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HR 679 99th Congress House

Merchant Marine Defense Service Recognition and Medals Act

Official title: A bill to authorize awards, decorations, insignia and other recognition for service in the United States Merchant Marine, and for other purposes.

Introduced: July 23, 1985 See on congress.gov
Armed Forces and National Security Awards, medals, prizesCommemorationsMerchant marineShips and shipping
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This bill died when the 99th Congress ended
It never became law before the 99th Congress (1985–1986) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 5 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Aug 13, 1986
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Jan 30, 1985
Referred to Subcommittee on Merchant Marine.
Jan 30, 1985
Executive Comment Requested from DOT, DOD.
Jan 24, 1985
Referred to House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
Jan 24, 1985
Introduced in House
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 Latest action August 13, 1986

Subcommittee Hearings Held.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Merchant Marine Defense Service Recognition and Medals Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to award decorations and insignia to members of the U.S. Merchant Marine performing meritorious acts or distinguished service. Permits such honors to be of the same design as other comparable military honors.

Authorizes the Secretary to cite any U.S. ship for outstanding or gallant acts. Permits the awarding of plaques for the ships and ribbons to the personnel.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide a flag and grave markers for merchant mariners who served the United States or its allies in periods of conflict.

Establishes criminal penalties for the unauthorized manufacture or display of these awards or decorations.

Repeals the Merchant Marine Medals Act.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
 Cosponsors 1
All 1 Democratic 1
D
Kaptur, Marcy
Ohio · Jul 23, 1985
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 679: Merchant Marine Defense Service Recognition and Medals Act. 99th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-679/
MLA
"H.R. 679: Merchant Marine Defense Service Recognition and Medals Act." 99th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-679/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 679, 99th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-679/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 679: Merchant Marine Defense Service Recognition and Medals Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-679/)
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