Published by
The White House, founded 1792
Issued by
President Bush, George H. W., American, born 1924
Owned by
General Powell, Colin L., American, 1937 - 2021
Date
July 3, 1991
Medium
ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W (certificate): 11 × 13 15/16 in. (27.9 × 35.4 cm)
Caption
General Colin Powell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on July 3, 1991, by President George H. W. Bush. Along with the Congressional Gold Medal, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award of the United States. General Powell was awarded a second Presidential Medal of Freedom, with distinction, in 1993.
Description
A large certificate for the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President George H. W. Bush, to General Colin L. Powell. This cream cardstock, matte certificate, was awarded to General Powell July 3, 1991. At the top center is the presidential seal (Great Seal), printed in gold. In large black and gold ornate script and print throughout, the certificate reads: [The President of the United States of America / Awards this / Presidential Medal of Freedom / to / GENERAL COLIN L. POWELL, USA / In a long and distinguished career in the United States Army, culminating / in his service as Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Colin Powell has provided / unsurpassed leadership and judgment in difficult times. A deft manager and / forthright counselor, he personifies the ideal of the soldier-statesman, serving the / President and the Nation with personal integrity, political judgment, and military / skill. As the architect and manager of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, / he oversaw the vindication of principle, the defense of Saudi Arabia, and the liberation / of Kuwait. The United States honors this professional servant of peace and freedom. / The White House / Washington, D.C., July 3, 1991]. The certificate is signed by President George H. W. Bush and there are no markings on the reverse side.
Place made
Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
Place collected
McLean, Fairfax County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Awards, Medals, and Insignia
Type
certificates
Topic
Government
Men
Military
Persian Gulf War, 1991
Politics
U.S. History, 1969-2001
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alma J. Powell
Object number
A2022.101.1.5.2
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5e78070dc-ee3c-48f3-ba28-de7a6b473724

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

Share this page