((a)) ** .—** Upon the release of a member of the Coast Guard from active duty for retirement, the Secretary shall present a United States flag to the member.

((b)) ** .—** A member is not eligible for a presentation of a flag under subsection (a) if the member has previously been presented a flag under this section or any other provision of law providing for the presentation of a United States flag incident to release from active service for retirement.

((c)) ** .—** The presentation of a flag under this section shall be at no cost to the recipient.