African American and Native American veterans who were awarded Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross and Air Force Cross medals for valor could see their honors upgraded.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin announced last month that he has authorized a review of these veterans’ service records, to determine if their actions were worthy of the Medal of Honor.
“It has come to my attention that African American and Native American Service Cross recipients, unlike their Asian American, Native American Pacific Islander, Jewish American and Hispanic American counterparts, did not receive the same opportunities to have their valorous actions reviewed for possible upgrade to the Medal of Honor,” Austin wrote in a memorandum to senior Pentagon civilian and uniformed leadership.
The review process applies to African American veterans who earned service crosses during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Austin’s memo noted that the Army and Navy conducted earlier reviews for those who were honored for World War II service. The review process for Native Americans will include awards earned during World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Austin wants to see all reviews within five years, and receive semi-annual updates in the meantime.