| Answer | Crossword Clue |
|---|---|
| RITAMORENO | 2009 National Medal of Arts recipient |
| POITIER | 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient |
| TUTU | Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient in 2009 |
| ALDRIN | 2009 Congressional Gold Medal recipient |
| USO | 2011 Natl. Medal of Arts recipient |
| OSSIE | National Medal of Arts winner Davis |
| MAURICESENDAK | Children's author-illustrator with a National Medal of Arts |
| ODETTA | Singer given a 1999 National Medal of Arts |
| HERBALPERT | Bandleader awarded a 2012 National Medal of Arts |
| RITADOVE | Poet honored with a 2011 National Medal of Arts |
| STANLEE | Comic book writer with a National Medal of Arts |
| OLLIE | Disney animator Johnston who received the National Medal of Arts |
