H.R. 7211, Public Law 119-81

It removes the usual time limits that could prevent Ripley from receiving the nation’s highest military decoration for his valor.

What the law does ​

• Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley.
• Covers Ripley’s acts of valor as a Marine on April 2, 1972, during the Vietnam War.
• Waives any time limit that would otherwise bar the award.

Who it affects ​

• John W. Ripley, who previously received the Navy Cross for the same actions.
• The President, who may award the medal.

Breakdown ​

To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley for acts of valor during the Vietnam War, and for other purposes. ​

This law authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Marine Corps veteran John W. Ripley for his valor on April 2, 1972, during the Vietnam War. It waives the usual time limits that could otherwise prevent the award.

Key takeaways

• The President may award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley.
• The authorization covers Ripley’s actions as a Marine on April 2, 1972, during the Vietnam War.
• Ripley previously received the Navy Cross for the same acts of valor.
• The law overrides any time limit that would otherwise bar the award.