1974 Press Photo President Nixon presents Medal of Freedom to Secretary Laird

The Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, is presented by President Nixon to Melvin R. Laird, his former defense secretary and counselor, at a White House party last night. "Few men have served America better than Melvin R. Laird," Nixon said in reading the citation at the black-tie party attended by members of Congress, Defense Department top brass and others.

Photo is dated 1974.

Photo measures 9 x 8 inches.