There is no one who more exemplifies the devotion to our country, its goodness, its industry, and its strength than John Wayne."--President Ronald Reagan

"No man's lifetime of work has better expressed the land of the free and the home of the brave. No man's lifetime of work has given proof to the world that our flag is still there. John Wayne is in truth a star-spangled man who so proudly we hail."--Frank Sinatra

"John Wayne is loved the world over as a man who represents independence, the love of freedom, and the hearty strength of character which made our country great. For audiences at home, John Wayne, through his films, remains an authentic folk hero. In this era of shifting moral values and cynicism, he has made a contribution of inestimable value to American culture and is deserving of this tribute [a Congressional Gold Medal] from the American people.”—Gregory Peck