But documents that were declassified in the 1990s showed Mr. Powers's flight had been a joint Central Intelligence Agency-Air Force mission, making him eligible for military medals.

WSJ: Cold War U-2 Pilot Francis Gary Powers to Receive Silver Star

But it's the distance runners that are most at home in Hayward Field, the ones who will be understood and applauded the loudest, and they are making up ground, and they are getting closer, and we can hope for some medals when we get to that nice, clean-air Olympics in Beijing...

NPR: U.S. Track Stars Vie for Spots on Olympic Team

They confirm that as a fighter pilot he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, silver and bronze stars, a purple heart and other medals.

NPR: 'I Love Mysteries,' Says Man Claiming Hidden Gold