Irwin M. Jacobs was recently awarded the National Medal of Technology for ``his vision, innovation and leadership in the field of digital wireless communications over the past 25 years; and for his development of Code Division Multiple Access as a commercial technology adopted as a US digital cellular standard providing increased capacity, quality and services and greatly enhancing the US position in the international telecommunications marketplace.''
The US Department of Commerce, which administers the award, describes the National Medal of Technology as the ``Nation's highest technology award.'' It recognizes ``excellence in technological innovation and commercialization.'' The President of the United States of America gives final approval for all awards.