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.

A prior section 8294, acts Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 509; Sept. 2, 1958, Pub. L. 85–861, § 1(173), 72 Stat. 1518, provided that original appointments in Regular Air Force be made in grades of first lieutenant through colonel for medical and dental officers as Air Force requires, from qualified doctors of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry who are citizens of the United States and have such other qualifications as Secretary of Air Force prescribes, with specific additional eligibility requirements for a doctor of osteopathy, and that officers so appointed receive service credit for determining grade, position on a promotion list, seniority in grade in Regular Air Force, and eligibility for promotion, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 96–513, title II, § 204, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2880, effective Sept. 15, 1981. See section 532 of this title.

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 6244 of this title as this section.

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.

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.