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This is an alphabetized, partial list of recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, grouped by the aspect of life in which they are/were renowned. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded by the President of the United States "for especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors"; it is awarded to individuals selected by the President or recommended to him by the Distinguished Civilian Service Awards Board. The only exception to the rule for the sitting president choosing those to be honored, was that the first recipients were selected by President John F. Kennedy before his assassination, and formally awarded by his successor in office, Lyndon B. Johnson. President Barack Obama awarded 123 Medals, the most ever, followed by President Ronald Reagan with 102 Medal recipients.
Two people, Ellsworth Bunker and Colin Powell, are two-time recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Colin Powell received his second award with Distinction, while Ellsworth Bunker was given both of his awards with Distinction.
This list does not include those awarded the similarly named but very distinct Medal of Freedom, an antecedent award issued prior to 1963.