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 6 laureates in the 1996 class.
Ronald H. Brown (Posthumous Award)
U.S. Secretary of Commerce, 1993-1996
For his vision of American global technological leadership, his tireless advocacy of research and development for economic growth and higher living standards for all, and his energetic efforts to champion the innovative spirit of the American people.
For a century of continuous innovation in research, development and commercialization of products that are critical in the management of disease, improvement of quality of life, reduction of health care costs and fostering of U.S. global competitiveness.
Charles H. Kaman
Kaman Corporation
For his pioneering work in the field of rotary-wing flight, his unique capacity for successful technology transfer from defense to commercial use, and for fostering a corporate environment in which diverse technological achievements flourish and new businesses are created.
Stephanie L. Kwolek
DuPont Company
For her contributions to the discovery, development and liquid crytstal processing of high-performance aramid fibers which provide new products worldwide to save lives and benefit humankind.
James C. Morgan
Applied Materials, Inc.
For his leadership of 20 years developing the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing equipment industry, and for his vision in building Applied Materials, Inc. into the leading equipment company in the world, a major exporter and a global technology pioneer which helps enable Information Age technologies for the benefit of society.
Peter H. Rose
Krytek Corporation
For his vision and outstanding leadership in the development and commercialization of ion implantation products that make possible the manufacture of modern semiconductors; and for his success in establishing and maintaining U.S. global leadership in the implantation equipment industry.