To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to retired Colonel Philip J. Conran for acts of valor in Laos as a member of the Air Force during the Vietnam War.
Summary
This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to retired Colonel Philip J. Conran for acts of valor during the Vietnam War. Specifically, it addresses Conran's heroic actions in Laos on October 6, 1969, while serving as an Aircraft Commander. The bill acknowledges the extraordinary heroism displayed by Conran during a rescue mission under intense hostile fire.
The bill bypasses the standard time limitations for awarding medals, recognizing the declassified nature of the U.S. military's operations in Laos during that period. It highlights Conran's courage, leadership, and positive attitude, which were crucial in saving the lives of fellow service members.
This action aims to properly recognize and honor Conran's service, which was previously acknowledged with the Air Force Cross.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill will allow the President to award the Medal of Honor to Colonel Conran, formally recognizing his valor. This will serve as a lasting tribute to his bravery and service during the Vietnam War. It also sets a precedent for recognizing acts of valor in previously classified operations where time limitations might otherwise prevent proper recognition.
Potential Benefits
- Recognizes and honors extraordinary military service.
- Provides a symbol of gratitude for veterans' sacrifices.
- May inspire future generations of service members.
- Corrects a potential oversight due to the classified nature of past operations.
- Reinforces the importance of valor and selfless service.
Potential Disadvantages
- None are apparent. The bill focuses on honoring an individual's past service.
- There is a potential for similar requests, which could place a burden on resources, although this is unlikely to be significant.
- The bill could be perceived as setting a precedent for bypassing time limitations, potentially leading to challenges in managing similar cases in the future.
- The focus on a single individual might overshadow the contributions of other unsung heroes.
- The cost of the medal and associated ceremony, while minimal, could be considered a minor disadvantage.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the constitutional powers of Congress to provide for the common defense and to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8). The authorization for the President to award the Medal of Honor falls under the executive power to command the armed forces (Article II, Section 2).
Furthermore, the bill does not infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights. It is a specific act of recognition and does not establish any broad policy or regulation that could conflict with constitutional principles.
Given its specific nature and alignment with enumerated powers, the bill appears to be constitutionally sound.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).