Medals

Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson presenting the Medal for Merit to Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, for his services as Chief of Counsel for the United States for the prosecution of Axis Criminality at the Nuremberg Trials. From: Beth Gore

Youngest of the group of 28 to receive Congressional Medal of Honor awards at the White House was Staff Sergeant James R. Hendrix of Lepanto, Arkansas. Staff Sergeant Hendrix, shown getting his award from President Harry S. Truman, was 19 years old at the time he earned his medal. The former farm boy wiped out two enemy artillery positions and saved the lives of three of his comrades when his outfit was assigned the task of breaking through the Belgian town of Assenois and relieving the besieged garrison at Bastogne. From: Beth Gore.

American Federation of Labor President William Green was presented the Medal of Merit for his contribution to labor's war effort in ceremonies at the War Department. The presentation was made by Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson. From: Beth Gore

In a ceremony on the White House lawn, President Harry S. Truman (right) shakes hands with his Administrative Assistant, David K. Niles, and inspects the Medal of Merit which he has just awarded to Mr. Niles. From: David K. Niles.

Stephen T. Early, associated in the White House for over 12 years as Press Secretary and aide, before leaving to take over a job as Vice-President of the Pullman Company, was presented with the Distinguished Service Medal by President Harry S. Truman. The ceremony was held in the Rose Garden of the White House and was attended by the White House staff. From: Beth Gore.

Five Army and Navy heads of the U. S. were presented with the French Grand Croix De La Legion, a honor by General Charles DeGaulle (center), Provisional President of France, in ceremonies at the French Embassy. Photo shows DeGaulle, left, making the presentation to Admiral William D. Leahy, left, as General George C. Marshall, Admiral Ernest J. King, General H. H. Arnold and General Brehon Somervell, look on. From: Beth Gore.

On the White House lawn, President Harry S. Truman (foreground, left) presents the Congressional Medal of Honor to P.F.C. Franklin E. Sigler, U.S. Marines Corps (right). With President Truman is Commodore James K. Vardaman (background, left) and Captain Clark Clifford (background, second from left). All others are unidentified. From: George H. Sigler.