H.R.7211: Authorize Medal of Honor for John W. Ripley

Congress Enacted Laws (119th Congress)

Published February 4th, 2026

Detected March 28th, 2026

Summary

The 119th Congress enacted H.R.7211, authorizing the President to award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley for acts of valor during the Vietnam War. This legislation overrides existing time limitations for awarding certain military medals.

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What changed

H.R.7211, enacted by the 119th Congress, authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley for his actions as a member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War on April 2, 1972. This authorization specifically overrides time limitations typically associated with awarding military medals, as outlined in sections 8298(a) and 8300 of title 10, United States Code. Ripley was previously awarded the Navy Cross for these actions.

This is a specific legislative act recognizing an individual's valor and does not impose new compliance obligations on regulated entities. Compliance officers should note this as a legislative update concerning military awards and historical recognition. There are no immediate actions required from regulated entities, and no compliance deadlines or penalties are associated with this enactment.

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H.R.7211 - 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. 119th Congress (2025-2026) |

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Text: H.R.7211 — 119th Congress (2025-2026) All Information (Except Text)

Listen There are 4 versions: Enrolled Bill Referred in Senate (02/04/2026) Engrossed in House (02/03/2026) Introduced in House (01/22/2026)

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Enrolled Bill

| | H. R. 7211 | | |

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AT THE SECOND SESSION

Begun and held at the City of Washington on Saturday,
the third day of January, two thousand and twenty-six

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.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Authorization for award of Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley for acts of valor as a member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

(a) Authorization.—Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in sections 8298(a) and 8300 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to award the Medal of Honor, under section 8291 of such title, to John W. Ripley for the acts of valor described in subsection (b).

(b) Acts of valor described.—The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of John W. Ripley, as a member of the Marine Corps, on April 2, 1972, during the Vietnam War, for which he was previously awarded the Navy Cross.

Attest:

| Speaker of the House of Representatives. |
Attest:

| Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | | Speaker of the House of Representatives. | Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | |
| Speaker of the House of Representatives. | | | | |
| Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | | | | |