Presidential Medal of Freedom (16 images)

President Barack Obama awards the the Presidential Medal of Freedom to University of Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summit during a ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington on May 29, 2012. The Medal of Freedom is our Nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

Adam Daniel Rotfeld, former Polish Foreign Minister, receives a Presidential Metal of Freedom forJan Karski from President Barack Obama in the East Room at the White House in Washington on May 29, 2012. The Medal of Freedom is our Nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

President Barack Obama delivers remarks prior to awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington on May 29, 2012. The Medal of Freedom is our Nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

A member of the audience takes a photo with his mobile phone and his camera as President Barack Obama delivers remarks prior to awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington on May 29, 2012. The Medal of Freedom is our Nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. UPI/Kevin Dietsch