
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 10USC6244]

 
                         TITLE 10--ARMED FORCES
 
                    Subtitle C--Navy and Marine Corps
 
                           PART II--PERSONNEL
 
                   CHAPTER 567--DECORATIONS AND AWARDS
 
Sec. 6244. Silver star medal

    The President may award a silver star medal of appropriate design, 
with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who, while serving in any 
capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, is cited for gallantry in action 
that does not warrant a medal of honor or Navy cross--
        (1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United 
    States;
        (2) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with 
    an opposing foreign force; or
        (3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an 
    armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United 
    States is not a belligerent party.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 389; Pub. L. 88-77, Sec. 2(3), July 
25, 1963, 77 Stat. 94.)

                                          Historical and Revision Notes
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---------------------------------
            Revised section                      Source (U.S. Code)            
   Source (Statutes at Large)
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6244..................................  34 U.S.C. 356a.                      Fe
b. 4, 1919, ch. 14, Sec.  4;
                                                                              a
dded Aug. 7, 1942, ch. 551, Sec.
                                                                              1
, 56 Stat. 743.
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---------------------------------

    The word ``award'' is substituted for the word ``present'' to cover 
the determination of the recipient as well as the actual presenting of 
the decoration. The words ``but not in the name of Congress'' are 
omitted as surplusage, since a decoration is presented in the name of 
Congress only if the law so directs. The words ``Navy or the Marine 
Corps'' are substituted for the words ``Navy of the United States'' 
because the provision is interpreted as authorizing the award of the 
medal to persons serving with the Marine Corps. The words ``since 
December 6, 1941, has distinguished himself'' are omitted as executed.


                               Amendments

    1963--Pub. L. 88-77 enlarged the authority to award a silver star 
medal, which was limited to those cases in which persons distinguished 
themselves in action, to permit its award for gallantry while engaged in 
an action against an enemy of the United States, while engaged in 
military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, 
or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed 
conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is 
not a belligerent party.
