Wernher
Von Braun
Former Deputy Associate Administrator
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
1975
Engineering
For unnerving commitment to space travel; for inspirational leadership in managing complex and technologically advanced developments and for persuading others to support such endeavors; all of which resulted in the large, liquid-fueled rocket becoming a practical space launch vehicle for multiple purposes, including the Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle Programs.
Von Braun had fallen ill with cancer before he could receive the medal from President Ford at the White House Ceremony and had to be hospitalized. It was thus decided that Vice President Rockefeller would present the medal to Von Braun at a hospital in Alexandria, Virginia on Monday or Tuesday, January 17th or 18th, 1977.