Norman Rockwell Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 1977, President Gerald R. Ford honored Norman Rockwell with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, for his "vivid and affectionate portraits of our country." Rockwell received the medal, the nation's highest peacetime award, for having portrayed "the American scene with unrivalled freshness and clarity," and with "insight, optimism and good humor."

Photo of Norman Rockwell with Presidential Medal of Freedom, by Louie Lamone, 1977.