The White House press release provides a record of President Obama's
words as he presented the Outstanding American by Choice Award to
Mr. Lemon. "It is my privilege to present the 'Outstanding American by
Choice' Award to Peter Lemon. Let me tell you a little about Peter.....he has
devoted his time and energies to talking about what his own experiences
have meant to him and what he has learned, to encourage each and every
one of us that the way to make the most of our talents is to make a difference
in the lives of others."
On May 1, 2009 President Obama presented this award to Mr. Lemon at the
White House. It is the first time in history the award was presented by the
President of the United States. This initiative recognizes the outstanding
achievements and significant contributions of naturalized United States citizens. Through civic participation,
professional achievement, and responsible citizenship, recipients of this honor have demonstrated their commitment
to this country and to the common civic values that unite us as Americans.
Presented by the President of the United Stated in the Name of the Congress,
it is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon any American. The criteria
for this award are stringent with the person having voluntarily performed the
deed at the risk of life. The action must also be one that outstandingly
displays conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, above and beyond the call of
duty, typically to save someone else's life.
The Medal of Honor has been presented only 3,448 times since its origination
in 1862, during the Civil War. The rarity of the award is profound. Of the
thirty-five million people who served during all wars since World War I, only
973 servicemen received this distinction. Of those, 555 received it
posthumously: they gave their life. No one living has received the award
for a recent action in over thirty years.
Mr. Lemon received the Medal of Honor for action April 1, 1970 while serving
with his unit Company E (RECON) 2/8, 1st Cavalry Division. He dedicates
his award and pays tribute to all those who served in his unit and most
importantly the three comrades he lost in the battle for which he received the award: Casey Waller, Nathan Mann and
Brent Street.
words as he presented the Outstanding American by Choice Award to
Mr. Lemon. "It is my privilege to present the 'Outstanding American by
Choice' Award to Peter Lemon. Let me tell you a little about Peter.....he has
devoted his time and energies to talking about what his own experiences
have meant to him and what he has learned, to encourage each and every
one of us that the way to make the most of our talents is to make a difference
in the lives of others."
On May 1, 2009 President Obama presented this award to Mr. Lemon at the
White House. It is the first time in history the award was presented by the
President of the United States. This initiative recognizes the outstanding
achievements and significant contributions of naturalized United States citizens. Through civic participation,
professional achievement, and responsible citizenship, recipients of this honor have demonstrated their commitment
to this country and to the common civic values that unite us as Americans.
Presented by the President of the United Stated in the Name of the Congress,
it is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon any American. The criteria
for this award are stringent with the person having voluntarily performed the
deed at the risk of life. The action must also be one that outstandingly
displays conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, above and beyond the call of
duty, typically to save someone else's life.
The Medal of Honor has been presented only 3,448 times since its origination
in 1862, during the Civil War. The rarity of the award is profound. Of the
thirty-five million people who served during all wars since World War I, only
973 servicemen received this distinction. Of those, 555 received it
posthumously: they gave their life. No one living has received the award
for a recent action in over thirty years.
Mr. Lemon received the Medal of Honor for action April 1, 1970 while serving
with his unit Company E (RECON) 2/8, 1st Cavalry Division. He dedicates
his award and pays tribute to all those who served in his unit and most
importantly the three comrades he lost in the battle for which he received the award: Casey Waller, Nathan Mann and
Brent Street.
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P E T E R C. L E M O N
A W A R D S
'Outstanding American By Choice'
'Congressional Medal Of Honor'