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.

House Votes

This bill would let the President award the Medal of Honor to retired Air Force Colonel Philip J. Conran for his actions during the Vietnam War, even though the usual time limit for awarding medals has passed. The findings say that on October 6, 1969, while flying a rescue mission in Laos, he faced heavy enemy fire, landed near a downed crew, helped defend the crash site for about six hours, and kept encouraging others despite a serious leg wound. He had previously received the Air Force Cross for these actions.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Retired Colonel Philip J. Conran and his family; veterans and communities that honor military heroism.
• What changes: Makes an exception to time limits so the Medal of Honor can be awarded for this 1969 rescue mission in Laos.
• When: Would take effect once enacted, allowing the award to be made based on the documented actions.