H.R. 7211 · Signed into law · Armed Forces and National Security

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: H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

What it does

• Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley for acts of valor on April 2, 1972, during the Vietnam War.
• Recognizes Ripley's military service as a Marine Corps member for actions previously recognized with a Navy Cross.
• Permits retroactive award of the Medal of Honor for historical combat actions.

Official summary

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.

Latest action

Mar 26, 2026: Became Public Law No: 119-81.

Committee: Senate Armed Services