Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4580

Introduced
7/21/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

If passed, this bill would facilitate the awarding of one of the nation's highest military honors, signifying a recognition and appreciation of Colonel Conran's courage and dedication. The bill's provisions also amend existing limitations on medal awards, suggesting a legislative priority to honor deserving veterans without being constrained by previous time limitations set forth in military regulations. Such legislative actions can set precedents regarding the acknowledgment of military service during lesser-known conflicts and operations.

Summary

House Bill 4580 aims to authorize the President of the United States to award the Medal of Honor to retired Colonel Philip J. Conran for his acts of valor during the Vietnam War, specifically for his actions in Laos on October 6, 1969. The bill highlights Colonel Conran's extraordinary heroism as an Aircraft Commander of a CH–3E helicopter in a rescue operation under hostile fire. The legislation acknowledges the historical context of U.S. military involvement in Laos, which remained classified for many years and sheds light on Conran's valor that was previously recognized with the Air Force Cross.

Contention

While the bill garners support for honoring military heroes, discussions surrounding the appropriate awarding of the Medal of Honor could arise. It brings to the forefront considerations regarding the criteria and standards that govern medal awards, especially for actions that took place in contexts historically overshadowed by the more prominent narratives of the Vietnam War. Potential debates could revolve around whether a medal's award should retroactively apply to instances when actions were not formally recognized at the time.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB9325

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.

US HB9114

To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Special Forces Command Sergeant Major Ramon Rodriguez of the Army for acts of valor during the Vietnam War.

US HB2399

To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Thomas H. Griffin for acts of valor as a member of the Army during the Vietnam War.

US HB5168

To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Joseph M. Perez for acts of valor while serving as a member of the Army during the Vietnam War.

US HB587

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.

US HB1251

To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller posthumously for acts of valor while a member of the Navy during World War II.

US HB5521

To authorize the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Marcelino Serna for acts of valor as a private in the Army during World War I.

US HB3835

To authorize the Secretary of the Army to award the Air Medal to Thomas Dewey Wise for service as a member of the Army during the Vietnam War.

US HB1015

Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act

US SB2825

Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.