Medal of Honor Authorization for John W. Ripley

Congress Enacted Laws (119th Congress)

Published March 26th, 2026

Detected April 3rd, 2026

Summary

Congress enacted Public Law 119-81 authorizing the President to award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley for acts of valor on April 2, 1972, during the Vietnam War. The law waives time limitations specified in 10 U.S.C. sections 8298(a) and 8300 to permit this award. Ripley previously received the Navy Cross for these same actions.

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What changed

Public Law 119-81 is a private bill enacted by the 119th Congress that specifically authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley, a former Marine Corps member. The legislation overrides statutory time limitations for military award nominations by referencing 10 U.S.C. sections 8298(a), 8300, and 8291. The bill originated as H.R. 7211 and passed both chambers in early 2026.

No compliance obligations are imposed on private entities by this legislation. The primary action required is executive branch execution of the Medal of Honor award to Mr. Ripley. This is a narrow, individualized legislative act with no broader regulatory implications for the public or private sectors.

Source document (simplified)

140 STAT. 751 PUBLIC LAW 119-81--MAR. 26, 2026

Public Law 119-81 119th Congress An Act

VTo authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley for DMar. 26, 2026 acts of valor during the Vietnam War, and for other purposes. [H.R. 7211]

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) A .--Notwithstanding the time limitations UTHORIZATIONspecified 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) A .--The acts of valor described CTS OF ALOR ESCRIBEDin 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.

Approved March 26, 2026.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 7211: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 172 (2026): Feb. 3, considered and passed House. Mar. 3, considered and passed Senate. Æ

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