#PresidentialMedalOfFreedom for the one athlete (of a team) who made the winning goal in #OlympicIceHockey? Really? That's dumb. IF it was merited, THEN the whole team earned it... The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor awarded by the United States government. It recognizes individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to: the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.