To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to retired Colonel Philip J. Conran for acts of valor in Laos as a member of the Air Force during the Vietnam War.

This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to retired Colonel Philip J. Conran, waiving typical time limitations for such an award. The authorization is for his extraordinary acts of valor as an Air Force Major during the Vietnam War, specifically on October 6, 1969, in Laos. Congress finds that his heroism, for which he previously received the Air Force Cross, warrants this higher recognition. During a rescue mission for a downed helicopter crew, Major Conran's CH-3E helicopter was hit by intense hostile ground fire. Despite this, he successfully landed and evacuated his aircraft, then played a crucial role in defending the crash site against an overwhelming enemy force for six hours. He repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to retrieve essential equipment and, even after sustaining a severe leg wound, continued to encourage his comrades without revealing his injury until he lost all feeling in his leg. His leadership and courage were pivotal in enabling two helicopter crews and 44 friendly troops to survive until rescue.