Sharansky to receive US highest civilian honor

President George W.Bush on Thursday announced that former Israeli cabinet minister Nathan Sharansky will be among the 10 recipients of this year's Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest US civilian award.

Among others being honored at a White House ceremony on Dec. 15 are musician BB King, commentator William Safire, literacy advocate Ruth Johnson Colvin, British historian Paul Johnson, Nobel Prize winning scientist Joshua Lederberg and John 'Buck' O'Neil, the first black Major League Baseball coach. (AP)