Medal of Science President John F. Kennedy awarded the first
National Medal of Science on February 18, 1963 to Theodore von
Kármán for his leadership in science and engineering basic to
aeronautics. Von Kármán was also cited for his effective
teaching, contributions in many fields of mechanics, counsel to
the Armed Services, and for his promoting international
cooperation. Since its creation by Congress in 1959 as part of
Public Law 86-209, the National Medal of Science has honored
individuals "deserving of special recognition by reason of their
outstanding contributions to knowledge in the physical,
biological, mathematical, engineering, chemistry and social
sciences." Four decades later, more than 400 of America's
scientists, thinkers, and discovers have been honored with this
medal.