133 STAT. 843 PUBLIC LAW 116–11—APR. 6, 2019 Public Law 116–11 116th Congress An Act To authorize the honorary appointment of Robert J. Dole to the grade of colonel in the regular Army. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) Robert J. Dole, also known as Bob Dole, was born July 22, 1923, in Russell, Kansas. (2) As a student at the University of Kansas, Bob Dole enrolled in the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps in 1942. He was called to active duty the following year and served during World War II. While deployed to Italy as an infantry lieutenant in the 10th Mountain Division, he was seriously wounded in combat and was twice cited for acts of heroism under fire. He finished his military service with two Purple Hearts and two awards of the Bronze Star Medal with ‘‘V’’ device for valor. He was also awarded the American Campaign medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory medal. He resigned his Army commis- sion at the grade of captain. (3) Bob Dole served in the House of Representatives from 1961 to 1969. He served in the Senate from 1969 until 1996. His service was previously recognized by both the Legislative Branch of the United States Government, through the Congres- sional Gold Medal, and the Executive Branch of the United States Government, through the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (4) Separate from the actions underlying the honors pre- viously bestowed upon him, Bob Dole also made direct contribu- tions to the Department of Defense and the veterans of United States military service, including through the following: (A) Bob Dole sponsored or co-sponsored bills in Con- gress to improve veterans benefits, to improve account- ability of missing members of the Armed Forces, to estab- lish the Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Registry, to recognize women veterans, and to provide relief from cer- tain inequities for National Guard technician service in connection with civil service retirement. (B) Bob Dole served as the National Chairman of the WWII Memorial Campaign, co-chair of the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, and co-chair of the Presidential Commission on the Care of America’s Returning Wounded Warriors. Apr. 6, 2019 [S. 252] VerDate Sep 11 2014 15:12 Aug 08, 2019 Jkt 089139 PO 00011 Frm 00001 Fmt 6580 Sfmt 6581 E:\PUBLAW\PUBL011.116 PUBL011 dkrause on DSKBC28HB2PROD with PUBLAWS 133 STAT. 844 PUBLIC LAW 116–11—APR. 6, 2019 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 252: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 165 (2019): Mar. 4, considered and passed Senate. Mar. 26, considered and passed House. Æ (5) In 2018, an Army advisory panel reviewed the com- prehensive record of Bob Dole’s service to the Armed Forces, veterans, and the national security of the United States. The panel, recognizing Bob Dole’s unique contributions to the Department of Defense and veterans, recommended the hon- orary promotion of Bob Dole to the grade of colonel in the Army. (6) Acting under provisions of section 1563 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the Army endorsed the recommendation of the advisory panel for an honorary pro- motion of Bob Dole and forwarded it to Congress for further action. SEC. 2. HONORARY APPOINTMENT OF ROBERT J. DOLE TO THE GRADE OF COLONEL IN THE REGULAR ARMY. (a) HONORARY APPOINTMENT.—The honorary appointment of Robert J. Dole, of Kansas, to the grade of colonel in the regular Army is hereby authorized. (b) ADDITIONAL BENEFITS NOT TO ACCRUE.—The honorary appointment of Robert J. Dole to the grade of colonel in the regular Army under subsection (a) shall not affect pay or other benefits from the United States to which Robert J. Dole is otherwise entitled based upon his military service or affect any benefits to which any other person may become entitled based on his military service. Approved April 6, 2019. VerDate Sep 11 2014 15:12 Aug 08, 2019 Jkt 089139 PO 00011 Frm 00002 Fmt 6580 Sfmt 6580 E:\PUBLAW\PUBL011.116 PUBL011 dkrause on DSKBC28HB2PROD with PUBLAWS