The Great Americans Medal Recipients

Ava DuVernay

May 8, 2025

For her extraordinary impact as a director, writer, producer, and film distributor whose work casts an unflinching eye on American history. For visionary storytelling that advances social justice; creating a body of work that challenges, educates, and inspires; and using her platforms to expand access and opportunity. For changing the architecture of the American film canon, bringing forward difficult truths, seeking understanding, and building a  more just and compassionate world. With a passion for uplifting those who are often unheard, Ava DuVernay exemplifies the highest ideals of artistry, altruism, and advocacy. Through these values and achievements, she defines service at the highest level and the true meaning of a Great American.

Yo-Yo Ma

May 9, 2023

For his extraordinary impact as a musician, cultural ambassador, and philanthropist; for contributions that stimulate imaginations, foster connections, and reinforce our humanity; for masterful musicianship that transforms and transcends genre and tradition; for inaugurating Silkroad as a collaborative journey to global understanding through a kaleidoscope of experiences; and for using the platforms and privileges allowed him as instruments for creativity, collaboration, and comfort. Through these values and achievements, he defines service at the highest level and the true meaning of a Great American.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

March 30, 2022

For her groundbreaking judicial work, fierce advocacy for gender equality, and extraordinary leadership in a quest for justice under the law; for her intellect, integrity, courage, dedication, and belief in the beauty of the arts; and for inspiring generations of women and girls to carve our own paths. Through these values and achievements, as a brilliant jurist who worked tirelessly to create a more just and compassionate future, she defined service at the highest level and thus embodied the true meaning of a Great American.

Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.

March 2, 2021

Awarded to Anthony S. Fauci for his enduring commitment to public service; his tireless and extraordinary leadership during the evolving COVID-19 pandemic; for lifetime devotion to the treatment and eradication of infectious diseases, from HIV/AIDS to Zika; for his unwavering belief in the power of science and using that power to save millions of lives; and for working for the American people with integrity, passion, dedication, and humanitarianism for more than five decades.Through these values and achievements, he defines service at the highest level and exemplifies the true meaning of a Great American.

Paul Simon

September 18, 2019

For his global humanitarianism and environmentalism; for his commitment to the well-being of America’s most vulnerable children; for building a bridge across generations with a sound that is as current as it is timeless; for his masterful lyricism and songcraft, which in one simple stanza can challenge, comfort, inspire and compel us to action; for his unwavering belief in the freedom of expression and the dignity of all peoples. Through these values and achievements, he defines service at the highest level and the true meaning of a Great American.

Billie Jean King

September 25, 2018

For shattering gender stereotypes in sports; for her courage in demanding equal pay; for her leadership in the fight for women’s and LGBTQ rights, both on and off the court; for responding to the AIDS crisis with fundraising and personal support; for empowering women; and for her lifetime commitment to these causes and ideals of equality and justice. Through these values and achievements, she defines service at the highest level and the true meaning of a Great American.

Cal Ripken Jr.

April 17, 2018

For his commitment to taking America’s most beloved pastime to new heights; for shattering world records throughout his career; for his statesmanship and diplomacy, both on and off the field; and for his example representing the American ideas and ideals of hard work and perseverance. Through these values and achievements, he defines service at the highest level and the true meaning of an American hero.

Thomas J. Brokaw

September 21, 2017

Awarded to Thomas J. Brokaw for his commitment to journalism and steadfast defense of freedom of the press and a life of public service in the furthering of American democracy; for recording the accomplishments of the “Greatest Generation” and for bringing a voice of assurance and trust as the American people faced the impact of September 11, 2001; and for his uncompromising principles based on American ideals and ideas.

General Colin L. Powell, USA (Retired)

December 7, 2016

Awarded to the Honorable Colin L. Powell for his steadfast courage in his convictions; for his commitment to a life of public service and to the furthering of American democracy; for his leadership on the battlefield and statesmanship across the diplomatic front; and for his uncompromising principles based on American ideals and ideas.

Madeleine K. Albright

September 7, 2016

Awarded to the Honorable Madeleine K. Albright for her commitment and contributions to American democracy; for her skill and diplomacy in making the world a safer place; and for her ground-breaking leadership and embodiment of fundamental American ideas and ideals.