Donald Ainslie Henderson known as D. A. Henderson, is an American physician, educator, and epidemiologist who directed a 10-year international effort (1967–77) that eradicated smallpox throughout the world and launched international childhood vaccination programs. Henderson was born on September 7, 1928 in Lakewood, Ohio, of Scotch-Canadian immigrant parents. His father, David Henderson, was an engineer; his mother, Eleanor McMillan, was a nurse. Henderson graduated from Oberlin College in 1950 and received his MD from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in 1954. In 2002, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. He is the recipient of the National Medal of Science; the National Academy of Sciences Public Welfare Medal; and the Japan Prize, shared with two colleagues. He has received honorary degrees from 17 universities and special awards from 19 countries.