U.S. REP. JIM MCGOVERN INTRODUCES BILL TO AWARD SERVICE MEDALS TO “ATOMIC VETERANS”

Washington, DC, June 3, 2014
U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02) today announced that he has introduced H.R. 4778, the bipartisan “Atomic Veterans Service Medal Act” in the House of Representatives. The bill would authorize the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of participation in the testing of nuclear weapons or under other circumstances.

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02) today announced that he has introduced H.R. 4778, the bipartisan “Atomic Veterans Service Medal Act” in the House of Representatives.  The bill would authorize the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizingradiation as a result of participation in the testing of nuclear weapons or under other circumstances.

Between 1945 and 1962, about 225,000 members of our Armed Forces participated in hundreds of nuclear weapons tests.  These GIs became known as the Atomic Veterans.  They were placed in extremely dangerous areas and constantly exposed to radiation in performance of their duties.  Sworn to secrecy, they could not even speak of their service.

Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush recognized their valiant service, and acted to provide specialized care and compensation for their harrowing duty.

“More than 75 percent of Atomic Veterans have passed away, never having received this recognition,” Rep. McGovern said.  “It is past time for the Defense Department to honor with a medal the unique service carried out by the Atomic Veterans.”

Congressman Walter Jones (NC) is the lead Republican co-sponsor of the bill in the Houses, and Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (Guam) is an original co-sponsor. 

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