United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2021

To amend title 38, United States Code, to recognize and honor the service of individuals who served in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2021 2. Recognition and honoring of service of individuals who served in United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II Section 106 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (g) (1) (A) Service as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during the period beginning on July 1, 1943, and ending on December 31, 1948, of any individual who was honorably discharged therefrom pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be considered active duty for purposes of eligibility and entitlement to headstones, markers, and other benefits under chapters 23 and 24 of this title, other than such benefits relating to the interment or inurnment of the individual in Arlington National Cemetery solely by reason of such service. (B) (i) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall issue to each individual who served as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during the period beginning on July 1, 1943, and ending on December 31, 1948, a discharge from such service under honorable conditions if the Secretary determines that the nature and duration of the service of the individual so warrants. (ii) A discharge under clause (i) shall designate the date of discharge. The date of discharge shall be the date, as determined by the Secretary, of the termination of service of the individual concerned as described in that clause. (2) An individual who receives a discharge under paragraph (1)(B) for service as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps shall be honored as a veteran but shall not be entitled by reason of such service to any benefit under a law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, except as provided in paragraph (1)(A). (3) The Secretary of Defense may design and produce a service medal, memorial plaque or gravemarker, or other commendation to honor individuals who receive a discharge under paragraph (1)(B). .

Summary: United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2021 This bill recognizes service as a member of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 31, 1948, as active duty service. The active duty designation entitles qualifying individuals to certain benefits afforded to veterans, such as burial benefits (not including interment or inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery) and honorary veteran status. Under the bill, the Department of Defense (DOD) must issue individuals who served in the corps during the specified period a discharge from their service under honorable conditions if such a discharge is warranted based on the duration and nature of the service. Such individuals are not entitled to Department of Veterans Affairs benefits aside from those related to burials and memorials. The bill also authorizes DOD to produce a service medal or other commendation, memorial plaque, or grave marker to honor the individuals.