Bill > HR3175

This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Thomas H. Griffin, a U.S. Army Captain who served in Vietnam, for extraordinary acts of valor during a three-day battle from March 1-3, 1969. During this engagement, Griffin repeatedly risked his life while fighting against a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) regiment near Quang Ngai City, performing multiple heroic actions including crossing 50 meters of open ground under heavy enemy fire, charging and taking out an enemy machine gun bunker, and carrying wounded soldiers to safety while exposing himself to rocket and artillery fire. Despite being shot three times in the chest, Griffin continued to lead his battalion, ultimately helping to kill 93 enemy soldiers and save over 300 allied soldiers. The bill notes that Griffin's original chain of command was unaware of the full extent of his heroic actions when he was initially awarded a Silver Star, and his commanding officer, Colonel Dean E. Hutter, has since strongly supported upgrading Griffin's medal to the Medal of Honor. The legislation specifically authorizes this award by waiving any time limitations typically associated with medal awards, recognizing Griffin's extraordinary heroism and service during the Vietnam War.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3175/all-info