In 2007, President Bush awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet for his dedicated work advocating for human rights, freedom, and democracy in Cuba. At the time, Dr. Biscet was serving a harsh prison sentence in Havana for his activism. The medal was accepted by his children and directors of the Lawton Foundation for Human Rights, which Dr. Biscet founded.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor that a president may bestow. Dr. Biscet has been recognized worldwide for his peaceful and passionate opposition to the abuses of the Cuban government.

Despite his release from prison in 2011, Dr. Biscet has pledged not to allow the medal to enter Cuba until the country is free. The medal has been entrusted to the Freedom Collection for safekeeping, while Dr. Biscet continues his fight for freedom in Cuba.