Watch CBS News

Paterno Nominated for Highest Civilian Award in Country

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Penn State football coach Joe Paterno has been nominated for the highest civilian award in the country.

Congressmen including Glenn Thompson, Mark Critz and Tim Holden say the Hall of Fame coach deserves a Presidential Medal of Freedom for his service to the Nittany Lions, the university and the State College community.

Their nomination letter to President Barack Obama says Paterno personifies sportsmanship on the field and academic achievement in the classroom while also noting Paterno's philanthropic efforts.

Paterno's 394 career victories are most among major college coaches.

A spokesman for Critz says Critz and Holden were approached by House staffers who are Penn State graduates to nominate Paterno and Thompson helped lead the effort. Thompson's district includes State College, about 150 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.