§ 1477. Preferences for veterans and families of deceased servicemen

As between eligible applicants seeking assistance under sections 1471 to 1474, inclusive, of this title, the Secretary shall give preference to veterans and the families of deceased servicemen. As used herein, a “veteran” shall mean a person who served in the military forces of the United States during any war between the United States and any other nation or during the period beginning June 27, 1950, and ending on such date as shall be determined by Presidential proclamation or concurrent resolution of Congress, or during the period beginning after January 31, 1955, and ending on August 4, 1964, or during the Vietnam era (as defined in section 101(29) of title 38), and who was discharged or released therefrom on conditions other than dishonorable. “Deceased servicemen” shall mean persons who served in the military forces of the United States during any war between the United States and any other nation or during the period beginning June 27, 1950, and ending on such date as shall be determined by Presidential proclamation or concurrent resolution of Congress, or during the period beginning after January 31, 1955, and ending on August 4, 1964, or during the Vietnam era (as defined in section 101(29) of title 38), and who died in service before the termination of such war or such period or era.

(July 15, 1949, ch. 338, title V, § 507, 63 Stat. 435; June 30, 1953, ch. 174, § 3, 67 Stat. 132; Pub. L. 87–70, title VIII, § 804(b)(2), June 30, 1961, 75 Stat. 188; Pub. L. 93–383, title V, § 507, Aug. 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 694.) Amendments

1974—Pub. L. 93–383 inserted references to the period beginning after Jan. 31, 1955 and ending on Aug. 4, 1964, or during the Vietnam era wherever appearing therein.

1961—Pub. L. 87–70 substituted “under sections 1471 to 1474, inclusive, of this title” for “under this subchapter.”

1953—Act June 30, 1953, enlarged the definition of “veteran” and “deceased servicemen” to include members of the armed forces who have served during the Korean conflict.

Period of Service in Military Forces

Proc. No. 3080, Jan. 5, 1955, 20 F.R. 173, fixed Jan. 31, 1955, as the date ending the period during which persons must have served in the military forces in order that such persons come within the meaning of the terms “veteran” and “deceased servicemen”, contained in this section, by reason of service during the period beginning June 27, 1950.

Continuation of Provisions

Joint Res. July 3, 1952, ch. 570, § 1(a)(20), 66 Stat. 332, as amended by Joint Res. Mar. 31, 1953, ch. 13, § 1, 67 Stat. 18, provided that qualification period should continue in force until six months after the termination of the national emergency proclaimed by the President on Dec. 16, 1950 by 1950 Proc. No. 2914, 15 F.R. 9029, set out as a note preceding section 1 of Title 50, War and National Defense, or such earlier date or dates as may be provided for by Congress, but in no event beyond July 1, 1953. Section 7 of Joint Res. July 3, 1952, provided that it should become effective June 16, 1952.

Repeal of Prior Acts Continuing Section

Section 6 of Joint Res. July 3, 1952, repealed Joint Res. Apr. 14, 1952, ch. 204, 66 Stat. 54, as amended by Joint Res. May 28, 1952, ch. 339, 66 Stat. 96; Joint Res. June 14, 1952, ch. 437, 66 Stat. 137; Joint Res. June 30, 1952, ch. 526, 66 Stat. 296, which continued provisions until July 3, 1952. This repeal took effect as of June 16, 1952, by section 7 of Joint Res. July 3, 1952.