THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01554R003300250009-4
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 3, 2005
• Sequence Number: 9
• Publication Date: June 18, 1979
• Content Type: MF

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18, JUN 197..
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of White House Projects
SUBJECT : The Presidential Medal of Freedom
1. I recommend that Herman Wouk be awarded the Presidential
Medal of Freedom.
2. The recent publication of his long-awaited novel, War and
Remembrance, caps a lifetime of unparalleled literary contribution by
Herman Wouk devoted to a better understanding of America and Americans.
In War and Remembrance, he explores the fundamental pressures which
move nations to war; the inexorable pain and suffering; and the waste
in both human and material terms which compel a skepticism of all wars.
He provides us with what critics agree are the finest descriptions of
the battles of the Pacific ever written. While the academic historian
and the social scientist are concerned with these same issues, it is
the novelist alone who can bring them to life and give them meaning
for vast numbers of people all over the world.
3. In this and other works like Winds of War, The Caine Mutiny,
and Youngblood Hawk, Herman Wouk combines an understanding of people
with a brilliant literary talent to paint for all readers the diversity
of the American character, the sincerity of our purpose, and the humanity
of our outlook. For the majority of the world who only know us through
our literature, this prolific and sensitive writer has provided an
accurate and balanced picture of America of which all Americans can be
proud. In doing so he has contributed uniquely to the stature and
dignity of our nation.
4. Herman Wouk is the preeminent American novelist today writing
in the areas of national security, foreign affairs, and international
human rights. His thinking influences countless individuals worldwide
who read his books. He is a highly respected American who is singularly
deserving of this important honor.
/s] Stansf .ela. Turner
STANSFIELD TURNER
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