Presidential Medal of Freedom
September 1964

Carl Sandburg received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Johnson in 1964, the highest honor bestowed upon a civilian. He received the award along with Helen Keller, Edward R. Murrow, John Steinbeck, Ralph McGill, J. Frank Dobie, Aaron Copeland and others. Upon receiving the medal, Sandburg saluted the President stating, “Sixth Illinois Volunteers,” a reference to the military company that Sandburg had served during the Spanish-American War.
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, CARL 18042, 17534, 17535

Presidential Medal of Freedom Certificate
1964
Paper. H 11.0, W 14.0 inches
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, CARL 2373