Penn State coach Joe Paterno has been nominated again for the highest civilian honor in the nation, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Sens. Bob Casey and Pat Toomey and Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Centre, nominated the football legend in a letter to President Obama Wednesday.

"Coach Paterno over the years has shown tremendous character and loyalty," the letter reads. "Throughout his time at Penn State, he has remained committed to reaching goals without sacrificing the ideals that are central to higher education."

The medal is awarded for an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

Thompson nominated Paterno for the award last year, but the coach did not make the final list.

First Published: September 8, 2011, 4:00 a.m.