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Establishment of the Atomic Civilians Commemorative Service Medal

Division A · Title XVII: Other Defense Matters · Subtitle A: Miscellaneous Authorities and Limitations

Plain-language summaryAI

The Department of Defense will create a special medal to honor civilian employees and contractors who played key roles in the development of atomic and nuclear weapons. People eligible for the medal include those who took part in atomic weapon detonations, cleanup of radioactive materials, or were exposed to radiation during World War II. Eligible individuals or their next-of-kin can apply to receive the medal, and the Secretary of Defense will manage the application and distribution process.

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Section Text · Sec. 1708.
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(a) In general

The Secretary of Defense shall design and produce a commemorative service medal, to be known as the Atomic Civilians Commemorative Service Medal (in this section referred to as the Medal ), to commemorate the service and sacrifice of civilian employees and contractors of the Department of Defense and other Federal agencies who were instrumental in the development of our Nation’s atomic and nuclear weapons programs.

(b) Eligibility requirements

(1) Eligibility

Current or former civilian employees, and former employees of any contractor, of the United States Government shall be eligible for the Medal if such individual—

(A)

directly participated in the detonation of an atomic weapon or device;

(B)

directly participated in the cleanup of radioactive material resulting from any such atmospheric detonation;

(C)

directly participated in the cleanup of radioactive material resulting from an accident associated with an atomic weapon; or

(D)

was exposed to ionizing radiation resulting from the operational use of atomic weapons during World War II.

(2) Documentation

The Secretary of Defense may require individuals to submit supporting documentation for the medal authorized in subsection (a) to determine eligibility under paragraph (1).

(c) Distribution of medal

(1) Issuance to retired and former civilian employees

At the request of an eligible individual described under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary of Defense shall issue the Medal to such individual.

(2) Issuance to next-of-kin

In the case of am individual who is deceased but would otherwise be eligible for the Medal, the Secretary may provide for issuance of the Medal to the next-of-kin of such individual. If applications for a Medal are filed by more than one next of kin of such an individual, the Secretary of Defense shall determine which next-of-kin will receive the Medal.

(3) Application

The Secretary shall prepare and disseminate as appropriate an application by which eligible individuals and their next-of-kin may apply to receive the Medal.