Lyndon Johnson actually said...
We must make certain that we express our appreciation to the outstanding individuals in positions at all levels of Government who supply the special creative ability, the extra productive effort, or the unusually superlative skill that is vitally needed to carry our Federal programs to the topmost heights of excellence.
Context
Memorandum on Announcing the Names of Recipients of the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service.
05/22/1965