Veterans of Operation End Sweep Now Eligible for Vietnam Service Medal

This legislation is straightforward: it changes the rules so that veterans who participated in “Operation End Sweep” can now receive the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM). This isn’t an automatic handout, though. If you served in that operation, the head of your military branch—think the Secretary of the Navy or Army—now has the authority to award you the VSM, but you must apply for it first. Essentially, the bill officially recognizes participation in Operation End Sweep as qualifying service for this particular decoration (Section 1).

The Long Overdue Recognition

Operation End Sweep was the effort following the Paris Peace Accords in 1973 to clear mines from North Vietnamese waters so US prisoners of war could be safely repatriated. It was dangerous, vital work, but service members involved often didn't meet the geographical or time requirements previously set for the VSM. This bill closes that gap. For the thousands of veterans who served in this specific, high-stakes mission, this is about getting the formal recognition and honor they earned decades ago. It’s a simple change, but one that matters deeply to those who were there.

What This Means for Veterans

If you were one of the service members involved in End Sweep, this bill provides a clear path to getting the medal. The key takeaway is that you need to be proactive: the process is application-based. You’ll need to contact your respective service branch to initiate the process. While the bill mandates that the branch head can award the medal upon application, the system relies on the veteran knowing about this change and taking the steps to claim their recognition. This is a positive move toward correcting a historical oversight and ensuring that all service connected to the Vietnam era is properly honored.