Lamar Alexander receives the Medal for Distinguished Public Service on June 1, 2026, in Grand Rapids, MI.
Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service
Each year, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation awards the Medal for Distinguished Public Service to persons who have served the public good in the private and public sector. The award was established by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2003 and is presented during a ceremony held in June at the Foundation’s annual dinner.
The Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service recognizes outstanding public contributions by individuals who reflect the qualities demonstrated by President Ford during his public service career: Strength of character, Integrity, Trustworthiness, Fidelity to principles in decision making, Sound judgment, Decisiveness (particularly during periods of crisis), Determination in the face of adversity, Diligence, Self-confidence balanced with respect for the views of others, Self-discipline in personal life.
Recipients of the Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service
Senator Lamar Alexander was selected to receive the 2026 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
Senator Rob Portman was selected to receive the 2025 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
Mitch Daniels was selected to receive the 2024 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
Former Senators Robert “Bob” Dole (late) of Kansas and Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina have been selected as the recipients of the 2022 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
The 2021 Gerald R. Ford Presidential Medal for Distinguished Public Service was presented virtually by Mike Ford, son of President Ford and chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation; and Roger Porter, Trustee of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. Mike and Roger commemorated the 2021 recipient, former United States Secretary of State, General Colin Powell.
During the June 3 annual meeting of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation at the Capitol Hill Club, Mike Ford, son of President Ford and chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation; and Carla Hills, foundation trustee, paid tribute to this year’s recipient former Secretary of the Treasury Paul H. O’Neill.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation presented Senator John Warner with the 2018 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service at its Annual Foundation Dinner in Washington, D.C.
Jimmy Carter has devoted his life to service to the American people and to the peace and well-being of the international community.
Together with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and Ford Family, George H.W. Bush was selected as the recipient of the 2016 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
Carl Levin and John Dingell receive the 2015 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service at a reception held at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C. June 1, 2015.
John O. Marsh, Jr. has been selected as the recipient of the 2014 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
Brent Scowcroft has been selected as the recipient of the 2013 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill has been selected posthumously as the recipient of the 2012 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
William T. Coleman, Jr. has been selected as the recipient of the 2011 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
Dr. Henry Kissinger was selected as the recipient of the 2010 Gerald R. Ford Medal For Distinguished Public Service.
Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has been selected as the recipient of the 2009 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
Carla A. Hills has been selected as the recipient of the 2008 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
James A. Baker III and Lee H. Hamilton have been selected as co-recipients of the 2007 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service. The medal will be presented by Jack Ford, Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Foundation and son of President Ford at the annual dinner of the Gerald R. Ford Foundation on June 11, 2007 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC.
The Armed Forces Branches were named Recipients of the 2006 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service at a presentation ceremony at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. on June 19, 2006.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, with former President Gerald R. Ford, bestowed the 2005 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service on Betty Ford, his wife of 57 years.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation awarded the 2004 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service to Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of Defense Don Rumsfeld on August 9, 2004 at a dinner at the U.S. Capitol Building celebrating the 30th anniversary of President Ford taking the oath of office as 38th President of the United States.
Dr. Alan Greenspan was selected as the first recipient of the Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service in 2003