Public Law 119-81 | Public Law 119–81: 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.

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PUBLIC LAW 119–81—MAR. 26, 2026

140 STAT. 751

Public Law

119–81

119th Congress

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.

Mar. 26, 2026

[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)

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.

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.

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