To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Capers, Jr., for acts of valor as a member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3377
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Became Law
- Became Law
- Private Law 119-1
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-26: Became Private Law No: 119-1.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-11T01:09:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor—a prestigious military decoration for exceptional bravery—to James Capers, Jr., a former Marine Corps member, for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War.
Key Provisions
- Authorization of Award: The President is permitted to award the Medal of Honor to James Capers, Jr., under section 8291 of title 10, United States Code (which governs military decorations).
- Description of Acts: The award recognizes Capers' valor during operations from March 31 to April 3, 1967, in Vietnam, where he previously received the Silver Star (a decoration for gallantry in combat).
- Scope: The bill applies specifically to these historical actions and does not extend to other cases.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Waiver of Time Limits: It overrides statutory deadlines in sections 8298(a) and 8300 of title 10, United States Code, which generally require medals like the Medal of Honor to be awarded within a set period after the qualifying acts (typically three years). This allows a posthumous or delayed recognition beyond normal restrictions.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Defense and Marine Corps may need to facilitate the award ceremony and update records, but the impact is administrative and limited.
- On Citizens: Primarily honors a Vietnam War veteran and his family, potentially inspiring public recognition of military service. No broad effects on the general public.
- On International Relations: None, as this is a domestic military honor unrelated to foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- James Capers, Jr., and Family: Direct recipients of the honor, elevating his legacy.
- U.S. Marine Corps and Military: Benefits from highlighting exemplary service, possibly aiding recruitment or morale.
- President and Congress: The executive branch awards the medal, while Congress enacts the authorization, fulfilling a legislative role in military recognitions.
- Veterans' Community: Could encourage similar reviews for other overdue awards, affecting advocacy groups.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes a precedent for Congress to waive time-based restrictions on military awards, allowing flexibility for historical recognitions without altering the core criteria for valor.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's enumerated power under Article I, Section 8, to "make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces," including authorizing presidential awards.
- Political: Reflects bipartisan support for honoring veterans, potentially symbolizing national gratitude for Vietnam War service amid ongoing efforts to address historical oversights in military decorations. No major controversies, as it targets a specific individual.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-26: Became Private Law No: 119-1.
- 2026-03-26: Became Private Law No: 119-1.
- 2026-03-26: Signed by President.
- 2026-03-26: Signed by President.
- 2026-03-24: Presented to President.
- 2026-03-24: Presented to President.
- 2026-03-04: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2026-03-03: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S767)
- 2026-03-03: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-02-04: Received in the Senate, read twice.
- 2026-02-03: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-02-03: On passage Passed without objection. (text: CR H1967)
- 2026-02-03: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed without objection. (text: CR H1967)
- 2026-02-03: Considered by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR H1967)
- 2026-02-03: Committee on Armed Services discharged.
Bill Versions
- An Act To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Capers, Jr., for acts of valor as a member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. — issued 2026-02-03 — PDF (4 pages)
- An Act To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Capers, Jr., for acts of valor as a member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. — issued 2026-03-05 — PDF (1 pages)
- To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Capers, Jr., for acts of valor as a member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. — issued 2025-05-13 — PDF (2 pages)
- An Act To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Capers, Jr., for acts of valor as a member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. — issued 2026-02-04 — PDF (2 pages)