CHAPTER 57 —DECORATIONS AND AWARDS
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2022—
2019—
2014—
2013—
2011—
2008—
2004—
2003—
2000—
1998—
1997—
1996—
1993—
1985—
1984—
1966—
1965—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Establishment of the Atomic Veterans Commemorative Service Medal
"(a)
"(b)
"(2) Sixty days prior to publishing the eligibility requirements for this medal, the Secretary of Defense shall submit proposed eligibility criteria under paragraph (1) to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives for comment.
"(3) The Secretary of Defense may require persons to submit supporting documentation for the medal authorized in subsection (a) to determine eligibility under paragraph (1).
"(c)
"(1)
"(2)
"(3)
"(d)
Development of Guidelines for Use of Unofficial Sources of Information To Determine Eligibility of Members and Former Members of the Armed Forces for Decorations When the Service Records Are Incomplete Because of Damage to the Official Record
"(a)
"(b)
Atomic Veterans Service Certificate
"(a)
"(b)
"(1)
"(2)
Award of Medals or Other Commendations to Handlers of Military Working Dogs
"(a)
"(b)
"(c)
"(d)
Promotional Materials and Recognition Items for Participants in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom
Report on Department of Defense Process for Awarding Decorations
"(a)
"(b)
"(1) from the time a recommendation for the award of a decoration is submitted until the time the award of the decoration is approved; and
"(2) from the time the award of a decoration is approved until the time when the decoration is presented to the recipient.
"(c)
"(d)
Separate Military Campaign Medals To Recognize Service in Operation Enduring Freedom and Service in Operation Iraqi Freedom
"(a)
"(b)
Commendation of Members of Armed Forces and Government Civilian Personnel Who Served During Cold War
"(a)
"(1) During the period of the Cold War, from the end of World War II until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a global military rivalry.
"(2) This rivalry, potentially the most dangerous military confrontation in the history of mankind, has come to a close without a direct superpower military conflict.
"(3) Military and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense, personnel in the intelligence community, members of the foreign service, and other officers and employees of the United States faithfully performed their duties during the Cold War.
"(4) Many such personnel performed their duties while isolated from family and friends and served overseas under frequently arduous conditions in order to protect the United States and achieve a lasting peace.
"(5) The discipline and dedication of those personnel were fundamental to the prevention of a superpower military conflict.
"(b)
"(c)
Executive Documents
Ex. Ord. No. 8809. Good Conduct Medal
Ex. Ord. No. 8809, June 28, 1941, 6 F.R. 3209, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 9323, Mar. 31, 1943, 8 F.R. 4225; Ex. Ord. No. 10444, Apr. 10, 1953, 18 F.R. 2069; Ex. Ord. No. 14085, §2, Oct. 3, 2022, 87 F.R. 60541, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is ordered as follows:
There is hereby established the Good Conduct Medal, which shall include suitable appurtenances. Such medal may be awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity, under such regulations as the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Air Force shall severally prescribe, to those enlisted members of the Army of the United States and the United States Air Force who on or after August 27, 1940, and on or after December 20, 2019, in the case of the United States Space Force, had or shall have honorably completed three years of active Federal military service, or who after December 7, 1941, and on or after December 20, 2019, in the case of the United States Space Force, have or shall have honorably served one year of active Federal military service while the United States is at war, or who at the time of the termination of their active Federal military service have not previously been awarded a Good Conduct Medal and have completed a period of honorable service of less than three years if any part of that period of service has been performed after June 27, 1950, and on or after December 20, 2019, in the case of the United States Space Force: Provided, that no persons, except persons separated from the active Federal military service by reason of physical disability incurred in line of duty, shall be awarded such medal for a period of service of less than one year.
Ex. Ord. No. 9158. Air Medal
Ex. Ord. No. 9158, May 11, 1942, 7 F.R. 3541, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 9242–A, Sept. 11, 1942, 7 F.R. 7874; Ex. Ord. No. 14085, §1, Oct. 3, 2022, 87 F.R. 60541, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is hereby ordered that an Air Medal, with accompanying ribbons, be established for award to those individuals who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard of the United States, subsequent to September 8, 1939, distinguish, or have distinguished, themselves by meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight.
The Air Medal and appurtenances thereto shall be of appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense and, under such regulations as the Secretaries of the military departments may prescribe, may be awarded by the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Air Force, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, or by such commanding officers of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard as the said Secretaries may respectively designate. Awards to personnel of the Coast Guard when serving under the jurisdiction of the Navy shall be made by or under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy.
No more than one Air Medal shall be awarded to any one person, but for each succeeding meritorious achievement justifying such an award a suitable bar or other device may be awarded to be worn with the medal as prescribed by appropriate regulations. In the event of a posthumous award the medal, bar, or device may be presented to such representative of the deceased as may be designated in the award.
The regulations of the Secretaries of the military departments concerned with respect to the award of the Air Medal shall, so far as practicable, be uniform and shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of Defense.
Ex. Ord. No. 10694. Authorizing the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to Issue Citations in the Name of the President of the United States to Military and Naval Units for Outstanding Performance in Action
Ex. Ord. No. 10694, Jan. 10, 1957, 22 F.R. 253, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §74, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10631; Ex. Ord. No. 14085, §3, Oct. 3, 2022, 87 F.R. 60542, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the armed forces of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:
1. The Secretaries of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, respectively, are hereby authorized to issue a citation in the name of the President of the United States, as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction, to any organization, detachment, installation, ship, aircraft, or other unit for outstanding performance in action on or after October 16, 1941, in the case of the Navy or Marine Corps, and on or after December 7, 1941, in the case of the Army or the Air Force, and on or after December 20, 2019, in the case of the Space Force. Such citations may also be issued to units of armed forces of cobelligerent nations serving with the armed forces of the United States for outstanding performance in action on or after December 7, 1941; provided that such units shall meet the standards established for the armed forces of the United States.
2. Appropriate insignia of such form and design as may be determined by the Secretary concerned may be displayed by any organization, detachment, installation, ship, aircraft, or other unit to which such citation is issued.
3. After any unit is cited pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof for outstanding performance in action, a ribbon identifying such citation shall be issued and shall become a permanent part of the uniform of those persons assigned or attached thereto who were actually present and participated in the action for which the unit was cited, or in one of the actions if more than one action is mentioned in the citation, whether they thereafter serve with such unit or with a different unit. Such persons are authorized to wear an appropriate additional device for any subsequent citation for which they are eligible, made either to the same unit or to a unit to which they are subsequently assigned. If authorized by the Secretary concerned, persons assigned to a unit subsequent to an action for which it was cited, may wear the citation ribbon while so assigned.
4. This order supersedes Executive Orders No. 9050 of February 6, 1942, and No. 9396 of November 22, 1943.
5. The Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating may exercise the same authority with respect to the Coast Guard under this order as the Secretary of the Navy may exercise with respect to the Navy and the Marine Corps under this order.
Ex. Ord. No. 11448. Meritorious Service Medal
Ex. Ord. No. 11448, Jan. 16, 1969, 34 F.R. 915, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12312, July 2, 1981, 46 F.R. 35251; Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §61, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10629, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is ordered as follows:
Executive Order No. 11544
Ex. Ord. No. 11544, July 8, 1970, 35 F.R. 11115, which established a Vice Presidential Service Certificate and a Vice Presidential Service Badge, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11926, July 19, 1976, 41 F.R. 29805, set out below.
Ex. Ord. No. 11904. Defense Superior Service Medal
Ex. Ord. No. 11904, Feb. 6, 1976, 41 F.R. 5625, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America, and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Gerald R. Ford.
Ex. Ord. No. 11926. Vice Presidential Service Badge
Ex. Ord. No. 11926, July 19, 1976, 41 F.R. 29805, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §56, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10629; Ex. Ord. No. 13373, §1, Mar. 10, 2005, 70 F.R. 12579, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America, and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Ex. Ord. No. 11965. Humanitarian Service Medal
Ex. Ord. No. 11965, Jan. 19, 1977, 42 F.R. 4329, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §55, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10629, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America, and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Ex. Ord. No. 12019. Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Ex. Ord. No. 12019, Nov. 3, 1977, 42 F.R. 57945, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13666, Apr. 18, 2014, 79 F.R. 22591, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America, and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Ex. Ord. No. 12793. Presidential Service Certificate and Presidential Service Badge
Ex. Ord. No. 12793, Mar. 20, 1992, 57 F.R. 10281, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §31, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10625, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is ordered of follows:
Ex. Ord. No. 12830. Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Ex. Ord. No. 12830, Jan. 9, 1993, 58 F.R. 4061, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §28, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10625, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Ex. Ord. No. 12985. Establishing Armed Forces Service Medal
Ex. Ord. No. 12985, Jan. 11, 1996, 61 F.R. 1209, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §20, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10624, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including my authority as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:
(b) Encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action.
Ex. Ord. No. 13306. Establishing the Bob Hope American Patriot Award
Ex. Ord. No. 13306, May 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 33337, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President and as Commander in Chief by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is ordered as follows:
(a) The Award may be granted by the President, in his sole discretion, to any civilian individual who has demonstrated extraordinary love of country and devotion to the personnel of the United States Armed Forces, in the form of true patriotism. The Award may also be granted by the President to an organization that meets the same criteria.
(b) Other than in exceptional circumstances, no more than one Award may be granted in any given year.
(c) The presentation of the Award may take place at any time during the year.
(d) Subject to the provisions of this order, the Award may be conferred posthumously.
George W. Bush.
Ex. Ord. No. 13830. Delegation of Authority To Approve Certain Military Decorations
Ex. Ord. No. 13830, Apr. 20, 2018, 83 F.R. 18191, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 14085, §5, Oct. 3, 2022, 87 F.R. 60542, provided:
For the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of
(a) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
(b) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or, with respect to the Coast Guard, an international terrorist organization; or
(c) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
(a) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
(b) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or, with respect to the Coast Guard, an international terrorist organization; or
(c) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
(a) The Secretary of the military department concerned, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, may award the Legion of Merit, without degree, in the name of the President to members of the Armed Forces of the United States, who, after September 8, 1939, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding services.
(b) The Secretary of Defense, after concurrence by the Secretary of State, may award the Legion of Merit, in the degrees of Commander, Officer, and Legionnaire, to a member of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations.
(c) The Secretary of Defense, after concurrence by the Secretary of State, shall submit to the President for approval, recommendations for award of the Legion of Merit, in the degree of Chief Commander, to a member of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations.
(a) The Secretary of the military department concerned, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, may award the Distinguished Flying Cross in the name of the President to eligible persons identified in subsection (b) who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, distinguish themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight aboard an aircraft or spacecraft.
(b)(i) Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, including a member not on active duty, who, while participating in an aerial flight aboard an aircraft or spacecraft, performs official duties incident to such membership is eligible for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
(ii) Any member of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation who, while serving with the Armed Forces of the United States, participates in an aerial flight aboard an aircraft or spacecraft and performs official duties incident to such membership is eligible for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
(iii) Civilians are not eligible for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
(c) No Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded or presented to any person, or to that person's representative, if the person's service after the qualifying act or achievement has not been honorable.
(d) With regard to the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for a qualifying act or achievement performed:
(i) on or before July 2, 1926, no award shall be made after July 2, 1929, unless the award recommendation was made on or before July 2, 1928, in which case the award may be made;
(ii) between December 7, 1941, and September 2, 1945, no award shall be made after May 2, 1952, unless the award recommendation was made on or before May 2, 1951, in which case the award may be made;
(iii) between September 3, 1945, and twelve o'clock noon on December 31, 1946 (the date and time World War II hostilities were terminated pursuant to Proclamation 2714 of December 31, 1946 [50 U.S.C. note prec. 1]), no award shall be made unless the award recommendation was made on or before June 30, 1947;
(iv) between July 2, 1926, and September 10, 2001, with the exception of a qualifying act or achievement authorized pursuant to paragraphs (ii) or (iii) of this subsection, no award shall be made more than 3 years after the date of the qualifying act or achievement unless the award recommendation was made within 2 years of the qualifying act or achievement; or
(v) on or after September 11, 2001, no award shall be made except in accordance with any time limitations established in regulations by the Secretary of the military department concerned or by the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy.
(e) The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded posthumously. When so awarded, it may be presented to such representative of the deceased as may be deemed appropriate by the Secretary of the military department concerned, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy.
(f) Not more than one Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to any one person. For each succeeding act of heroism or extraordinary achievement justifying such an award, a suitable bar or other device may be awarded to be worn with the medal.
(a) The Secretary of the military department concerned, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, may award the Soldier's Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Airman's Medal, and Coast Guard Medal in the name of the President to those individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, as the case may be, distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.
(b) The Secretary of the Navy may award the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to any person to whom the Secretary of the Navy, before August 7, 1942, awarded a letter of commendation for heroism, and who applies for that medal, regardless of the date of the act of heroism.
(c) Not more than one Soldier's Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Airman's Medal, or Coast Guard Medal may be awarded to any one person. For each succeeding act of heroism justifying such an award, a suitable bar or other device may be awarded to be worn with the medal.
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order supersedes Executive Order 4601 of March 1, 1927, as amended, and Executive Order 9260 of October 29, 1942, as amended. However, existing regulations prescribed pursuant to those orders, shall, so far as they are not inconsistent with this order, remain in effect until modified or revoked by regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, under this order.
(d) This order is not intended to, and does not, invalidate any award of military decorations covered by this order made prior to the effective date of this order.
(e) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
§1121. Legion of Merit: award
The President, under regulations to be prescribed by him, may award a decoration called the "Legion of Merit", having suitable appurtenances and devices and not more than four degrees, to any member of the armed forces of the United States or of any friendly foreign nation who, after September 8, 1939, has distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding services.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 1121 | 10:1408b(1). | July 20, 1942, ch. 508, §2(1), |
The words "Government of the Philippines" are omitted as covered by the words "any friendly foreign nation". The words "There is created", "rules and", and "the proclamation of an emergency by the President on" are omitted as surplusage.
§1122. Medal for Merit: award
The President, under regulations to be prescribed by him, may award a decoration called the "Medal for Merit", having distinctive appurtenances and devices and only one degree, to any civilian of any nation prosecuting the war in existence on July 20, 1942, under the joint declaration of the United Nations, as then constituted, or of any other friendly foreign nation, who, after September 8, 1939, has distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding services. The Medal for Merit may be awarded to a civilian of a foreign nation but only for performing an exceptionally meritorious or courageous act in the furtherance of the war efforts of the United Nations as then constituted.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 1122 | 10:1408b (less (1)). | July 20, 1942, ch. 508, §2 (less (1)), |
The words "in existence on July 20, 1942" are inserted for clarity and refer to the war in existence on the date of enactment of the source statute. The words "as then constituted" are inserted for clarity, since the United Nations organization in existence on July 20, 1942, was not the present United Nations organization. The words "There is created", "rules and", and "the proclamation of an emergency by the President on" are omitted as surplusage.
Executive Documents
Ex. Ord. No. 9637. Medal for Merit
Ex. Ord. No. 9637, Oct. 3, 1945, 10 F.R. 12543, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 9857A, May 27, 1947, 12 F.R. 3583, provided:
1. The decoration of the Medal for Merit shall be awarded only by the President of the United States or at his direction. Awards of the Medal for Merit may be made to such civilians of the nations prosecuting the war under the joint declaration of the United Nations and of other friendly foreign nations as have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services since the proclamation of an emergency by the President on September 8, 1939. Awards of the Medal for Merit made to civilians of foreign nations shall be for the performance of an exceptionally meritorious or courageous act or acts in furtherance of the war efforts of the United Nations.
2. There is hereby established the Medal for Merit Board, which shall be composed of three members appointed by the President, one of whom shall be designated by the President to act as Chairman of the Board.
3. The Medal for Merit Board shall receive and consider proposals for the award of the decoration of the Medal for Merit and submit to the President the recommendations of the Board with respect thereto. In the case of proposed awards to civilians of foreign nations, such recommendations shall include the recommendations of the Secretary of State.
4. The Medal for Merit Board is authorized to prescribe, with the approval of the President, such rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this order as may be necessary to accomplish its purposes.
5. Executive Order 9331 of April 19, 1943 and the Medal for Merit Board created thereby, are superseded by this order.
6. The Medal for Merit shall not be awarded for any services relating to the prosecution of World War II performed subsequent to the cessation of hostilities, as proclaimed by Proclamation No. 2714 of December 31, 1946, and no proposal for an award for such services submitted after June 30, 1947, shall be considered by the Medal for Merit Board.
§1123. Right to wear badges of military societies
(a) A member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force who is a member of a military society originally composed of men who served in an armed force of the United States during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, or the Chinese Relief Expedition of 1900 may wear, on occasions of ceremony, the distinctive badges adopted by that society.
(b) A member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force who is a member of the Army and Navy Union of the United States may wear, on public occasions of ceremony, the distinctive badges adopted by that society.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 1123(a) | 10:1427 (1st sentence). 34:371 (1st sentence). |
Sept. 25, 1890, J. Res. 50, |
| 1123(b) | 10:1427 (less 1st sentence). | May 11, 1894, J. Res. 26, |
| 34:371 (less 1st sentence). | Feb. 2, 1901, ch. 192, §41, |
|
| Jan. 12, 1903, J. Res. 2, |
||
| Mar. 2, 1907, J. Res. 18, |
In subsection (a), the words "an armed force" are substituted for the words "armies and navies". The words "Revolutionary War", "Civil War", and "Philippine Insurrection" are substituted for the words "War of the Revolution", "War of the Rebellion", and "incident insurrection in the Philippines", respectively, to reflect present terminology. The words "originally composed" are substituted for the words "in their own right", to reflect an opinion of the Attorney General (see 23 Op. Atty. Gen. 454).
In subsections (a) and (b), the word "member" is substituted for the words "officers and enlisted men". The words "Navy * * * or Marine Corps" are substituted for the word "Navy", since the word "Navy" in the source statute has, by long-standing administrative interpretation, been construed to include the Marine Corps.
In subsection (b), the words "in their own right" are omitted as surplusage.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—
§1124. Cash awards for disclosures, suggestions, inventions, and scientific achievements
(a) The Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, may authorize the payment of a cash award to, and incur necessary expense for the honorary recognition of, a member of the armed forces under his jurisdiction who by his disclosure, suggestion, invention, or scientific achievement contributes to the efficiency, economy, or other improvement of operations or programs relating to the armed forces.
(b) Whenever the President considers it desirable, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, are authorized to pay a cash award to, and incur necessary expense for the honorary recognition of, a member of the armed forces who by his disclosure, suggestion, invention, or scientific achievement contributes to the efficiency, economy, or other improvement of operations of the Government of the United States. Such award is in addition to any other award made to that member under subsection (a).
(c) An award under this section may be paid notwithstanding the member's death, separation, or retirement from the armed force concerned. However, the disclosure, suggestion, invention, or scientific achievement forming the basis for the award must have been made while the member was on active duty or in an active reserve status and not otherwise eligible for an award under
(d) A cash award under this section is in addition to the pay and allowances of the recipient. The acceptance of such an award shall constitute—
(1) an agreement by the member that the use by the United States of any idea, method, or device for which the award is made may not be the basis of a claim against the United States by the member, his heirs, or assigns, or by any person whose claim is alleged to be derived through the member; and
(2) a warranty by the member that he has not at the time of acceptance transferred, assigned, or otherwise divested himself of legal or equitable title in any property right residing in the idea, method, or device for which the award is made.
(e) Awards to, and expenses for the honorary recognition of, members of the armed forces under this section may be paid from (1) the funds or appropriations available to the activity primarily benefiting; or (2) the several funds or appropriations of the various activities benefiting, as may be determined by the President for awards under subsection (b), and by the Secretary concerned for awards under subsection (a).
(f) The total amount of the award, or awards, made under this section for a disclosure, suggestion, invention, or scientific achievement may not exceed $25,000, regardless of the number of persons who may be entitled to share therein.
(g) Awards under this section shall be made under regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, or by the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy.
(h) For the purposes of this section, a member of the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or of the Public Health Service who is serving with an armed force shall be treated as if he were a member of that armed force.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Codification
Another section 1124 was renumbered 1126 of this title.
Amendments
2002—Subsecs. (a), (b), (g).
1985—
1980—Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (g).
Subsec. (h).
1968—Subsecs. (a), (b), (g).
1966—Subsec. (g).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2002 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1985 Amendment
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of functions of Public Health Service, see note set out under
Ex. Ord. No. 11438. Procedures Governing Interdepartmental Cash Awards
Ex. Ord. No. 11438, Dec. 3, 1968, 33 F.R. 18085, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12107, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1055; Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §63, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10629, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me by section 1124(b) and (e) of
§1124a. Cyber operations-peculiar awards
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) the funds or appropriations available to the activity primarily benefiting from the novel action, invention, or technical achievement; or
(2) the several funds or appropriations of the various activities benefiting from the novel action, invention, or technical achievement.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(Added
§1125. Recognition for accomplishments: award of trophies
The Secretary of Defense may—
(1) award medals, trophies, badges, and similar devices to members, units, or agencies of an armed force under his jurisdiction for excellence in accomplishments or competitions related to that armed force; and
(2) provide badges or buttons in recognition of special service, good conduct, and discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.
(Added
Executive Documents
Ex. Ord. No. 11545. Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Ex. Ord. 11545, July 9, 1970, 35 F.R. 11161, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 14085, §6, Oct. 3, 2022, 87 F.R. 60543, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is ordered as follows:
§1126. Gold star lapel button: eligibility and distribution
(a) A lapel button, to be known as the gold star lapel button, shall be designed, as approved by the Secretary of Defense, to identify next of kin of members of the armed forces—
(1) who lost their lives during World War I, World War II, or during any subsequent period of armed hostilities in which the United States was engaged before July 1, 1958;
(2) who lost or lose their lives after June 30, 1958—
(A) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
(B) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(C) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent party against an opposing armed force; or
(3) who lost or lose their lives after March 28, 1973, as a result of—
(A) an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of Defense; or
(B) military operations while serving outside the United States (including the commonwealths, territories, and possessions of the United States) as part of a peacekeeping force.
(b) Under regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary concerned, upon application to him, shall furnish one gold star lapel button without cost to each next of kin of a member who lost or loses his or her life under any circumstances prescribed in subsection (a).
(c) Not more than one gold star lapel button may be furnished to any one individual except that, when a gold star lapel button furnished under this section has been lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use without fault or neglect on the part of the person to whom it was furnished, the button may be replaced upon application and without cost.
(d) In this section:
(1) The term "next of kin" means individuals standing in such relationship to members of the armed forces described in subsection (a) as the Secretaries concerned shall jointly specify in regulations for purposes of this section.
(2) The term "World War I" includes the period from April 6, 1917, to March 3, 1921.
(3) The term "World War II" includes the period from September 8, 1939, to July 25, 1947, at 12 o'clock noon.
(4) The term "military operations" includes those operations involving members of the armed forces assisting in United States Government sponsored training of military personnel of a foreign nation.
(5) The term "peacekeeping force" includes those personnel assigned to a force engaged in a peacekeeping operation authorized by the United Nations Security Council.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in sections 1 to 3 of act Aug. 1, 1947, ch. 426,
Amendments
2019—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d).
1993—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (d)(7), (8).
1987—Subsec. (d).
1983—Subsec. (a)(1).
§1127. Precedence of the award of the Purple Heart
In prescribing regulations establishing the order of precedence of awards and decorations authorized to be displayed on the uniforms of members of the armed forces, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall accord the Purple Heart a position of precedence, in relation to other awards and decorations authorized to be displayed, not lower than that immediately following the bronze star.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1985—
§1128. Prisoner-of-war medal: issue
(a) The Secretary concerned shall issue a prisoner-of-war medal to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the armed forces, was taken prisoner and held captive—
(1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
(2) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(3) while serving with friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
(b) Under uniform regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary concerned may issue a prisoner-of-war medal to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the armed forces, was held captive under circumstances not covered by paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (a), but which the Secretary concerned finds were comparable to those circumstances under which persons have generally been held captive by enemy armed forces during periods of armed conflict.
(c) The prisoner-of-war medal shall be of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances.
(d) In prescribing regulations establishing the order of precedence of awards and decorations authorized to be displayed on the uniforms of members of the armed forces, the Secretary concerned shall accord the prisoner-of-war medal a position of precedence, in relation to other awards and decorations authorized to be displayed—
(1) immediately following decorations awarded for individual heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service, and
(2) before any other service medal, campaign medal, or service ribbon authorized to be displayed.
(e) Not more than one prisoner-of-war medal may be issued to a person. However, for each succeeding service that would otherwise justify the issuance of such a medal, the Secretary concerned may issue a suitable device to be worn as the Secretary determines.
(f) For a person to be eligible for issuance of a prisoner-of-war medal, the person's conduct must have been honorable for the period of captivity which serves as the basis for the issuance.
(g) If a person dies before the issuance of a prisoner-of-war medal to which he is entitled, the medal may be issued to the person's representative, as designated by the Secretary concerned.
(h) Under regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a prisoner-of-war medal that is lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use without fault or neglect on the part of the person to whom it was issued may be replaced without charge.
(i) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that regulations prescribed by the Secretaries of the military departments under this section are uniform so far as practicable.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2013—Subsec. (a)(2) to (4).
Subsecs. (b) to (i).
1989—Subsec. (a)(4).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1989 Amendment
Effective Date
§1129. Purple Heart: members killed or wounded in action by friendly fire
(a) For purposes of the award of the Purple Heart, the Secretary concerned shall treat a member of the armed forces described in subsection (b) in the same manner as a member who is killed or wounded in action as the result of an act of an enemy of the United States.
(b) A member described in this subsection is a member who is killed or wounded in action by weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict, other than as the result of an act of an enemy of the United States, unless (in the case of a wound) the wound is the result of willful misconduct of the member.
(c) This section applies to members of the armed forces who are killed or wounded on or after December 7, 1941. In the case of a member killed or wounded as described in subsection (b) on or after December 7, 1941, and before November 30, 1993, the Secretary concerned shall award the Purple Heart under subsection (a) in each case which is known to the Secretary before such date or for which an application is made to the Secretary in such manner as the Secretary requires.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1997—Subsec. (c).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Enhanced Information Related to Awarding of the Purple Heart; Publication of Award Criteria
"(1) a description of the background of the Purple Heart;
"(2) the eligibility criteria for awarding the Purple Heart; and
"(3) contact information for the awards and decorations liaison of such Armed Force to facilitate confirmation, by a veteran or a veteran's next of kin, whether a veteran was awarded the Purple Heart after December 31, 2002."
Award of Purple Heart to Persons Wounded While Held as Prisoners of War Before April 25, 1962
"(a)
"(b)
"(c)
"(d)
"(1) Failure of the applicant to provide any documentation as required by the Secretary shall not in itself disqualify the application from being considered.
"(2) In evaluating the application, the Secretary shall consider (A) historical information as to the prison camp or other circumstances in which the applicant was held captive, and (B) the length of time that the applicant was held captive.
"(3) To the extent that information is readily available, the Secretary shall assist the applicant in obtaining information or identifying the sources of information referred to in paragraph (2).
"(4) The Secretary shall review a completed application under this section based upon the totality of the information presented, taking into account the length of time between the period during which the applicant was held as a prisoner of war and the date of the application."
Executive Documents
Ex. Ord. No. 11016. Authorizing Award of the Purple Heart
Ex. Ord. No. 11016, Apr. 25, 1962, 27 F.R. 4139, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11382, §13(4), Nov. 28, 1967, 32 F.R. 16247; Ex. Ord. No. 12464, Feb. 23, 1984, 49 F.R. 7099; Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §71, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10630; Ex. Ord. No. 13758, Jan. 12, 2017, 82 F.R. 5321, provided:
WHEREAS General George Washington, at Newburg-on-the-Hudson, on August 7, 1782, during the War of the Revolution, issued an Order establishing the Honorary Badge of Distinction, otherwise known as the Badge of Military Merit or Decoration of the Purple Heart; and
WHEREAS the award of that decoration ceased with the closing of the War of the Revolution and was revived on February 22, 1932, out of respect to the memory and military achievements of General George Washington, by War Department General Orders No. 3:
NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the armed forces of the United States, it is ordered as follows:
1. The Secretary of a military department, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with regard to the Coast Guard when not operating as a service in the Navy, shall, in the name of the President of the United States, award the Purple Heart, with suitable ribbons and appurtenances, to any member or former member of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of that department who, while serving as a member of the armed forces, has been, or may hereafter be, wounded:
(a) in any action against an enemy of the United States;
(b) in any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the armed forces of the United States are or have been engaged;
(c) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party;
(d) as the result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed force;
(e) as the result of an act of any hostile foreign force;
(f) while being taken captive or while being held as a prisoner of war, and for purposes of this paragraph a person is considered a prisoner of war if the person is eligible for the Prisoner of War Medal pursuant to
(g) after March 28, 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack for the purposes of this order by the Secretary of the department concerned, or jointly by the Secretaries of the departments concerned if persons from more than one department are wounded in the attack;
(h) after March 28, 1973, as a result of military operations, while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force;
(i) after September 10, 2001, in an attack that was motivated or inspired by a foreign terrorist organization, which the Secretary of the department concerned shall treat in the same manner as an international terrorist attack, provided the attack specifically targeted the member due to his or her military service as provided in
(j) after December 6, 1941, by friendly weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict, other than as the result of an act of an enemy of the United States, an opposing armed force, or hostile foreign force.
2. The Secretary of a military department, or the Secretary of Homeland Security with regard to the Coast Guard when not operating as a service in the Navy, shall, in the name of the President of the United States, award the Purple Heart, with suitable ribbons and appurtenances, posthumously, to any member of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of that department covered by, and under the circumstances described in:
(a) paragraphs 1(a)–(f) who, after April 5, 1917;
(b) paragraphs 1(g)–(h) who, after March 28, 1973;
(c) paragraph 1(i) who, after September 10, 2001; or
(d) paragraph 1(j) who, after December 6, 1941, has been, or may hereafter be, killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded.
3. A wound for which the award is made must have been of such severity that it required treatment by a medical officer.
4. The Purple Heart is not authorized for a wound or death that results from the willful misconduct of the member.
5. The Purple Heart shall be forwarded to the next of kin of any person entitled to the posthumous award, without respect to whether a previous award has been made to such person, except that if the award results from service before December 7, 1941, the Purple Heart shall be forwarded to such next of kin upon his application therefore to the Secretary of the department concerned.
6. Except as authorized in paragraph 5, not more than one Purple Heart shall be awarded to any person, but for each subsequent award a Gold Star, or other suitable device, shall be awarded to be worn with the Purple Heart as prescribed by appropriate regulations to be issued by the Secretary of the department concerned.
7. When authorized by the Secretary of the department concerned, the award of the Purple Heart may be made by subordinate military commanders, or such other appropriate officers as the Secretary concerned may designate.
8. The Secretary of the department concerned may prescribe such regulations as he considers appropriate to carry out this order. The regulations of the Secretaries of the departments with respect to the award of the Purple Heart shall, so far as practicable, be uniform, and those of the military departments shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of Defense.
9. This order supersedes Executive Order No. 10409 of November 12, 1952, entitled "Award of the Purple Heart to Persons Serving with the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States". However, existing regulations prescribed pursuant to that order, together with regulations prescribed under the authority of General Orders No. 3, War Department, February 22, 1932, shall, so far as they are not inconsistent with this order, remain in effect until modified or revoked by regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the department concerned under this order.
§1129a. Purple Heart: members killed or wounded in attacks by foreign terrorist organizations
(a)
(b)
(2) For purposes of this section, an attack by an individual or entity shall be considered to be an attack by a foreign terrorist organization if—
(A) the individual or entity was in communication with the foreign terrorist organization before the attack; and
(B) the attack was inspired or motivated by the foreign terrorist organization.
(c)
(Added
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Retroactive Effective Date and Application
"(A)
"(B)
"(C)
"(D)
§1130. Consideration of proposals for decorations not previously submitted in timely fashion: procedures for review
(a) Upon request of a Member of Congress, the Secretary concerned shall review a proposal for the award or presentation of a decoration (or the upgrading of a decoration), either for an individual or a unit, that is not otherwise authorized to be presented or awarded due to limitations established by law or policy for timely submission of a recommendation for such award or presentation. Based upon such review, the Secretary shall make a determination as to the merits of approving the award or presentation of the decoration.
(b) Upon making a determination under subsection (a) as to the merits of approving the award or presentation of the decoration, the Secretary concerned shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and to the requesting Member of Congress a detailed discussion of the rationale supporting the determination. If the determination includes a favorable recommendation for the award of the Medal of Honor, the Secretary of Defense, instead of the Secretary concerned, shall make the submission under this subsection.
(c) Determinations under this section regarding the award or presentation of a decoration shall be made in accordance with the same procedures that apply to the approval or disapproval of the award or presentation of a decoration when a recommendation for such award or presentation is submitted in a timely manner as prescribed by law or regulation.
(d) In this section:
(1) The term "Member of Congress" means—
(A) a Senator; or
(B) a Representative in, or a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, Congress.
(2) The term "decoration" means any decoration or award that may be presented or awarded to a member or unit of the armed forces.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2011—Subsec. (b).
2003—
Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
"(1) The award or presentation of the decoration does not warrant approval on the merits.
"(2) The award or presentation of the decoration warrants approval and a waiver by law of time restrictions prescribed by law is recommended.
"(3) The award or presentation of the decoration warrants approval on the merits and has been approved as an exception to policy.
"(4) The award or presentation of the decoration warrants approval on the merits, but a waiver of the time restrictions prescribed by law or policy is not recommended.
A notice under paragraph (1) or (4) shall be accompanied by a statement of the reasons for the decision of the Secretary."
1999—Subsec. (b).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Eligibility for Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Participation in Operation Joint Endeavor or Operation Joint Guard
"(a)
"(b)
"(1) was deployed in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, or in such other area in the region as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate, in direct support of one or both of the operations;
"(2) served on board a United States naval vessel operating in the Adriatic Sea in direct support of one or both of the operations; or
"(3) operated in airspace above the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, or in such other area in the region as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate, while the operations were in effect.
"(c)
"(1) The term 'Operation Joint Endeavor' means operations of the United States Armed Forces conducted in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the period beginning on November 20, 1995, and ending on December 20, 1996, to assist in implementing the General Framework Agreement and Associated Annexes, initialed on November 21, 1995, in Dayton, Ohio.
"(2) The term 'Operation Joint Guard' means operations of the United States Armed Forces conducted in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a successor to Operation Joint Endeavor during the period beginning on December 20, 1996, and ending on such date as the Secretary of Defense may designate."
Eligibility of Certain World War II Military Organizations for Award of Unit Decorations
Authority To Award Decorations Recognizing Acts of Valor Performed in Combat During the Vietnam Conflict
"(a)
"(1) The Ia Drang Valley (Pleiku) campaign, carried out by the Armed Forces in the Ia Drang Valley of Vietnam from October 23, 1965, to November 26, 1965, is illustrative of the many battles during the Vietnam conflict which pitted forces of the United States against North Vietnamese Army regulars and Viet Cong in vicious fighting.
"(2) Accounts of those battles that have been published since the end of that conflict authoritatively document numerous and repeated acts of extraordinary heroism, sacrifice, and bravery on the part of members of the Armed Forces, many of which have never been officially recognized.
"(3) In some of those battles, United States military units suffered substantial losses, with some units sustaining casualties in excess of 50 percent.
"(4) The incidence of heavy casualties throughout the Vietnam conflict inhibited the timely collection of comprehensive and detailed information to support recommendations for awards recognizing acts of heroism, sacrifice, and bravery.
"(5) Subsequent requests to the Secretaries of the military departments for review of award recommendations for such acts have been denied because of restrictions in law and regulations that require timely filing of such recommendations and documented justification.
"(6) Acts of heroism, sacrifice, and bravery performed in combat by members of the Armed Forces deserve appropriate and timely recognition by the people of the United States.
"(7) It is appropriate to recognize acts of heroism, sacrifice, or bravery that are belatedly, but properly, documented by persons who witnessed those acts.
"(b)
"(2) Paragraph (1) applies to any decoration (including any device in lieu of a decoration) that, during or after the Vietnam era and before the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 10, 1996], was authorized by law or under regulations of the Department of Defense or the military department concerned to be awarded to members of the Armed Forces for acts of valor.
"(c)
"(2) The Secretaries shall begin the review within 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall complete the review of each request for consideration not later than one year after the date on which the request is received.
"(3) The Secretary may use the same process for carrying out the review as the Secretary uses for reviewing other recommendations for award of decorations to members of the Armed Forces under the Secretary's jurisdiction for valorous acts.
"(d)
"(2) The report shall include, with respect to each request for consideration received, the following information:
"(A) A summary of the request for consideration.
"(B) The findings resulting from the review.
"(C) The final action taken on the request for consideration.
"(e)
"(1) The term 'Vietnam era' has the meaning given that term in
"(2) The term 'active duty' has the meaning given that term in
Military Intelligence Personnel Prevented by Secrecy From Being Considered for Decorations and Awards
"(a)
"(2) Paragraph (1) applies to any decoration (including any device in lieu of a decoration) that, during or after the period described in paragraph (1) and before the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 10, 1996], was authorized by law or under the regulations of the Department of Defense or the military department concerned to be awarded to a person for an act, achievement, or service performed by that person while serving on active duty.
"(b)
"(2) The Secretaries shall begin the review within 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall complete the review of each request for consideration not later than one year after the date on which the request is received.
"(3) The Secretary may use the same process for carrying out the review as the Secretary uses for reviewing other recommendations for awarding decorations to members of the Armed Forces under the Secretary's jurisdiction for acts, achievements, or service.
"(c)
"(2) The report shall include, with respect to each request for consideration reviewed, the following information:
"(A) A summary of the request for consideration.
"(B) The findings resulting from the review.
"(C) The final action taken on the request for consideration.
"(D) Administrative or legislative recommendations to improve award procedures with respect to military intelligence personnel.
"(d)
Eligibility for Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Based Upon Service in El Salvador
"(a)
"(b)
§1131. Purple Heart: limitation to members of the armed forces
The decoration known as the Purple Heart (authorized to be awarded pursuant to Executive Order 11016) may only be awarded to a person who is a member of the armed forces at the time the person is killed or wounded under circumstances otherwise qualifying that person for award of the Purple Heart.
(Added
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Executive Order 11016, referred to in text, is Ex. Ord. No. 11016, Apr. 25, 1962, 27 F.R. 4139, which is set out as a note under
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
§1132. Presentation of decorations: prohibition on entering correctional facilities for presentation to prisoners convicted of serious violent felonies
(a)
(b)
(1) The term "decoration" means any decoration or award that may be presented or awarded to a member of the armed forces.
(2) The term "serious violent felony" has the meaning given that term in
(Added
§1133. Bronze Star: limitation on persons eligible to receive
The decoration known as the "Bronze Star" may only be awarded to a member of a military force who—
(1) at the time of the events for which the decoration is to be awarded, was serving in a geographic area in which special pay is authorized under section 310 or paragraph (1) or (3) of
(2) receives special pay under section 310 or paragraph (1) or (3) of
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2011—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2011 Amendment
§1134. Medal of honor: award to individual interred in Tomb of the Unknowns as representative of casualties of a war
The medal of honor awarded posthumously to a deceased member of the armed forces who, as an unidentified casualty of a particular war or other armed conflict, is interred in the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, is awarded to the member as the representative of the members of the armed forces who died in such war or other armed conflict and whose remains have not been identified, and not to the individual personally.
(Added
§1134a. Medal of honor: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor Roll
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2023—Subsec. (b).
2018—Subsec. (b).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date
§1135. Replacement of military decorations
(a)
(b)
(1) all actions to be taken with respect to the request, including verification of the service record of the recipient of the military decoration, are completed within one year; and
(2) the replacement military decoration is mailed to the person requesting the replacement military decoration within 90 days after verification of the service record.
(c)
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (b).
2013—Subsecs. (b), (c).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Amendment by
§1136. Honorable service requirement for award of military decorations
No military decoration, including a medal, cross, or bar, or an associated emblem or insignia, may be awarded or presented to any person, or to a representative of the person, if the service of the person after the person distinguished himself or herself has not been honorable.
(Added