Since the late 19th Century, the government of Japan has awarded six different levels of Medals of Honor to individuals for achievements in various fields.

Four graduates of Earlham College have received these medals which are awarded every spring and fall and presented by the Emperor. Their names and the medals they received are listed below.

Gordon T. Bowles Class of 1925 Awarded the Order of the Rising Sun in 1958

Wendell M. Stanely Class of 1926 Awarded the Order of the Rising Sun
Stanley was also awarded a Nobel Prize in 1946.

Jackson H. Bailey Class of 1950 Awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1988
Bailey taught in Earlham’s History Department (1959-1993) & was instrumental in developing Earlham’s Japanese Studies Program. He received an Outstanding Alumni Award from Earlham in 1996.

Barbara Ruch Class of 1954 Awarded the Order of the Precious Crown with Butterfly Crest
Ruch is Professor Emerita of Japanese Literature and Culture at Columbia University and received an Outstanding Alumni Award from Earlham in 2003. (link)

Photos and more information about these awards-Link