HR4622-119

What This Bill Does

This bill allows veterans who served in Operation End Sweep to receive the Vietnam Service Medal. Operation End Sweep was the 1973 U.S. Navy mission to clear North Vietnamese waters of mines laid during the Vietnam War, following the Paris Peace Accords. Currently, these veterans are not eligible for the Vietnam Service Medal despite their direct involvement in Vietnam War-related operations.

Who Benefits and How

Veterans of Operation End Sweep would benefit by gaining eligibility for the Vietnam Service Medal, providing official recognition of their wartime service. This affects Navy personnel who participated in the mine-clearing operation in North Vietnamese waters in 1973. The medal carries both symbolic value and potential practical benefits, as military service awards can affect veteran status recognition and eligibility for certain veteran programs.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Department of Defense (specifically the military departments) would bear minimal administrative costs to process medal applications from eligible veterans. No significant taxpayer burden is expected, as this involves issuing existing medals to a small, defined group of veterans rather than creating new programs or benefits.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the Secretary of the relevant military department to award the Vietnam Service Medal to veterans who participated in Operation End Sweep
• Requires veterans to apply for the medal (it is not automatically awarded)
• Recognizes Operation End Sweep as qualifying service for Vietnam-era military honors