A legend in the field of medicine has received one of the highest honors in the nation.

Dr. Michael Debakey was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal today on Capitol Hill.

The 99-year-old surgeon has a long list of accomplishments.

Debakey is called the world's premiere heart surgeon and has operated on more than 60,000 patients.

He helped create the artificial heart. And during his time in World War II he developed mobile army surgical hospitals, or "mash" units" that have since saved thousands of lives on the battlefield.

"Dr. Debakey has an impressive resume, but his truest legacy is not inscribed on a medal or etched into stone. It is written on the human heart," President Bush said.

"Since receiving this award, my cup runneth over. Thank you very much," Debakey said.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest award Congress can award a civilian.

Some of the other recipients include Thomas Edison, the Wright brothers, and U.S. Army Surgeon Walter Reed.