STUDY OF NEW DECORATIONS FOR INJURY OR DEATH IN LINE OF DUTY.

SEC. 531. STUDY OF NEW DECORATIONS FOR INJURY OR DEATH IN LINE OF DUTY. (a) Study of Need and Criteria for New Decoration.— (1) The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a study of the need for, and the the appropriate criteria for, two possible new decorations. (2) The first such decoration would, if implemented, be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with the Armed Forces, are killed or injured in the line of duty as a result of noncombat circumstances occurring— (A) as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States; (B) while engaged in, training for, or traveling to or from a peacetime or contingency operation; or (C) while engaged in, training for, or traveling to or from service outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force. (3) The second such decoration would, if implemented, be awarded to civilian nationals of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with the Armed Forces, are killed or injured in the line of duty under circumstances which, if they were members of the Armed Forces, would qualify them for award of the Purple Heart or the medal described in paragraph (2). (b) Recommendation to Congress.— Not later than July 31, 1999, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report setting forth the Secretary’s recommendation concerning the need for, and propriety of, each of the possible new decorations referred to in subsection (a). (c) Coordination.— The Secretary shall carry out this section in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments and the Secretary of Transportation with regard to the Coast Guard.