Ed Westcott, the photographer tapped to record Oak Ridge's role in building an atomic bomb during World War II, has been nominated to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, whose district includes Oak Ridge and its government reservation, submitted the 96-year-old Westcott's name and paperwork last year to the White House, according to Kasey Lovett, his press secretary.
The medal is considered the nation's highest honor given to a civilian. Among past recipients is Pat Summitt, legendary coach of the Lady Vols.
"I am not aware of a timeline, but given the magnitude and impact of the work of Mr. Westcott, the congressman hopes that the White House will quickly consider the nomination," Lovett said in an email to 10News on Tuesday.
“The men and women of the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge changed the world, and thanks to the incredible photography of Mr. Westcott we have a timeless record of this unique period in our country’s history," Fleischmann said in a released statement. "Mr. Westcott used his gift of photography to chronicle daily life and work in the Secret City by capturing history as it happened.
"It was my great honor and privilege to recommend him for a Presidential Medal of Freedom. I can think of no more deserving recipient than Mr. Westcott.”
The Republican congressman, of Ooltewah, also tweeted and posted a message Tuesday on Facebook about the nomination.
Past recipients of the President Medal of Freedom include Michael Jordan, Maya Lin and George H.W. Bush. Presidents often pick people they admire. Recipients can range from artists to political mavericks to sports stars to war heroes.
Some of Westcott's war-era photos are on display in Oak Ridge. Many also can be seen here.