Harry Truman: “The peoples of the earth face the future with grave uncertainty, composed almost equally of great hopes and great fears.”

The experience of this early period of public action showed that constant vigilance and competent professional guidance are essential to prevent irreparable losses.

There is hereby established a medal to be known as the National Security Medal with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances.

Members of the armed forces of the United States who are awarded the decoration established by this order are authorized to wear the medal and the ribbon symbolic of the award, as may be authorized by uniform regulations approved by the…

I am happy to join with you in the recognition of the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of the Federal Civil Service merit system.