CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD Of THE MEDAL FOR MERIT
TO
J. EDGAR HOOVER
J. EDGAR HOOVER, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States. A preeminent citizen and public servant, Mr. Hoover has placed his opportunity to serve the citizens of the United States above personal interest. Under his able leadership as Director, the Federal Bureau of Investigation not only has become a powerful instrument of law enforcement in peacetime, but throughout the war years safeguarded the internal security of the United States, rendering ineffective espionage and preventing sabotage. Mr. Hoover's devotion to duty and outstanding administrative ability have contributed greatly to the welfare and defense of the Nation.
HARRY S. TRUMAN
Note: The presentation was made by the President at the White House at 12:30 p.m. in a joint ceremony also honoring John Monroe Johnson and John J. Pelley (see Items 55 and 56).
Harry S Truman, Citation Accompanying the Medal for Merit Presented to J. Edgar Hoover. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/232640