1779 is a step towards acknowledging and providing support for the survivors
Of Honor recipients on the battlefield, it is an important recognition of their valor and heroism and a critical source of financial support for living recipients.Īs we all know, when a servicemember dies in battle, families of service members also sacrifice and bear incredible costs, made worse when that hero was the primary breadwinner. While the special pension is only a small token of appreciation from a grateful nation compared to the heroism displayed by Medal The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor for action against an enemy force bestowed upon members of the Armed Forces. This bill would authorize a Medal of Honor recipient to designate a beneficiary upon the recipient’s death or provide for the payment of the special pension to a surviving spouse, child, or other designated next-of-kin of posthumous Medal of Honor However, the special pension is not payable to surviving spouses, children, parents, or other surviving 1779 would finally accomplish this long overdue shortcoming in how we pay our respects to those who gave their lives to protect us, with heroism and distinction.Īs you may know, under current law, Medal of Honor recipients receive a monthly special pension of $1,329.58 from the U.S. While many of the Marines who served with her son had taken it upon themselves to support and help her as she has gotten older, in my view, our country should do more to support surviving family members of Medal of Honor recipients. Although her only child had given his life for our nation in battle, she was aging into poverty as she Recently, I had the privilege of meeting a Gold Star Mother, whose only son died in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism. 1779, my bill to support and recognize surviving family members of Medal of Honor recipients.
of Honor recipients received 1,259 per month beyond their standard benefit. Support Surviving Family Members of Medal of Honor Recipients The other thirteen received the medal later Andrews, a civilian, did not.