2012 Citizen’s Medal Question & Answer

Can I nominate someone who is no longer living for the Citizens Medal?
Yes, according to 1969 Executive Order 11494, the Citizen’s Medal may be awarded posthumously.

Does the nominee need to be a US citizen?
Yes, the terms of the Executive Order provide that the medal must be awarded to a citizen of the United States.

May a person be considered for the medal if their act of service is part of their regular job?
No, the 2012 Citizens Medal criteria explicitly state that service must be performed outside of their regular job.

May a former President be considered to receive the Medal?
Yes, the Executive Order provides that the medal may be bestowed by the President in his sole discretion on any citizen of the United States.

Can more than one person be considered in a single nomination?
Yes, the medal is awarded at the President’s discretion. For example, President Bush presented Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, co-founders of the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP), the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2008.

Can an organization be considered for the Medal?
No, according to the Executive Order, the medal must be awarded to a citizen or citizens. However the leaders of a group may receive the medal, as in 1982 when the medal was awarded to the Matthews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club founders.

Can a person who nominated himself or herself be considered to receive the Medal?
Yes, the Executive Order does not limit who may nominate someone so long as the candidate is a United States citizen.