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| 1985
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| Edward L. Rowny
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| 1989
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| Edward Roybal
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| 2001
|Bill Clinton
|A devoted public servant for 43 years, Edward Roybal was at the forefront of efforts to advance civil rights, establish rural mental health programs, fund AIDS research, and improve support services for veterans and the elderly. As founder of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, he created a national forum for Hispanic issues and opened doors for a new generation of Hispanic American leaders.
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| Eli J. Segal
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| 2001
|Bill Clinton
|As founder of AmeriCorps and the first Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service, Eli Segal has galvanized the American spirit of community and helped us realize the dream of a vital civilian service corps. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Welfare-to-Work Partnership, he has brought businesses and communities together to create opportunity for welfare recipients, enabling them to experience the power, dignity, and independence of work. Credited with making Armistice Day into Veterans Day.
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| Geo. J. Weiss Jr.
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| 2010
|Barack Obama
|George Weiss, Jr., a veteran of World War II and the United States Marine Corps, reflects our nation's generous and selfless heart. In 1979, he founded the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad, which today consists of more than 125 volunteers who have performed final military honors for more than 55,000 deceased veterans. Weiss receives the Citizens Medal for his extraordinary service to our nation's veterans and their families.
|Obama
|After Liz and Steve Alderman lost their son, Peter, in the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001, they founded the Peter C. Alderman Foundation. The Foundation works to heal the emotional wounds of victims of terrorism and mass violence by establishing clinics in post-conflict countries including Cambodia, Uganda, Rwanda, and Haiti. The Aldermans receive the Citizens Medal for aiding the victims of conflict who might otherwise go unaided.
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|Clarence Lee Alexander
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|2011
|Biden
|Attorney and activist Mary Bonauto first fought to legalize same-sex marriage in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine before arguing before the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges, which established marriage equality as the law of the land. Her efforts made millions of families whole and forged a more perfect Union.||
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| Bill Bradley
| || 2025