United States. The 1977 Presidential Medal Of Freedom To Joe Dimaggio

Offered by eMedals is the Presidential Medal of Freedom - Awarded in Distinction to Joseph Paul Dimaggio as presented by President Gerald Ford on January 10th 1977. The highest civilian honour of the United States, this award stands as an iconic measure of American culture, its values, and represents an important piece of American 20th Century history.  Recipients of this illustrious award, as nominated by the President, embody progression, innovation, and have throughout their lifetime contributed to the advancement of American values and wellbeing.  Included in the offering are the following elements;  Badge (bronze gilt and enamels, 50.8 mm, on a full-length sash with badge resting on a rosette); Breast Star (bronze gilt and enamels, engraved "JOSEPH PAUL DiMAGGIO 1.10.77" on the reverse, 79 mm x 83 mm, triple push pin points); Miniature (bronze gilt and enamels, marked "D-56" and engraved "JOSEPH PAUL DiMAGGIO 1.10.77" on the reverse, 23.7 mm x 24.5 mm, bronze gilt eagle clasp on the ribbon, pinback); Ribbon Bar (10 mm x 36 mm, bronze gilt eagle clasp attached, pinback); and Eagle Pin on Ribbon (bronze gilt, 8 mm x 16 mm, push pin). Near mint. In its mahogany presentation case of issue, "Joseph DiMaggio" name plate above a silvered Presidential coat-of-arms embedded on the lid, 193 mm x 323 mm x 61 mm, case near extremely fine.

Accompanied by The Presidential Medal of Freedom Award Document, named to "Joseph Paul DiMaggio", inscribed "Superb athlete, coach, author and businessman, Joe DiMaggio stands tall among the ranks of genuine American heroes. Known and revered around the world as the "Yankee Clipper", he contributed many years of style and splendid ability to the sport which has come to be known as our national pastime. His character and grace, both on and off the playing field have been a continuing source of inspiration to Americans of all ages.", dated at The White House, Washington, D.C., January 10, 1977, signed by Gerald R. Ford, 38th President of the United States, in gold and black inks on a thick card stock, 277 mm x 352 mm, in its hardcovered presentation folder), one Photograph of President Ford Presenting DiMaggio with his Award and Document in the White House Ceremony (black and white, gloss finish, 176 mm x 253 mm), six Reproduction Photographs (five of DiMaggio during his WWII United States Army Air Forces service, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant, plus one other, black and white on card stock, matte finish, 216 mm x 279 mm each) and Time Magazine Cover (dated July 13, 1936, 203 mm x 285 mm, tear evident at the right centre, tattered edges).

Footnote: Joe DiMaggio, also known as “the Yankee Clipper” or “Joltin’ Joe,” was famous for his illustrious baseball career and relationship with Marilyn Monroe.  

Born Giuseppe Paolo DiMaggio in 1914 in California, he was the sixth of seven children to Italian immigrants Giuseppe and Rosalia DiMaggio. In his young life, DiMaggio worked odd jobs, dropping out of highschool. His first baseball opportunity was presented to him when his older brother Vince, who was playing for the San Francisco Seals, asked his manager to let DiMaggio fill in a shortstop. His first professional appearance was made on October 1, 1932. He quickly became a sensation, hitting in 61 consecutive games amongst other successes.

Following an off-field knee injury and recovery, DiMaggio’s contract was purchased by the Yankees in 1934. He was named the league’s most valuable player the next year. His major league career began on May 3, 1936, when he batted ahead of Lou Gehrig in the lineup. The Yankees won the next four Fall Classics, and DiMaggio led the team to nine World Series Championships. His franchise record for rookies of 29 home runs accomplished in 138 games was only recently beaten in 2017.

In 1937, DiMaggio met actress Dorothy Arnold and the couple was married in 1939 in San Francisco. Their son, Joseph Paul DiMaggio Jr. was born in 1941. In 1943, DiMaggio enlisted for the United States Army Air Forces. He was stationed at Santa Ana, California, Hawaii and New Jersey as a physical education instructor. The majority of his military career included playing baseball. Due to his pre-war fame, he was denied a combat assignment and was eventually released on medical discharge in September 1945 from chronic stomach ulcers. In 1944, he and Dorothy divorced.

In 1949, DiMaggio signed a $100,000 contract, becoming the first baseball player to break $100,000 in earnings. In 1950 he was ranked the second best center fielder. A poor 1951 season, riddled with various injuries resulted in DiMaggio announcing his retirement at age 37. His baseball career is legendary. In 2011, he was one of seven major leaguers to have had at least four 30-homer and100-RBI seasons in his first five years. He holds the record for the most seasons with more home runs than strikeouts, a feat that he successfully accomplished seven times, and five times consecutively from 1937-1941. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955. To this day, he still holds the record for the most consecutive games with at least one hit, totaling 56 games. 

DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe eloped, marrying in January 1954. A tumultuous relationship ensued as DiMaggio was jealous and abusive. Monroe filed for divorce nine months later, however, their relationship would continue years later. In 1961, Monroe’s marriage to Arthur Miller was ending, and it was DiMaggio that secured her release from Payne Whitney Psychiatric Clinic in Manhattan. Monroe died of a probable suicide in 1962, leaving DiMaggio devastated.

DiMaggio stayed in the limelight as the spokesman for Mr. Coffee in the 1970s; the face of Bowery Savings Back in 1972; and Florida Cross Keys Village in the late 80s.

In 1977, DiMaggio was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Gerald Ford. He was one of twenty-six recipients between 1974-1977, and one of fifteen baseball players between 1945-2019. This award is bestowed upon individuals who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

DiMaggio died at the age of 84, on January 19, 1999, following lung cancer surgery just months before. In 2006, the adopted daughters of his son held an auction for his personal items, which totaled $4.1 million. In 2011, he was featured on a USPS stamp as part of the “Major League Baseball All-Star Stamp Series.” His name is referred to in numerous contemporary pop culture references, and he remains known as one of the greatest baseball players.