The National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI) is the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement, bestowed by the president of the United States on America's leading innovators. There were 4 laureates in the 1987 class.
Joseph V. Charyk
Communications Satellite Corp.
For employment of the concept of the geosynchronous communications satellite systems as the basis for a global telecommunications system, established by international agreement, and for his guidance in the development and growth of the intelsat system, which today services over 150 nations and territories.
For his forceful promotion of statistical methodology, for his contributions to sampling theory and for his advocacy to corporations and nations of a general management philosophy that has resulted in improved product quality with consequent betterment of products available to users as well as more efficient corporate performance.
John F. Franz
Monsanto Corp.
For his discovery of the herbicidal properties of glyphosates which have had significant consequences upon the production of agricultural food and fiber as well as upon agricultural practices throughout the world.
Robert N. Noyce
Intel Corp
For his inventions in the field of semiconductor integrated circuits, for his leading role in the establishment of the microprocessor which has led to much wider use of more powerful computers, and for his leadership of research and development in these areas, all of which have had profound consequences both in the United States and throughout the world.