Among the 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom was Jim Thorpe, the first Native American to win a gold medal. He died in 1953.


Mr Biden also recognised the most decorated female swimmer in history, Katie Ledecky.


Many of the recipients were Mr Biden's fellow Democrats.


They include two who ran for president: former Vice-President Al Gore and former Secretary of State John Kerry, who just stepped down as US special climate envoy.


Another, Nancy Pelosi, was the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House Representatives.


"History will remember you as the greatest Speaker," Mr Biden told her in brief remarks.


Business tycoon and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was also recognised.