USS Frank E. Evans Act Mandates Adding 74 Names to Vietnam Memorial Wall Within One Year

The USS Frank E. Evans Act is a short, direct piece of legislation aimed at correcting a historical oversight. It requires the Secretary of Defense to add the names of the 74 crew members who died aboard the USS Frank E. Evans on June 3, 1969, to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. The bill sets a clear deadline: this must be completed no later than one year after the Act becomes law. This isn't just a symbolic gesture; it’s a mandated action to ensure these service members, lost during the Vietnam War era, receive the national recognition they have long been denied.

The Final Roll Call

For decades, the crew of the Frank E. Evans—a destroyer that sank after a collision in the South China Sea—has been at the center of a debate over who qualifies for inclusion on the Wall. While the ship was actively supporting operations during the Vietnam War, the fatal incident itself occurred outside the official combat zone defined for the memorial. This bill cuts through that technicality. It specifically mandates the addition of these 74 names, ensuring that the men who died while serving in the area of conflict are finally included among their comrades. For the families, this means closure and official recognition of their sacrifice at the nation's most solemn memorial to the war.

Cutting the Red Tape

One detail that shows how serious this bill is about getting the job done is found in Section 2. It explicitly states that the usual complex rules governing federal memorials—Chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code, known as the Commemorative Works Act—do not apply to this action. Normally, adding anything to a national memorial involves a lengthy process of approvals, public hearings, and design reviews. By waiving these requirements, the bill streamlines the process, making it much easier to meet the one-year deadline and avoid bureaucratic delays. This is a clear signal that the priority is swift and certain inclusion.

Practicalities of Placement

While the red tape is cut, the bill doesn't ignore the practical challenges of adding 74 names to an already finished monument. Section 2 requires the Secretary of Defense to consult with the Secretary of the Interior and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. This consultation is necessary to figure out the logistics of placement, including how to handle any space limitations on the Wall. Think of it like trying to fit a new chapter into an already bound book; you need experts to figure out where the new pages go without disrupting the existing flow. This requirement ensures the addition is done respectfully and correctly, integrating the names seamlessly into the existing memorial structure.