The U.S. Congress has awarded its highest civilian honor to agricultural scientist Norman Borlaug, who is credited with saving millions of people from starvation.
Borlaug, a Nobel Peace prize-laureate known as the father of the "Green Revolution," has worked for decades to fight hunger around the globe.
President Bush Tuesday joined the leaders of the House and Senate in presenting Borlaug the Congressional Gold Medal.
Borlaug went to work in 1944 on a scientific project to boost wheat production in Mexico, eventually finding a high-yield, disease resistant strain.
He used his landmark research to double wheat production in Pakistan and India, helping to bring both countries back from the brink of starvation. He also helped countries in Africa and Asia boost soil productivity.
Mr. Bush hailed Borlaug as someone who lived his life with urgency, understanding that one of the greatest threats to global progress is hunger.
The president said the most fitting tribute to the 93-year-old would be to launch a second Green Revolution that feeds the world. He said Borlaug has proved that one person can change the world.
Some information for this report provided by AP.