Bill would let the president award Medal of Honor to Vietnam War pilot killed in 1972

What does this do?

HR 9106 would waive the standard legal time limits on awarding the Medal of Honor, solely to allow the president to recognize Air Force pilot Robert Lodge for his actions on May 10, 1972. Lodge shot down multiple enemy aircraft during the Vietnam War and was killed in action on that same date. The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest military decoration.

Who does it affect?

This bill directly affects Robert Lodge's legacy and his surviving family members, who would receive the medal on his behalf. It also affects the broader military honors process, as a special act of Congress is required to bypass the normal award deadline.

Why does it matter?

Congress sometimes passes legislation like this when a service member's actions are believed to have been overlooked or insufficiently recognized at the time they occurred. Because Lodge died in combat, any award ceremony would involve his family rather than Lodge himself.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Taxpayer-funded ceremony costs
• Costs described as small