H.R. 7211 · Where this bill is now
Became law
Public Law 119-81, Mar 26, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryAuthorizes Medal of Honor for Vietnam veteran
This bill would let the President award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley, a Marine who served in the Vietnam War. Ripley previously received the Navy Cross, a high military honor, for his acts of bravery on April 2, 1972. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States.
How it affects you
This is a ceremonial honor with no direct effect on everyday life for most people. It recognizes one veteran's service and valor from the Vietnam War era.
Read the official summary (Passed Senate, Mar 3, 2026)
This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley for his acts of valor on April 2, 1972, as a member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, for which he was previously awarded the Navy Cross.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionH. R. 7211
AN ACT
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.
Sponsor: Rep. H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA-9) · Introduced Jan 22, 2026 · Armed Forces and National Security · 4 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 26, 2026: “Became Public Law No: 119-81.”
Sections
The wording of this bill hasn’t changed across its 4 official versions.