2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients

Todeay, President Barack Obama awarded 16 Presidential Medals of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, to people who have made especially meritorious contributions to society, including former President Bill Clinton; talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey; country singing star, Loretta Lynn; and feminist Gloria Steinem.

Here is a list of all other recipients:

Ernie Banks, known to many as “Mr. Cub,” Ernie Banks is one of the greatest baseball players of all time.
Ben Bradlee, one of the most respected newsmen of his generation.
Daniel Inouye (posthumous), lifelong public servant for the people of Hawaii.
Daniel Kahneman, pioneering scholar of psychology.
Richard Lugar, internationally respected statesman, who represented Indiana in the U.S. Senate for over 30 years.
Mario Molina, visionary chemist and environmental scientist.
Sally Ride (posthumous), first American female astronaut to travel to space.
Bayard Rustin (posthumous), activist for civil rights, dignity, and equality for all.
Arturo Sandoval, celebrated jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer.
Dean Smith, head coach of the University of North Carolina basketball team from 1961 to 1997, National Coach of the Year multiple times.
Cordy Tindell “C.T.” Vivian, distinguished minister, author, civil rights leader
Patricia Wald, one of the most respected appellate judges of her generation.