The recipients of the awards included US defence personnel, Pakistani Americans, USAID officials, medical professionals, NGOs, philanthropists, citizens and heads of business companies, whose efforts made it possible to reach out to the quake-hit people in Pakistan's worst natural disaster.
Paying tributes to the American men and women, who sacrificed their comfort for mitigating the sufferings of the quake survivors, the president said their services and commitment to duty not only made America proud of them but also left indelible imprints on the minds of Pakistani people.
He recalled the widespread devastation caused by the October 8, 2005 tragedy and said American Chinook helicopters became a symbol of relief transport in the difficult mountainous remote areas.
President Musharraf said these were the people who left their homes to take care of those left shelterless in the wake of mountain-shaking quake that left 73,000 people dead, injuring almost an equal number.
The conferment of awards on the individuals, who dedicated to the service of suffering humanity represents a grateful nation's expression of gratitude to them.
President Musharraf, who visited the quake-hit areas several times, particularly praised the American combined medical response team hospital, and said it looked after a number of injured people in their hour of distress.
The president thanked US President Bush, who galvanised his nation for reaching out to the quake survivors and helped Pakistan in its hour of difficulty.
Speaking of the government's efforts to rebuild lives and livelihood of the affected people, the president said the reconstruction of these areas was being carried out on modern lines.
He said Pakistan was determined to convert this challenge into opportunity and the people would now have better quality of education and health services.
A new town would be built in place of Balakot, which was decimated by the 7.6-magnitude temblor.
Similarly, he said, the survivors would have quake-resistant houses and improved infrastructure.
He invited all the donors to visit quake-hit areas next month to see what Pakistan has done on the ground for the survivors with the financial assistance of the global community.
The gathering, including State Department officials, American citizens and heads of companies, warmly appreciated President Musahrraf's acknowledgement of their tireless efforts.
Two children received awards on behalf of the unsung heroes amidst prolonged applause.
Those who received awards included:
A. SITARA-E-EISAAR
1. US Combined Disaster Assistance Center (in Pakistan) Rear Admiral Michael LeFever, will receive the award in his capacity as the Head of the Center
2. USAID Pakistan, Lisa Chiles, former Mission Director of USAID, Pakistan
3. Jef Immelt, Chairman and CEO of the General Electric Company
4. Hank MeKinnell, Jr former Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, Inc.
5. Sandy Weill, Chairman of Citigroup, Inc.
6. Anne Mulcahy, Chairman and CEO of Xerox Corporation.
7. Jim Kelly, former chairman and CEO of United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
8. Pakistani-American community/ organisations and individuals (to be received by a person to be identified by the Embassy)
9. American organisations/individuals (To be received by a person to be identified by the Embassy).
10. To all unsung heroes (to be received by a special child identified by the Embassy).
B. SITARA-E-EISAAR
1. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), to be received on behalf of OFDA by William Berger, Regional Adviser based in Nepal.
2. Chinooks (helicopters that earned the name of "Angels of Mercy) (to be received by nominee of US Department of Defence).
3. Seabees (USA Navy combat troops and construction workers) (to be received by nominee of US Department of Defence).
4. MASH - the 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (to be received by nominee of US Department of Defence).
5. Combined Medical Response Team Hospital (Marine Corps) (to be received by nominee of US Department of Defence).
SITARA-E-EISAAR
1. American Red Cross - International response fund, International Rescue Committee, Mercy Corps, Save the Children, Eli Lilly and Company, Parke Davis, Pepsi Co, The Coca Cola Company, Pfizer Inc, United Parcel Services, Adventist Department and Relief Agency (ADRA) International, AmeriCares, Brother's Brother Foundation, CARE USA, Catholic Relief Services, Doctors Without Borders, Hidaya Foundation, Islamic Relief USA, World Vision.
TAMGHA-I-EISAAR Up to 5 individuals are to be conferred "Tamgha-i-Eisaar" from each of the unit listed under category-B.