RENDERING HONORS - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, President Barack Obama and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, render honors during the playing of the national anthem at the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute in honor of Gates at the Pentagon, June 30, 2011. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeleyOn Final Day As Defense Secretary, Obama Honors Gates With Presidential Medal of Freedom -- Washington Post
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has honored outgoing Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ four decades of public service with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is the highest honor the president can give a civilian.
Gates’ last day on the job is Thursday after 4 1/2 years at the Pentagon.
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More News On Robert Gates
Gates Reflects on Service as U.S. Defense Secretary (A Retrospective) -- U.S. Department of Defense
Gates Sends Message Thanking Troops for Service -- U.S. Department of Defense
Mullen Lauds Gates’ ‘Distinguished Legacy’ at Farewell -- U.S. Department of Defense
Obama Calls Gates One of Nation’s Finest Public Servants -- Bloomberg
Gates, on eve of retirement, is sent off in fashion -- Washington Post
Robert Gates gets the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- Poltiico
Gates Awarded Medal Of Freedom At Farewell Tribute -- NPR
President surprises Gates with Medal of Freedom -- MSNBC
Gates lauds US troops in farewell statement -- New York Post
Robert Gates' Last Day -- ABC News
Gates Ends US Defense Secretary Tour -- Voice of America
Curtains Closing on Robert Gates' Years as Defense Secretary -- ABC News
Our view: Robert Gates leaves with non-partisan success -- USA Today
Opposing view: Robert Gates' disappointing legacy -- USA Today
Goodbye to Gates. Now for the difficult part. -- DoD Buzz
A Sober, Steady Hand: Robert Gates’ Legacy at the Pentagon -- Mark Thompson, Time
Robert Gates' last day at Pentagon: three reasons he'll be missed -- Anna Mulrine, Christian Science Monitor
Gates makes his exit -- Tom Mahnken, Shadow Government/Foreign Policy