List of Puerto Rican Presidential Citizens Medal recipients

Puerto Rican recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal
Presidential Citizens Medal
Presented by

President of the United States

This is a list of notable Puerto Ricans who were awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal. The list includes people who were born in Puerto Rico, people who are of full or partial Puerto Rican ancestry, such as Victoria Leigh Soto whose father is Puerto Rican. It also includes other residents or immigrants of other ethnic heritages who have made Puerto Rico their home, and who are recognized for their life or work.

Three Puerto Ricans have been awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, an award bestowed by the President of the United States. It is the second highest civilian award in the United States, second only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Established on November 13, 1969, it recognizes individuals "who have performed exemplary deeds or services for his or her country or fellow citizens". The award is only eligible to United States citizens and may be awarded posthumously.[1] Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente was also the posthumous recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.[1][2]

Recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal

The following people are the recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal:[2]

Name Year awarded Occupation

Roberto Clemente[3]
(USMC picture)		 1973
(posthumous)		 Baseball Hall of Famer

Helen Rodríguez Trías[4]		 2001 Pediatrician, educator,
and leader in public health

Victoria Leigh Soto[5]
(Puerto Rican father)		 2012
(posthumous)		 Teacher

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Presidential Citizens Medal". Library Thing.[better source needed]
  2. ^ a b "Presidential Medal of Freedom". NNDB.
  3. ^ "Remarks at a Ceremony Honoring Roberto Clemente". The American Presidency Project.
  4. ^ "President Clinton Awards the Presidential Citizens Medals". The White House. January 8, 2001. Archived from the original on August 1, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  5. ^ "President Obama Remarks and list of Recipients of 2012 Presidential Citizens Medals". Politisite. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 13, 2023.