Charles Stewart Mott

Established in 1926, Mott's Flint, Mich.-basedfoundation has given supported nonprofit programs throughout the United States, and the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor bears his name.

In 1956, Past National Commander Raymond Kelly and The American Legion thanked Mott with a Distinguished Service Medal. In his tribute to Mott, Kelly said his foundation's most important contribution "has been to encourage individuals to accept their citizenship responsibility to give of themselves for the welfare of their fellow Americans and of their community, state and nation."

A wagon-wheel maker who joined the board of General Motors in 1907, Mott always defended the employment rights of U.S. veterans. Mott belonged to Oakley Traynor Post 64 in Flint, and "has always taken personal pride in wearing The American Legion button and working for the welfare and care of veterans," Kelly said.

Accepting the award, Mott borrowed the words of his friend Henry J. Taylor: "Working with others to create a better life for all is a satisfying experience, a reward within itself."

Mott earned much of his fortune from the auto industry, having moved to Flint when his company merged with Buick Motor Co. in 1905. As an original partner in General Motors, he served on the board until his death in 1973.

Mayor of Flint from 1912 to 1914 and from 1918 to 1919, Mott also served his nation as a gunner's mate in the Spanish-American War and as an Army major in charge of motor production during World War I. During World War II, he served on the Civilian Defense Council.

In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower called Mott the "National Big Brother of the Year." He was also honored by the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and many other groups.

For more on Mott, click here (http://www.mott.org/Home/about/thefoundation/ourfounder.aspx).