Pres. Bush tabs Jack Nicklaus
for Presidential Medal of Freedom

Golden Bear received nation's highest civilian
award during a White House ceremony

President Bush awards Jack Nicklaus the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005, in Washington. (Douglas A. Sonders/WireImage.com) view more images view ceremony video President Bush on Jack Nickalus: "Last year in Ohio, I ran into Jack Nicklaus and asked if he had any advice for my golf game. He said, "Sure -- quit." (Laughter.) The game of golf takes a rare combination of raw ability and sustained concentration. Jack Nicklaus earned the distinction as one of the greats early in his career. When he edged out Arnold Palmer at the U.S. Open in 1962, Arnie said, "Now that the big guy is out of the cage, everybody better run for cover." (Laughter.) The Golden Bear went on to win 17 more professional majors, and more than 70 PGA Tour events. Galleries across the world have admired the intense focus and unyielding competitiveness that Jack Nicklaus brings to the game. They admire, just as much, the man, himself. In every aspect of his life, Jack holds himself to a high standard. He's a great gentleman. And for his skill, grace and class in every circumstance, Americans will always look up to the example of Jack Nicklaus."

Jack Nicklaus, widely considered the greatest golfer in history, one of the world's leading golf course designers and a good-will ambassador for the game and numerous charities, was among the recipients honored November 9th at the White House by President George W. Bush for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civil award.

Established by Executive Order 11085 in 1963, the Medal may be awarded by the President "to any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

"This is truly a significant and humbling honor," Nicklaus said. "To be included in the company of those who have been honored in the past and were honored this year is something very special and greatly appreciated."

The recognition by the President puts an exclamation point on a remarkable and memorable year for the Golden Bear. He competed in his final British Open and likely his final Masters Tournament. In September, he led the U.S. team to a thrilling victory in The Presidents Cup.

Jack and his wife Barbara remain passionately active in children's charities, most notably the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation and Nicklaus Children's Hospital. They have also contributed to numerous junior golf programs and growth-of-the game initiatives, such as The First Tee. Two days following his Presidents Cup victory, the Golden Bear received the Humanitarian Award from the Buoniconti Fund and the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Recently, he was named the "Most Powerful in Golf" by Golf Inc. magazine for the second year in a row, and in a GolfWorld UK reader survey, Jack was the overwhelming choice for the greatest golfer in history and the person who most influenced the game of golf over his career.

Nicklaus will join 13 other recipients next Wednesday to receive an award the White House considers the civilian version of the Congressional Medal of Honor. The medal was established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize notable service in the war. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy reintroduced the medal an honor for distinguished civilian service in peacetime. Recipients are chosen solely by the President of the United States.

The other recipients are:

• Muhammad Ali: Considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. He was the first three-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world, successfully defended the title 19 times, and was a Gold Medalist for the United States at the 1960 Olympic Games.
• Carol Burnett: One of America's most accomplished comediennes and actresses. She debuted on Broadway in 1959 and starred for more than a decade on The Carol Burnett Show. Ms. Burnett won a special place in the hearts of people across America through her combination of creativity, humor, and compassion.
• Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn: They designed the software code that is used to transmit data over the Internet. Dr. Cerf and Dr. Kahn have been at the forefront of a digital revolution that has transformed global commerce, communication, and entertainment.
• Robert Conquest: A historian known for his groundbreaking work on Soviet history, politics, and foreign policy. More than 35 years after its publication, his landmark book, The Great Terror: Stalin's Purge of the Thirties, remains one of the most influential studies of Soviet history and has been translated into more than 20 languages.
• Aretha Franklin: Pioneering singer who has brought joy to millions with her music. She has nearly two dozen number-one singles and has won numerous awards. Ms. Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
• Alan Greenspan: He has chaired the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve for the last 18 years. Mr. Greenspan has been an extraordinary leader who has made great contributions to America's economic growth and prosperity.
• Andy Griffith: An American icon of the stage, cinema, and television. He first achieved national acclaim in the 1950s for his stand-up comedy routines, and he went on to star in television shows such as The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, as well as numerous Broadway productions and films.
• Paul Harvey: One of America's most respected radio personalities and has set a standard of excellence for broadcasters. Since his radio broadcasts first aired nationally in 1951, Mr. Harvey has won the trust of millions of radio listeners.
• Sonny Montgomery: A champion for veterans during his 30 years as a Member of the House of Representatives from Mississippi. His signature achievement was the Montgomery GI Bill, which has helped make education affordable for millions of veterans.
• General Richard B. Myers: He served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during one of the most challenging and dangerous periods in American history. General Myers was at the forefront of preparing America's armed forces to meet the threats of the new century. His tenure was marked by the toppling of brutal dictatorships in Afghanistan and Iraq and the liberation of more than 50 million people.
• Frank Robinson: One of the greatest baseball players ever. Among his awards are National League Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player in both the American and National Leagues, and the American League Triple Crown in 1966. He also has been a top manager and earned Manager of the Year in the American League in 1989. He broke the color barrier for managers, becoming Major League Baseball's first African-American manager in 1975.
• Paul Rusesabagina: He demonstrated courage and compassion by sheltering people at the hotel he managed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. By risking his own life, he helped to save the lives of more than 1,000 fellow Rwandans. Mr. Rusesabagina's selfless acts have inspired millions, and he represents the best of the human spirit.