Proposed law would open the door for more troops to be awarded the Medal of Honor
The Valor Has No Expiration Act would end a requirement that veterans and service members be awarded the Medal of Honor within five years of their heroic actions.
Jeff Schogol
Published Jun 18, 2025 10:14 AM EDT
A California lawmaker has introduced a bill that could pave the way for troops and veterans to receive the Medal of Honor many years after their heroic acts.
Rep. Darrell Issa, a Republican, introduced the Valor Has No Expiration Act earlier this month. If passed by Congress, the legislation would waive a current requirement that troops and veterans receive the Medal of Honor within five years of their actions that merit the award.
The bill was inspired by retired Capt. Royce Williams, a legendary naval aviator who battled seven Soviet MiG-15s during the Korean War and shot down four of the enemy aircraft during the longest dogfight in U.S. military history, according to a news release from Issa’s office.
“His action, however, was kept classified for more than 50 years before becoming public, which made Williams ineligible for the Medal of Honor,” the news release says.
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/medal-of-honor-veterans/
