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Young American Medals 9/21/89 [OA 8748]
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Young American Medals 9/21/89 [OA 8748]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Mark Davis Subject Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Davis, Mark, Files
Subseries:
Subject File, 1989-1991
OA/ID Number:
13875
Folder ID Number:
13875-009
Folder Title:
Young American Medals, 9/21/89
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19
2
7
1
Department of Justice
ADVANCE FOR RELEASE AT 6 P.M. EDT
YAM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1988
202-633-2395
(TDD) 202-786-5731
Director William Sessions of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation announced today that a young woman from Texas and
a young man from Washington will receive the 1987 Young American
Medal for Service. The 1987 Young American Medal for Bravery
will be awarded posthumously to a young man from Texas.
The medals will be presented by President Ronald Reagan at
the White House on a date to be announced, the Director said.
The medals program, begun in 1950 under an act of Congress,
recognizes young people for acts of bravery or conspicuous
community service. The law directs the Department of Justice to
select recipients and administer the program but specifies that
the President must personally make the presentations.
Recipients must not have reached their 19th birthday at the
time of their acts of bravery or community service. Nominations
are submitted to the Justice Department by governors or, in the
case of U.S. territories or the District of Columbia, by the
appropriate chief executives.
The Young American Medals Committee is chaired by Director
Sessions. Its other members are Stanley E. Morris, Director of
the U.S. Marshals Service; Patrick S. Korten, Director of Public
(MORE)
- 2 -
Affairs for the Department of Justice; and John C. Lawn,
Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Chosen for achievements in 1987 to receive the Young
American Medal for Service were:
--Sean Fox, now 19, of Ethel, Washington. Sean played
the leading role in establishing a food bank in Toledo,
Washington, to serve the needy. Sean spearheaded the drive to
set up the bank and enlisted the assistance of local community
organizations. The food bank was a success when it opened its
doors in February 1987.
--Vicki Lynn Urich, 17, of Alvin, Texas. Vicki has
given many hours to cleaning up her community. Specifically, she
has worked on beach clean-ups, sand dune restoration projects and
recycling of discarded Christmas trees.
Chosen to receive the Young American Medal for Bravery was
John Bankston, then 17, of Dallas, Texas, who drowned while
helping to rescue occupants from a children's camp bus that was
trapped in a flooding river. John lost his life after carrying
another youth whose ankle was in a cast. While the young man he
aided was saved, the river claimed 10 lives.
Fuller information about the recipients follows.
(MORE)
- 3 -
SEAN THOMAS FOX
422 Tucker Road
Ethel, Washington 98542
(206) 978-4305
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Sherry Fox
Date of birth: January 10, 1969
Sean started a food bank in Toledo, Washington, to serve the
needy. This idea was inspired after Sean attended a month-long
Washington State Governor's School for Leadership. "When I came
back, I wanted to do something," said Sean. He contacted his
parents, mayor, school principal, and community, civic and church
leaders. Toledo was the only town in Lewis County that did not
have a food bank and there was a high unemployment rate. Those
in need had to drive some 30 miles to another town's food bank.
Sean felt that Toledo should "care for their own. After
spearheading the initial organizational efforts, he and his
committee worked for four months incorporating, dealing with
liability concerns, obtaining a site, and procuring food. Said
one community leader, "The effort to form the Toledo Food Bank
was probably 25% local endeavor and 75% Sean's drive, persistence
and unyielding impatience in achieving success.
...
he was the
driving force in the formation of the food bank." On February
13, 1987, the food bank in Toledo opened its doors. Now it
monthly serves more than 80 families in need of food staples.
VICKI LYNN URICH
Route 5, Box 320A
Alvin, Texas 77511
(713) 585-6054
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Willie L. and Nelva Urich
Date of birth: March 5, 1970
Vicki has been a determined pollution control worker in her
community. She has dedicated many hours to work on beach clean-
ups and dune restoration projects, using discarded Christmas
trees to trap the sand on the beaches in Brazoria County.
Through the 4-H Club, Vicki made a trash survey of the county's
beaches. The results, sent to the Environmental Education
Center in Washington, D.C., identified large quantities of non-
biodegradable plastic trash. The survey was instrumental in
forming the "adopt-a-beach" program. Vicki has also been very
active in the beach clean-up projects of her state and the Keep
Texas Beautiful campaign. When Vicki learned about the plight of
the aging Battleship Texas, she instituted a countywide aluminum
can drive to raise funds toward the restoration of the ship.
(MORE)
- 4 -
JOHN CLINTON BANKSTON (deceased)
1861 Muleshoe Road
Dallas, Texas 75217
(214) 557-1861
Son of Mr. and Mrs. John and Rosie Bankston
Date of birth: January 24, 1970
On July 17, 1987, John, then 17, drowned while helping to
rescue people from a bus accident in the Guadalupe River. A
church bus and a van carrying 43 people from a children's camp
were swept into the river in Kerr County, Texas. The bus stalled
as it was trying to cross the rapidly rising river. Once the
drivers discovered that their vehicles were immobilized, they
ordered their passengers to get to land. Pounding waves
scattered the group and toppled the bus and van. The youngsters
clung to branches and formed a human chain to cross the river.
John offered to carry Jeff Bowman, also 17, who had a cast on his
leg from a broken ankle. John carried Jeff on his back for about
two hours, until they reached a tree. "He said, 'We should try
to let go, Jeff recalled. "I didn't want to drown him or me.
I let go." Jeff grabbed a log that was floating downstream but
John still clung to the tree. That was the last time Jeff saw
John. Although many of the survivors were rescued from the river
and from trees by helicopters, 10 people lost their lives.
John's body was the only one that still has not been recovered.
####
88-305
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of the Attorney General
Young American
Washington, D.C. 20530
Medals Committee
AUG 3 1 1989
MEMORANDUM TO: Michael Jackson
Associate Director of the
Office of Cabinet Affairs
FROM:
Bonnie H. Halford
004
Young American Medals Coordinator
SUBJECT:
Ceremony for Young American Medal Awardees
As discussed earlier, attached is information regarding the Young
American Medal awardees for use by your speech writers.
Also attached are the seven certificates that require the Presi-
dent's signature. We have sent two copies for each recipient,
just as a precaution in case one of the certificates gets messed
up. If the auto-pen is used, may we have both signed? Is there
a Presidential or United States Seal that can be affixed above
the President't signature. or is that appropriate?
We also discussed the guests that the White House will invite to
the Ceremony, e.g., Congressmen and Senators. In the past, the
Governors of the appropriate states have also been invited.
Attached is a list of the appropriate Governors, Senators, and
Congressmen, along with their Congressional Districts.
We will provide you with the list of names, dates of birth, and
Social Security numbers for each of the recipients, their guests,
and Department of Justice employees who will be attending. Are
any people exempt from providing this information (e.g., the
Attorney General, Director Sessions, Administrator Lawn, Director
Morris, Congressmen, Senators, or Governors) ?
Will the White House send invitations to all guests who will be
attending the Ceremony, as in the past? If so, addresses will be
provided, along with the above-mentioned list of attendees.
We are receiving requests from media people who wish to cover the
event for various recipients. You said that you would give me
the name of a White House press contact to refer these people to
as they call. Do you have a name yet?
Regarding our conversation about an Invocation for the Ceremony,
I would like to recommend a minister that I have known for many
years, and who is known by Administration officials. His name is
Dr. James L. Ahlemann, Pastor of Christian Fellowship Church, a
non-demoninational church in Vienna, Virginia. If you wish to
consider him for the Invocation, I will obtain a biographical
sketch and references. If not, we could ask one of the officials
present at the Ceremony. Do you have any preference?
One other question. Where shall I direct the VIP cars (FBI, DOJ,
etc.) to park?
There has been a change in our Reception for the recipients. As
I indicated to you, we were going to have a Reception after the
Ceremony in the Attorney General's Conference Room. We have
decided now that it might be more convenient, and more people can
attend, if we have a Continental Breakfast Reception instead. It
will be at 9:00 a.m. on September 21, in the Attorney General's
Conference Room. The Certificates will be presented after the
breakfast and time will be available for the recipients to meet
the Young American Medals Committee Members, as well as other
officials and Congressmen (who will be invited). We certainly
hope your schedule permits you to attend.
I certainly appreciate all your help in arranging this Ceremony.
If you need any information or help of any kind, please let me
know. My telephone number is 724-5966.
GOVERNORS AND CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS
Governor John Waihee
Executive Chambers
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Governor George Deukmejian
State Capitol
Sacramento, California 95814
Governor Thomas H. Kean
State House
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
Governor William P. Clements, Jr.
State Capitol
Austin, Texas 78711
Governor Michael S. Dukakis
State House
Boston, Massachusetts 02133
Governor Booth Gardner
Legislative Building
Olympia, Washington 98504
Senator Lloyd Bensten
703 Hart Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator Phil Gramm
370 Russell Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Congressman John Bryant
412 Cannon HOB
(5th District)
Washington, D.C. 20515
Congressman Tom Delay
1039 Longworth HoB
(22nd District)
Washington, D.C. 20515
Senator Daniel J. Evans
324 Hart Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator Brock Adams
513 Hart Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Congressman Don Bonker
434 Cannon HoB
(3rd District)
Washington, D.C. 20515
Senator Edward M. Kennedy
315 Russell Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator John F. Kerry
421 Russell Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy, II
1208 Longworth Building
(8th District)
Washington, D.C. 20515
Senator Bill Bradley
731 Hart Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator Frank R. Lautenberg
717 Hart Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Congresswoman Marge Roukema
303 Cannon Building
(5th District)
Washington, D.C. 20515
Senator Alan Cranston
112 Hart Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator Pete Wilson
720 Hart Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Congressman Matthew G. Martinez
240 Cannon Building
(30th District)
Washington, D.C. 20515
Senator Daniel K. Inouye
722 Hart Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator Spark M. Matsunaga
109 Hart Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Congressman Daniel K. Akaka
2301 Russell Building
(2nd District)
Washington, D.C. 20515
Congressman Norman D. Dicks
2429 Rayburn HoB
(6th District)
Washington, DC 20515
Senator Timothy Wirth
380 Russell Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
i 1921
TITLE 42.-THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
Page 10236
1924. Certificate of commendation accompanying
Chapter 18.YOUTH MEDALS
awards; limitation on number of yearly awards
Sec.
Accompanying such medals designated in the
1921. Establishment of medals for bravery: rules and
chapter there shall be an appropriate certificate of
regulations: conditions governing awards.
1922. Establishment of medals for character and service;
commendation presented to the recipient or m
condition governing awards.
cipients stating (a) the circumstances under which
1923. Names of medals; presentation.
the act of bravery was performed. and (b) citing the
1924. Certificate of commendation accompanying awards;
outstanding recognition for character and service:
limitation on number of yearly awards.
1925. Report to Congress.
Provided, That there shall not be awarded in any
1926. Appropriations.
one calendar year in excess of four such medals to
wit. two for bravery and two for character and serv.
$ 1921. Establishment of medals for bravery; rules
and regulations; conditions governing awards.
ice, as herein authorized. (Aug. 3. 1950, ch. 520. I 1.
64 Stat. 398.)
The Department of Justice be, and it is, authorized
and directed to promulgate rules and regulations
1925. Report to Congress.
establishing a medal; the method of selecting such
It shall be the duty of the Department of Justice
recipient thereof so that an award shall be made to
to make a report to the Congress at the end of each
any child Tesiding in the United States, who is eight-
fiscal year and to furnish the Congress with a List
een years old or under, who has exhibited excep-
of the names of all those upon whom the President
tional courage, extraordinary decision, presence of
shall have conferred either of such medals. (Any
mind. and unusual swiftness of action, regardless of
3. 1950, ch. 520, I 5. 64 Stat. 398.)
his or her own personal safety. in an effort to save
or successfully saving the life or lives of any person
I 1926. Appropriations.
or persons whose life or lives were in actual immi-
It shall also be the duty of the Department of
nent danger. (Aug. 3. 1950, ch. 520, 11, 64 Stat.
Justice to list in its annual budget request the SUB
397.)
of money necessary to carry out the provisions of
SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS
this chapter. which sum is authorized in a sum DOL
This section is referred to in section 1923 of this title.
to exceed $5,000 per annum. (Aug. 3. 1950, ch 520
16. 64 Stat. 398.)
$ 1922. Establishment of medals for character and
service; condition governing awards.
The Department of Justice shall also honor by an
appropriate medal such American boy or girl citi-
zens. eighteen years old or under, who, in the opin-
ion of the said Department of Justice, shall have
achieved outstanding or unusual recognition for
character and service during any given year. (Aug.
3. 1950. ch. 520, I 2. 64 Stat. 397.)
SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS
This section is referred to in section 1923 of this title.
$ 1923. Names of medals; presentation.
The medal to be awarded for bravery or valor as
defined in section 1921 of this title shall be known as
the Young American Medal for Bravery. while the
medal for outstanding character and service as de-
fined in section 1922 of this title shall be known as
the Young American Medal for Service, and such
medals shall be presented personally by the Presi-
dent of the United States for and on behalf, and in
the name of the President and the Congress of the
United States of America. (Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 520.
I 3, 64 Stat. 398.)
OF SUBTICA
Old
Department of Justice
AMOUNT
IT
JUSTITIA
ADVANCE FOR RELEASE AT 5 P.M. EDT
OJP
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1989
(202) 724-7782
Attorney General Dick Thornburgh announced today that the
1988 Young American Medal for Bravery will be awarded to a young
woman from Hawaii and a young man from California. In addition,
two young men, one from Massachusetts and one from New Jersey,
will receive the 1988 Young American Medal for Service.
expected
on a
President George Bush is scheduled to present the medals for
date to be announced
the 1988 awards later this month. The 1987 awards, whose winners
were announced on August 20, 1988, also will be presented at that
time.
"These Award winners are examples of what's good about
America's youth," the Attorney General said. "Despite all we
hear about the acts of small numbers of teenagers, most of
today's youths are law abiding boys and girls who will become
productive adults and good citizens.
"Many of our teenagers perform acts of bravery every day.
They also contribute many hours of their time to community
projects, including helping senior citizens, the homeless and the
(MORE)
- 2 -
less advantaged. This program affords the Department of Justice
the opportunity to select and recognize some of these fine young
people for special recognition," Thornburgh said.
The Young American Medals Program, begun in 1950 under an
act of Congress, recognizes young people for acts of bravery or
conspicuous community service. Although the law directs the
Department of Justice to select recipients and administer the
program, it specifies that the President must personally present
the awards.
Recipients must be younger than 19 years old at the time of
their acts of bravery or service. Nominations are submitted to
the Department of Justice by governors or, in the case of U.S.
territories or the District of Columbia, by the appropriate chief
executives.
Director William Sessions of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation chairs the Young American Medals Committee. Its
other members are David R. Runkel, Assistant to the Attorney
General; John C. Lawn, Administrator of the Drug Enforcement
Administration; and Stanley E. Morris, Director of the U.S.
Marshals Service.
The Young American Medals for Bravery will be presented to:
-Angela Marie Campanoli, then 11, and living in Maui,
Hawaii. On October 5, 1988, with no regard for her own
(MORE)
- 3 -
safety, this young girl dove into rough and dangerous waters
to assist a Japanese tourist who was being swept out to sea.
Angela held the victim's head above water until help arrived
to pull her closer to shore.
Ruben Ortega, then 18, of Alhambra, California. On April
26, 1988, a student armed with an assault rifle held Ruben
and approximately 70 of his classmates hostage. Ruben
risked his life by attacking the armed student, grasping the
rifle and the assailant, and wrestling him to the ground.
With the help of several students, Ruben held the assailant
on the floor until police arrived.
The Young American Medals for Service will be presented to:
Freddy Torres, then 18, of Boston, Massachusetts. As a
drug/alcohol peer leader and an AIDS peer leader, Freddy
spent countless hours helping hundreds of young people in
Boston stay away from drugs and learn about the dangers of
AIDS.
John Philip Donovan, then 17, from River Vale, New Jersey.
John served his community and school through a variety of
volunteer activities. These included working with disabled
Boy Scouts, serving as the only youth member of a community-
wide committee designed to instill a greater sense of pride
in the community, and raising funds for muscular dystrophy.
(MORE)
- 4 -
More detailed information about the recipients follows:
ANGELA MARIE CAMPANOLI
5300 Rehklau Road, S.E.,
Lacey, Washington 98503
(206) 438-1371
Daughter of Yvonne L. and Dennis J. Campanoli
Date of birth: February 15, 1977
On October 5, 1988, Angela, her mother, her brother, Bryan, and
her friend were enjoying the sun at Polo Beach, Maui, Hawaii.
Polo Beach has a reputation for rough waves and strong currents.
On that day, the surf was 2 to 3 feet high, a strong rip tide was
in the area, and trade winds were blowing at 12 to 15 knots. The
Hawaiian residents knew it was safer to bask in the sun than to
risk danger by going swimming.
Three Japanese tourists, a man, his wife and their little boy,
were also relaxing on Polo Beach that day. Somehow, the child
got caught in a current and started to panic. The parents,
seeing this, ran in to rescue him. However, the waves were too
rough and the couple found themselves trapped too.
Angela observed that the father was safe (clinging to the rocks)
and the little boy was being brought to shore by others on the
beach; however, the mother was slowly being swept out to sea.
Angela quickly dove in, swam to the woman, and held her head
above the water. Angela stayed with her until Bryan swam out to
them and helped bring the woman closer to shore. They stayed
with the woman until further help arrived to bring her to shore.
RUBEN ORTEGA
1801 Garvey Boulevard, Apt. 124
Alhambra, California 91803
(818) 570-9840
Son of Clodoalda Ortega
Date of birth: December 10, 1969
On April 26, 1988, a student armed with an assault rifle entered
an English class on the campus of San Gabriel High School and
held approximately 70 students hostage for about 30-35 minutes.
Ruben, one of the hostages, risked his life by attacking the
armed student, grasping the rifle and the assailant, and
wrestling him to the ground. With the help of several students,
Ruben held the assailant on the floor until police arrived.
The Mayor of the City of San Gabriel said, "As a result of Ruben
Ortega's bravery and quick thinking, the potentially tragic
incident was defused to the point that no injuries occurred and
there was no property damage to the school premises."
(MORE)
- 5 -
FREDDY TORRES
72 Everett Street
East Boston, Massachusetts 02128
(617) 569-6482
Son of Iris and Manuel Torres
Date of birth: September 12, 1970
Freddy Torres, an 18-year-old senior at East Boston High School,
spent countless hours helping hundreds of young people in Boston
stay away from drugs and learn about the dangers of AIDS. As a
drug/alcohol peer leader and an AIDS peer leader, Freddy spent
many hours in classrooms throughout Boston helping young people
learn about better alternatives to taking drugs and the dangers
of AIDS. In addition to time spent in the classroom, Freddy
often works in the streets bringing young people, some of whom
have dropped out of school, into drug and AIDS prevention
programs.
In June 1988, the Governor of Massachusetts chose Freddy to
testify before the United States Senate Committee on Labor and
Human Resources. He testified in support of funding for Peer
Leadership programs and shared his personal experiences with
members of Congress. He was the only teenager on the panel.
JOHN PHILIP DONOVAN
623 Cleveland Avenue
River Vale, New Jersey 07675
(201) 666-0647
Son of Bonnie M. and John G. Donovan
Date of birth: August 22, 1971
During 1988, 17-year-old John Philip Donovan served his
community, his school, and others. John served as Junior
Assistant Scout Master and Eagle Scout in a Boy Scout Troop with
learning and otherwise disabled scouts as members. He was the
only youth member of a community-wide organization, the Pride in
River Vale (New Jersey) Committee. This committee was formed to
help instill a greater sense of civic pride in the community's
residents and to secure a greater involvement of those residents
in the community's activities. As a fundraiser for Muscular
Dystrophy, John raised $6,500 in contributions. John also
maintained active and sustained leadership and involvement in
Students Against Driving Drunk, Adopt-a-Family clothing and gift
gathering programs, an interscholastic high school leadership
forum, the National Model United Nations, including conference
leadership in Washington, D.C., high school peer counseling, and
science and mathematics tutoring. In addition, John served as
Student Council President during 1988.
89-149
After hours contact: Stu Smith (301) 983-9354
Sept. 19, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
MARK DAVIS
SUBJECT:
Young American Medal Awards Ceremony
I. SUMMARY:
You are scheduled to appear in the Rose Garden on Thursday,
Sept. 21, at 11:20 p.m., to present the Young American Medals for
Bravery and for Service. We have provided you with seven minutes
of remarks, on cards.
II. DISCUSSION:
These awards cover deeds of bravery performed by young
people in 1987, as well as for last year. There are seven
recipients -- one is being posthumously awarded to John Bankston.
He will be represented by his parents, John and Rosie.
Davis/Martin
Sept. 19, 1989
Draft: Three
Title: Hero
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS:
YOUNG AMERICAN MEDAL, ROSE GARDEN
Thursday/11:20 a.m./Sept. 21, 1989
( (Acknowledgements) ) Attorney General Thornburgh -- Dick --
Director Sessions and my young friends. Welcome to the White
House. It will be my honor to bestow, in just a moment, the
Young American Medal for Bravery; and the Young American Medal
for Service, for 1987 and 1988.
A great writer, I believe it was Emerson, said that a hero
is no braver than anyone else; only brave for five minutes
longer. Two young people with us today know these minutes of
bravery minutes where terrible events seem to occur in slow
motion minutes facing death and challenging eternity.
One of the recipients of a Young American Medal for Bravery
is twelve years old. She is Angela Marie Campanoli ( (Camp-PA-no-
lee)), and she attends the 7th grade at Aylen ((A-lynn) ) Junior
High in Washington State. Angela, her mother Yvonne, her brother
Bryan, and a friend, were at the beach in Maui on October fifth,
1988. Three Japanese tourists -- a man, his wife and their
little boy -- were also at that same beach, that same day.
The Japanese child got caught in a current, and started to
panic. His parents, seeing this, dashed into the rough surf to
rescue him. Others got to the child first. But the mother was
dragged by a relentless current, out to sea. Angela quickly dove
2
in, swam to the woman, and held her head above water. Her
brother, Bryan, was also right there. And together, Bryan and
Angela brought the woman back to shore. Back to her family.
Back to her life.
We are also here to honor the late John Bankston of Dallas.
On July 17, 1987, a church bus and a van carrying 43 people from
a children's camp were swept into the currents of the Guadalupe
River in Kerr County, Texas. Pounding waves scattered the group
and toppled the bus and van.
The youngsters who survived clung to branches and formed a
human chain to cross the river. One of them was Jeff Bowman, who
had a cast on his leg from a broken ankle. John carried Jeff on
his back for two hours, until they reached a tree. Jeff let go
and grabbed a log that was floating downstream. John clung to
the tree, and was never seen again. He was 17-years-old. Rosie,
John, we know that a parent's grief is a special hardship. But
we hope that your grief is tempered by pride, pride in your hero,
your son John. ( (PAUSE))
In California, a different kind of tragedy almost occurred.
On April twenty-sixth, 1988, an armed student walked into the
English class of San Gabriel High School; and seventy students
suddenly became seventy hostages. One of them is with us today.
He is Ruben Ortega. This young man threw his life into the
balance. And because of his bravery, his classmates are safe and
well today.
3
When I was Ruben's age, Will Rogers said that being a hero
is about the shortest-lived profession on earth. But Will
Roger's wry humor is belied by his own life, a man who lightened
the worries of the Great Depression with laughter and goodwill.
So for some, bringing hope and even saving lives is not a
matter of minutes. It's a matter of months and years of giving.
It's a habit, a habit of the heart. And that is why we give the
Young American Medal for Service.
We have with us Freddy Torres of East Boston High School.
At age 18, Freddy spent countless hours as a peer leader,
inspiring hundreds of young people to stay away from drugs and
learn about the dangers of AIDS. And Freddy went beyond the
classroom, taking his message where it is needed most -- to the
streets. It was out of class that Freddy persuaded young people,
often drop-outs, to enlist in drug and AIDS prevention programs.
I have said that from now on, in America, any definition of
a successful life must include service to others. By this
definition, John Philip Donovan of River Vale, New Jersey, is
about as successful as you can be. Last year, when he was 17,
John served his community in many ways: As a leader of a Boy
Scout Troop with learning and other disabled Scouts as members;
as a fund-raiser for Muscular Dystrophy, bringing in sixty-five
hundred dollars; as a leader of Students-Against-Drunk-Driving,
and many other activities.
Sean Fox of Ethel, Washington, is another young American who
cares enough to act. He organized a food bank for Toledo,
4
Washington; and involved his parents, mayor, school principal and
other community leaders in the drive. Because of Sean's work,
the food bank serves more than eighty families in need.
Vicki Lynn Urich ((YOUR-ich)) of Alvin, Texas, has dedicated
her efforts to cleaning up local beaches and restoring dunes
along the Texas Coast. She also started a nationwide aluminum
can drive to restore the Battleship Texas, and has been a leader
in many other projects.
These services may not be as dramatic as pulling someone
from the surf, or subduing a gunman. But Freddy, John, Sean and
Vicki know something very profound -- that it is in the daily
accumulation of small acts of kindness, that life can be
improved. And often, lives can be saved.
Let me offer one last thought. Sometimes we lose sight of
the vast majority of young Americans who are doing their best to
better this world. So for those who worry about the future,
perhaps they should consider these four young Americans. You and
I know that in the future, our country will be in good hands,
because it will be in their hands.
And now, it is my honor to present all of you with your
Young American Medals.
#
#
#
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1986 / Jan. 16
round,
and
we
dream. Never forget that this is America,
take heart-look how far we have come!
to
those
the land where dreams come true. And
God bless you all.
equitable,
veri-
We
will
in
that
light.
Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Young American
Medals
the
statement
the
Briefing
January 16, 1986
Attorney General Meese and my young
spread, and today scores of individuals and
friends here on the platform and ladies and
organizations, moved by the example of
gentlemen, good afternoon, and welcome to
young Trevor Ferrell, are joining him in his
the White House. You know, we've come
of
inner city work of charity.
together today in a capital city that's often
Trevor Ferrell, you've not only earned
preoccupied with bigness-big questions
the gratitude of the people of Philadelphia
-like tax reform and big statistics like the
but the affection and admiration of an
gross national product and, yes, big levels of
entire country. Congratulations.
funding. And to paraphrase the late Senator
amid
the
The second medal for service goes to 19-
Everett Dirksen, he said, "A billion dollars
front
year-old Janelle Lynn Peery of Cheyenne,
porch
here, a billion dollars there, and pretty soon
Wyoming. When Janelle was 15, she noticed
on
venge-
it adds up to real money." [Laughter] But
this
problem
a bump above her right knee; the diagnosis:
in the midst of all this bigness, it's only too
he
told
them.
bone cancer. In a drastic effort to save Jan-
easy to lose sight of what really matters—
We
elle's life, her right leg was amputated.
which is the individual. At this ceremony
love
them.
Nine miserable months of chemotherapy
today, it's my honor to remind the Nation,
followed, and as Janelle put it, with coura-
centuries—
the entire Nation, of the importance of the
what
geous understatement, "When you spend 9
we
must
individual by awarding medals to four re-
months being sick to your stomach, it's not
markable young Americans.
derstood
too pleasant." The experience Janelle went
that
Two of the medals recognize outstanding
wer-brother-
through would have devastated many
service to others. And the first goes to the
grownups, but young Janelle faced it with
would
"be
youngest honoree, 13-year-old Trevor Fer-
bravery and began to reach out to others.
discords of
rell. Trevor lives with his family in a fine
symphony
"When I came out of the hospital," Janelle
of
home outside Philadelphia on the Main
recently said, "my basic philosophy on life
Line, and until 1983, when Trevor was 11,
of
was that I'm here to help people." Janelle's
us
to
move
that neighborhood was virtually his entire
Declara-
mother had made her daughter a teddy
our
world. And then during the Christmas holi-
"all
bear, and Janelle began making teddy bears
men
are
days, Trevor happened to glimpse a very
just like it to give to other children in the
our
Cre-
different world on television. It was the
hospital, each with a note attached which
lowed
us
all
world of the Philadelphia inner city, and
read, "A little hand for you to hold onto
and
that
it
the TV that evening showed street people
and
when you get scared." Soon Janelle began
pro-
bedding down for the cold winter night,
counseling, and in the 4 years since her
broken men and women huddling in aban-
own surgery, she's counseled hundreds of
King,
I
also
doned cars and burned-out buildings.
have
cancer patients and amputees. Today Jan-
picked
Trevor went to his room, got a blanket, and
elle is a freshman at Brandeis University,
ago
from
asked his parents to take him downtown.
and I understand that in her spare time
I
salute
all
And Trevor gave that blanket to a man he
she's an expert skier.
to
work
for
and his parents found sleeping over a
harmo-
Janelle, you've given us all the gift of
subway grate. Soon Trevor was making trips
herica
hope. Thank you, and congratulations. And
where
to the inner city regularly, handing out the
by the way, Janelle, I read an interview in
content
of
food, blankets, and clothing that had begun
of
their
which you said: "It'll be nice to meet the
skin.
coming his way as friends, church groups,
abandon
President. I think it will be cool." [Laugh-
the
and businesses heard of his interest in help-
ter] Well, it's been cool to meet you, too.
ing the homeless. Word continued to
[Laughter]
61
Jan. 16 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1986
And now it's my honor to announce the
Dakota. On an autumn evening in 1984,
turn the NAACP
two medals for bravery. One goes to an 18-
when Greg was 16, he and three girls were
zation, into a nat
year-old-Richard Makinson of Pixley, Cali-
walking to the Lead High School for the
civil rights with
fornia. One spring day in 1984, when Rich-
homecoming dance. By the way, Greg, one
members. He tu
ard was 16, he and friends were swimming
boy with three girls-I have to hand it to
would rather ha
in the Feather River. For Richard, swim-
you. [Laughter] As Greg and his friends
a movement Am
ming was an activity that required special
neared the school, a speeding car suddenly
with. His coura
attention. You see, he's a diabetic and must
rounded a curve and headed straight for
rights of every
be careful not to overexert himself. On this
them. One of the girls jumped clear; the
mankind, manif
day Richard had perhaps pushed himself
other two girls seemed to freeze. As the car
nonviolence-all
too far, because he noticed that he had
sped down upon him, Greg chose to save
parts of his char
become shaky. In order to raise the sugar
his friends, not himself; and he threw the
grandson of a sla
level in his blood, he stopped swimming to
two girls free. An instant later, Greg's head
rienced many i
go get something to eat. On his way, Rich-
shattered the car windshield; both his legs
overcome with
ard heard screams. He turned to see that
were broken. The driver never even
who sought not
two little girls had fallen into an unsafe part
stopped. Later that night, he was arrested.
better America.
of the river and were being swept down-
Greg, you saved two young women from
And this spir
stream. Despite his dangerous condition,
injury, possibly from death, at enormous
1949, at a time
Richard dived in. He reached one girl, 12-
cost to yourself. You're a living definition of
come to grips V
year-old Susanna Foster; and although she
courage.
stitutional racis
was terrified and struggling, he managed to
And there we have it-Trevor Ferrell,
convention of
get her safely to the riverbank. Richard
Janelle Lynn Peery, Richard Makinson,
meaning of A
then returned for the other girl, 11-year-old
Gregory Delzer-four young Americans to
land," he said
Kristy Boring. He got within a few feet of
inspire us all. I've often said that when I
helped to buil
her before the current dragged her under.
consider the youth of our country, I know
from Boston C
Richard dived again and again, but Kristy
that America will be in good hands. I've
words like this
was gone. Richard returned to the shore
never felt that more strongly than at this
his fellow coun
and collapsed, devastated that, although
moment. Once again, congratulations to
Americans are
he'd saved one girl, he had been unable to
each of you. And to your parents, thank you
Wilkins who de
rescue the other.
for raising such fine young Americans and
that America li
In a recent interview, Richard said that
for permitting us today to share in your
erty and justice
his act of bravery "makes me feel good, but
pride.
Wilkins, we're
I still don't think it was such a big deal.
Thank you. God bless you. And now the
It gives me
Anyone who was there would have done
Attorney General and I will distribute the
memorate Roy
the same thing." Well, Richard, that's the
awards.
cause of huma
modesty of a hero.
strengthened
The second medal for bravery goes to 17-
Note: The President spoke at 1:33 p.m. in
the American
year-old Gregory Delzer, of Lead, South
the East Room at the White House.
medal speciall
great man, Ro
And Mrs. Wilk
to you now on
United States.
Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Congressional Gold
zens.
Medal Honoring Roy Wilkins
Mrs. Wilkin
January 16, 1986
to thank you
The President. Mrs. [Aminda B.] Wilkins,
discrimination. Roy Wilkins dedicated his
Senator Moynihan, Secretary [of Housing
life to eliminating these evils. He has
and Urban Development] Pierce, honored
helped make our country a just and a
guests, today we're gathered to pay homage
decent land for all Americans.
to an individual who contributed so much
Roy was a journalist, a communicator by
to this country. Roy Wilkins was born into
trade. He was also the quintessential Ameri-
an America plagued with segregation and
can activist. His skills and dedication helped
62
MarkD.
ADDRESS: YOUNG AMERICAN MEDAL, ROOM 450 OEOB
THURSDAY/11:30 A.M./SEPT. 21, 1989
ATTORNEY GENERAL THORNBURGH -- DICK -- DIRECTOR
STANLEY MORRIS -- DIRECTOR SESSIONS -- BILL -- DAVID
RUNKEL, AND ESPECIALLY YOU MEDAL WINNERS. WELCOME TO
THE WHITE HOUSE. IT WILL BE MY HONOR TO BESTOW, IN
JUST A MOMENT, THE YOUNG AMERICAN MEDAL FOR BRAVERY;
AND THE YOUNG AMERICAN MEDAL FOR SERVICE, FOR 1987 AND
1988.
- 2 -
A GREAT WRITER, I BELIEVE IT WAS EMERSON, SAID THAT
A HERO IS NO BRAVER THAN ANYONE ELSE; ONLY BRAVE FOR
FIVE MINUTES LONGER. Two YOUNG PEOPLE WITH US TODAY
KNOW THESE MINUTES OF BRAVERY, MINUTES WHERE TERRIBLE
EVENTS SEEM TO OCCUR IN SLOW MOTION, MINUTES FACING
DEATH AND CHALLENGING ETERNITY.
- 3 -
ONE OF THE RECIPIENTS OF A YOUNG AMERICAN MEDAL FOR
BRAVERY IS TWELVE YEARS OLD. SHE IS ANGELA MARIE
CAMPANOLI ((CAMP-PA-NO-LEE)), AND SHE ATTENDS THE 7TH
GRADE AT AYLEN ((A-LYNN)) JUNIOR HIGH IN WASHINGTON
STATE. ANGELA, HER MOTHER YVONNE, HER BROTHER BRYAN,
AND A FRIEND, WERE AT THE BEACH IN MAUI ON OCTOBER
FIFTH, 1988. THREE JAPANESE TOURISTS -- A MAN, HIS
WIFE AND THEIR LITTLE BOY -- WERE ALSO AT THAT SAME
BEACH, THAT SAME DAY.
- 4 -
THE JAPANESE CHILD GOT CAUGHT IN A CURRENT, AND
STARTED TO PANIC. HIS PARENTS, SEEING THIS, DASHED
INTO THE ROUGH SURF TO RESCUE HIM. OTHERS GOT TO THE
CHILD FIRST. BUT THE MOTHER WAS DRAGGED BY A
RELENTLESS CURRENT, OUT TO SEA. ANGELA QUICKLY DOVE
IN, SWAM TO THE WOMAN, AND HELD HER HEAD ABOVE WATER.
HER BROTHER, BRYAN, WAS ALSO RIGHT THERE. AND
TOGETHER, BRYAN AND ANGELA BROUGHT THE WOMAN BACK TO
SHORE. BACK TO HER FAMILY. BACK TO HER LIFE.
- 5 -
WE ARE ALSO HERE TO HONOR THE LATE JOHN BANKSTON OF
DALLAS. ON JULY 17, 1987, A CHURCH BUS AND A VAN
CARRYING 43 PEOPLE FROM A CHILDREN'S CAMP WERE SWEPT
INTO THE CURRENTS OF THE GUADALUPE RIVER IN KERR
COUNTY, TEXAS. POUNDING WAVES SCATTERED THE GROUP AND
TOPPLED THE BUS AND VAN.
- 6 -
THE YOUNGSTERS WHO SURVIVED CLUNG TO BRANCHES AND
FORMED A HUMAN CHAIN TO CROSS THE RIVER. ONE OF THEM
WAS JEFF BOWMAN, WHO HAD A CAST ON HIS LEG FROM A
BROKEN ANKLE. JOHN CARRIED JEFF ON HIS BACK FOR TWO
HOURS, UNTIL THEY REACHED A TREE. JEFF LET GO AND
GRABBED A LOG THAT WAS FLOATING DOWNSTREAM. JOHN CLUNG
TO THE TREE, AND WAS NEVER SEEN AGAIN. HE WAS 17-
YEARS-OLD.
- 7 -
ROSIE, JOHN, WE KNOW THAT A PARENT'S GRIEF IS A SPECIAL
HARDSHIP. BUT WE HOPE THAT YOUR GRIEF IS TEMPERED BY
PRIDE, PRIDE IN YOUR HERO, YOUR SON JOHN. ((PAUSE))
IN CALIFORNIA, A DIFFERENT KIND OF TRAGEDY ALMOST
OCCURRED. ON APRIL TWENTY-SIXTH, 1988, AN ARMED
STUDENT WALKED INTO THE ENGLISH CLASS OF SAN GABRIEL
HIGH SCHOOL; AND SEVENTY STUDENTS SUDDENLY BECAME
SEVENTY HOSTAGES. ONE OF THEM IS WITH US TODAY. HE IS
RUBEN ORTEGA.
- 8 -
THIS YOUNG MAN THREW HIS LIFE INTO THE BALANCE. AND
BECAUSE OF HIS BRAVERY, HIS CLASSMATES ARE SAFE AND
WELL TODAY.
WHEN I WAS RUBEN'S AGE, WILL ROGERS SAID THAT BEING
A HERO IS ABOUT THE SHORTEST-LIVED PROFESSION ON EARTH.
BUT WILL ROGER'S WRY HUMOR IS BELIED BY HIS OWN LIFE, A
MAN WHO LIGHTENED THE WORRIES OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION
WITH LAUGHTER AND GOODWILL.
- 9 -
So FOR SOME, BRINGING HOPE AND EVEN SAVING LIVES IS
NOT A MATTER OF MINUTES. IT'S A MATTER OF MONTHS AND
YEARS OF GIVING. IT'S A HABIT, A HABIT OF THE HEART.
AND THAT IS WHY WE GIVE THE YOUNG AMERICAN MEDAL FOR
SERVICE.
WE HAVE WITH US FREDDY TORRES OF EAST BOSTON HIGH
SCHOOL. AT AGE 18, FREDDY SPENT COUNTLESS HOURS AS A
PEER LEADER, INSPIRING HUNDREDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO STAY
AWAY FROM DRUGS AND LEARN ABOUT THE DANGERS OF AIDS.
- 10 -
AND FREDDY WENT BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, TAKING HIS
MESSAGE WHERE IT IS NEEDED MOST -- TO THE STREETS. IT
WAS OUT OF CLASS THAT FREDDY PERSUADED YOUNG PEOPLE,
OFTEN DROP-OUTS, TO ENLIST IN DRUG AND AIDS PREVENTION
PROGRAMS.
I HAVE SAID THAT FROM NOW ON, IN AMERICA, ANY
DEFINITION OF A SUCCESSFUL LIFE MUST INCLUDE SERVICE TO
OTHERS.
- 11 -
BY THIS DEFINITION, JOHN PHILIP DONOVAN OF RIVER VALE,
NEW JERSEY, IS ABOUT AS SUCCESSFUL AS YOU CAN BE. LAST
YEAR, WHEN HE WAS 17, JOHN SERVED HIS COMMUNITY IN MANY
WAYS: As A LEADER OF A Boy SCOUT TROOP WITH LEARNING
AND OTHER DISABLED SCOUTS AS MEMBERS; AS A FUND-RAISER
FOR MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY, BRINGING IN SIXTY-FIVE HUNDRED
DOLLARS; AS A LEADER OF STUDENTS-AGAINST-DRUNK-DRIVING]
AND MANY OTHER ACTIVITIES.
- 12 -
SEAN Fox OF ETHEL, WASHINGTON, IS ANOTHER YOUNG
AMERICAN WHO CARES ENOUGH TO ACT. HE ORGANIZED A FOOD
BANK FOR TOLEDO, WASHINGTON; AND INVOLVED HIS PARENTS,
MAYOR, SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS IN
THE DRIVE. BECAUSE OF SEAN'S WORK, THE FOOD BANK
SERVES MORE THAN EIGHTY FAMILIES IN NEED.
- 13 -
VICKI LYNN URICK ((YOUR-ICH)) OF ALVIN, TEXAS, HAS
DEDICATED HER EFFORTS TO CLEANING UP LOCAL BEACHES AND
RESTORING DUNES ALONG THE TEXAS COAST. SHE ALSO
STARTED A NATIONWIDE ALUMINUM CAN DRIVE TO RESTORE THE
BATTLESHIP TEXAS, AND HAS BEEN A LEADER IN MANY OTHER
PROJECTS.
- 14 -
THESE SERVICES MAY NOT BE AS DRAMATIC AS PULLING
SOMEONE FROM THE SURF, OR SUBDUING A GUNMAN. BUT
FREDDY, JOHN, SEAN AND VICKI KNOW SOMETHING VERY
PROFOUND -- THAT IT IS IN THE DAILY ACCUMULATION OF
SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS, THAT LIFE CAN BE IMPROVED. AND
OFTEN, LIVES CAN BE SAVED.
LET ME OFFER ONE LAST THOUGHT. SOMETIMES WE LOSE
SIGHT OF THE VAST MAJORITY OF YOUNG AMERICANS WHO ARE
DOING THEIR BEST TO BETTER THIS WORLD.
- 15 -
So FOR THOSE WHO WORRY ABOUT THE FUTURE, PERHAPS THEY
SHOULD CONSIDER THESE YOUNG AMERICANS. You AND I KNOW
THAT IN THE FUTURE, OUR COUNTRY WILL BE IN GOOD HANDS,
BECAUSE IT WILL BE IN THEIR HANDS.
AND NOW, IT IS MY HONOR TO PRESENT ALL OF YOU WITH
YOUR YOUNG AMERICAN MEDALS.
#
#
#
GREAT OF INSTICE
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
Young
American
Medals
Regulations
Information on the
I
Awards
Y oung American
Medals
Young
American
Medals
Regulations
YOUNG AMERICAN MEDALS COMMITTEE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Regulations Establishing the Young American Medal for
Bravery and the Young American Medal for Service
Pursuant to the authority contained in the Act of
August 3, 1950, 64 Stat. 297-398, 42 U.S.C. 1921 et seq., and
by direction of the Attorney General of the United States,
the following Regulations are hereby promulgated for the
purpose of establishing and awarding the medals provided
for in the Act above mentioned:
SECTION 1. Names of medals.-There are hereby
established two medals, one to be known as the Young
American Medal for Bravery and the other to be known as
the Young American Medal for Service.
SECTION 2. Young American Medal for Bravery.-(a)
This medal may be awarded to a person eighteen years old
or under, who habitually resides in the United States
(including its territories and possessions), and who during a
given calendar year has exhibited exceptional courage,
attended by extraordinary decision, presence of mind, and
unusual swiftness of action, regardless of his or her own
personal safety, in an effort to save or in saving the life of
any person or persons in actual imminent danger. A candi-
date for this medal must habitually reside in the United
States but need not be a citizen thereof. No more than two
such medals may be awarded in any one calendar year.
(b) In order to establish eligibility for the Young Ameri-
can Medal for Bravery, it must appear that all of the condi-
tions set forth in subsection (a) of this Section concur in the
unusual endeavor exhibited by the candidate.
(1)
2
SECTION 3. Young American Medal for Service.-(a)
The Young American Medal for Service may be awarded to
any person who is a citizen of the United States and is
eighteen years old or under, and who has achieved out-
standing or unusual recognition for character and service
during a given calendar year. No more than two such
medals may be awarded in any one calendar year.
(b) Only citizens of the United States are eligible to
receive the Young American Medal for Service. Character
attained and service accomplished by a candidate for this
medal must have been such as to make his or her achieve-
ment worthy of public report. The outstanding and unusual
recognition of the candidate's character and service must
have been public in nature and must have been acknowl-
edged by the chief executive officer or officers of a state,
county, municipality, or other political subdivision, or by a
civic, educational or religious institution, group or society.
(c) The recognition of the character and service upon
which the award of the Medal for Service is based must have
been accorded separately and apart from the Young Ameri-
can Medals Program and must not have been accorded for
the specific and announced purpose of rendering a candi-
date eligible, or of adding to a candidate's qualifications, for
the award of the Young American Medal for Service.
SECTION 4. Eligibility requirements.-(a) The act or
acts of bravery and the recognition for character and service
which make a candidate eligible for either of the medals
must have occurred during the calendar year for which the
award is made.
(b) To be eligible for either medal, a candidate must not
have reached his or her nineteenth birthday on the date of
the pertinent exhibition of bravery or recognition for char-
acter and service, respectively.
(c) A candidate may be eligible for both medals in the
same year, and the receipt of either medal in one year will
not affect a candidate's eligibility for the award of either or
both of the medals in a succeeding year.
3
(d) Acts of bravery performed and recognition of char-
acter and service achieved by persons serving in the Armed
Forces, which arise from or out of military or naval duties
shall not make a candidate eligible for either of the medals:
Provided, however, That a person serving in the Armed
Forces shall be eligible to receive either or both of the
medals if the act of bravery performed or the recognition for
character and service achieved is on account of acts and
service performed or rendered outside of and apart from
military or naval duties.
SECTION 5. Information required.-(a) A recommen-
dation in favor of a candidate for the award of either of the
medals established by Sections 2 and 3 of these Regulations
must be accompanied by (1) a full and complete statement
of the candidate's outstanding endeavor or recognized
character and service achievement (including the times and
places) which it is thought qualifies the candidate to receive
the medal suggested, (2) supporting statements by witnesses
or persons having personal knowledge of the facts sur-
rounding the candidate's unusual endeavor or recognized
achievement, as the case may be, (3) a certified copy of the
candidate's birth certificate, or, if no birth certificate is
available, other authentic evidence of the date and place of
the candidate's birth, and (4) a biographical sketch of the
candidate, including information as to his or her citizenship
or habitual residence, as the case may require.
SECTION 6. Procedure.-(a) All recommendations and
accompanying documents and papers should be submitted
to the Governor or chief executive officer of the state,
territory, or possession of the United States where the can-
didate's outstanding endeavor or achievement occurred. In
the case of the District of Columbia, the papers should be
submitted to the Mayor. If the outstanding endeavor or
achievement did not occur within the boundaries of any
state, territory, or possession of the United States, the pa-
pers should be submitted to the Governor of the state, or to
the chief executive officer of the territory or other posses-
sion of the United States, wherein the candidate habitually
maintains his or her residence.
4
(b) The appropriate Governor or other chief executive
officer will consider the various recommendations received
by him and after the close of the pertinent calendar year will
nominate therefrom no more than two candidates for the
Young American Medal for Bravery and no more than two
candidates for the Young American Medal for Service who,
in his opinion, are shown by the facts and circumstances to
be the most worthy and qualified candidates from his terri-
torial jurisdiction to receive consideration for awards of the
above-named medals, respectively.
(c) Not later than March 15 of each year, the respective
Governors or other highest executive officers will submit
the names of the candidates nominated by them for bravery
or for service performed in the prior calendar year and also
submit the documents and papers containing the informa-
tion required by these Regulations, together with any com-
ments they desire to make, to the Young American Medals
Committee, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.
20530. From the candidates so submitted, the Young Amer-
ican Medals Committee will, with the approval of the
Attorney General of the United States, select the candi-
dates, who in its opinion are shown by the facts and circum-
stances to be entitled to the medals, and will award appro-
priate medals to the candidates so selected:
(d) Nominations of candidates for medals will be consi-
dered only when received from Governors or other chief
executive officers of states, territories, or possessions of the
United States but the nomination of candidates by such
officers shall not be considered mandatory.
(e) If, in the opinion of the Attorney General, no candi-
date nominated for the award of any of the medals estab-
lished by these Regulations for a given calendar year meets
fully the exacting requirements warranted by the high
national honor to be conferred, that particular medal or
medals need not be awarded for that calendar year.
(f) The decision of the Young American Medals Com-
mittee awarding medals shall, when approved by the Attor-
ney General, be final and not subject to further review.
5
SECTION 7. Presentation.-(a) The Young American
Medal for Bravery and the Young American Medal for
Service will be presented by the President of the United
States in person to the candidates finally selected and will be
presented in the name of the President and the Congress of
the United States. The presentation ceremonies shall be
held at such time and place as shall be selected by the
President and the Attorney General.
(b) The Young American Medals Committee will offi-
cially designate two adults (preferably the parents of the
candidate) to accompany each finally selected candidate to
the presentation ceremonies. The candidates and persons
designated to accompany them will be furnished transpor-
tation and other allowances.
(c) There shall be presented to each recipient of a medal
an appropriate certificate of commendation stating the cir-
cumstances under which the act of bravery was performed
or citing the outstanding recognition for character and
service, as the case may be. The certificate will bear the
signature of the President of the United States, the Attorney
General of the United States, and the members of the
Young American Medals Committee.
(d) There shall also be presented to each recipient of a
medal a miniature replica of the medal awarded, in the form
of a lapel pin.
SECTION 8. Posthumous awards. In cases where the
above named medals are awarded posthumously, the
Young American Medals Committee will designate the
father or mother of the deceased or some other suitable
person to receive the medal on behalf of the deceased. The
decision of the Young American Medals Committee in
designating the person to receive the medal posthumously
awarded shall be final.
6
SECTION 9. Effective date.-These Regulations shall
be effective as of January 1, 1982.
Young American Medals Committee
Director of the FBI, Chairman
Administrator of the Drug Enforcement
Administration, Member
Director of the U.S. Marshals Service, Member
Director of the Office of Public Affairs, Member
and Executive Secretary
# # #