Jaime Neri SJ, Recipient of the Presidential Award of Freedom

The American Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered to be the civilian equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor. It was instituted to honour civilians who made a specially meritious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, the world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavours.

It was instituted in 1945 by President Truman to honour those civilians that contributed to the US efforts in World War Two. 

This Medal was Awarded to Jaime Samporna Neri SJ

The American Presidential Medal of Freedom

“When war broke out, he was with a Jesuit Anthropologist, Francis J. Ewing on scientific trips around Mindanao. Caught by the Japanese with a note on his pocket that has something to do with bayonets, he was interrogated and tortured in Fort Santiago. He planned and executed a daring escape from the Bilibid Prison and joined the Guerrilla units in Luzon. For his services he received the Medal of Freedom from the US Government.”

Jaime S. Neri
Born in Tagoloan, Mis. Or. Feb. 22 1913
Entered the Society of Jesus on February 1933
Died in Cagayan de Oro on April 3 1998