Clare Boothe Luce was an American journalist, playwright, and politician. She was the first American woman appointed to a major ambassadorial post abroad, serving as Ambassador to Italy from 1953 to 1956. She was also the first woman to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which she was awarded in 1963. Luce was a prolific writer, having written over 20 plays, several books, and hundreds of articles for magazines such as Vanity Fair and Vogue. She was also a strong advocate for women's rights and was a vocal supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment.