Document: 430 U.S. 634 97 S.Ct. 1345 51 L.Ed.2d 694 Clifford L. ALEXANDER, Jr., Secretary of the Army, Appellant,v.Louis J. FIOTO. No. 75-1704. Argued March 1, 1977. Decided April 4, Syllabus Although he met other requirements for eligibility, appellee was denied retirement pay his service in National Guard on basis 10 U.S.C. § 1331(c). That section provides that persons who had been Reserves or before termination World War II are not 'eligible retired pay' unless they served active duty during wartime. Held: 1. Both plain language 1331(c) and its legislative history demonstrate Congress intended to deny benefits those with pre-World did also serve Pp. 636-639. 2. authorized as an inducement continued order maintain a cadre trained soldiers use should need arise; constitutional power decide offer reservists less likely perform such than others. 639-640. 409 F.Supp. 831, reversed. Stephen Urbanczyk, Solicitor Gen., pro hac vice, Washington, D.C., by special leave Court, appellant. David Goldfarb, Staten Island, appellee. Mr. Justice STEVENS delivered opinion Court. 1 After nonregular military personnel at least 20 years Guard.1 However, under 1331(c), eligible performed wartime.2 Appellee no duty.3 He contends may be which is otherwise simply because prewar Guard. In District Court argued statute violates equal protection principle inherent Due Process Clause Fifth Amendment. this argues construed merely providing must ignored purpose determining eligibility. We reject both arguments. 2 The case here direct appeal from summary judgment entered three-judge sitting Eastern New York.4 court ordered Army place members class represents rolls.5 831 (1976). Because properly convened,6 we have jurisdiction even though decision can read resting interpretation rather squarely grounds.7 3 Section plainly discriminates between were August 16, 1945, their first after date. says former group specified dates when country engaged hostilities. 4 acknowledges creates two distinct classes reservists. contends, however, ineligible benefits, but prevented counting part 'satisfactory service' needed qualify.8 argument foreclosed statute. Moreover, reveals congressional inconsistent appellee's interpretation. 5 description pay.9 It does describe periods counted toward Its text disqualifies it describes. Furthermore, 1331(a), defines conditions eligibility pay, states person meeting these entitled '(e)xcept provided subsection (c).' difficult believe clear could product drafting error. persuaded meant what so said. 6 An explanation excluding certain opposed given chairman Senate Armed Services Committee hearings bill. pointed out provision would 'make one drops avoid war qualified This concurred services Reserves.'10 advised Chief Staff that: 'The fight war. If wars have, feel qualify.'11 7 These comments disqualify treat unsatisfactory. 8 1958 amended remove disqualification Korean conflict.12 amendment reflects intent make available 'ineligible persons' desire classify satisfactory.13 statutory convincingly made deliberate class. 9 Constitution requires treatment all satisfactory totally irrational some them additional 1945. disagree. program provide remain if arise.14 Such unlikely achieve offered dropped war.15 whose failure involuntary, predictive past obstacle continuing effect future availability. 11 When enacted 1948, penalize class; somewhat desirable prospects others, therefore decided Reserves. exclusion unquestionably rational choice make. 12 13 ordered. 14 REHNQUIST took consideration case. Air Force Vitalization Retirement Equalization Act 1331 et seq., authorizes guardsmen accumulated service, 60 age, disqualified provides: 'No who, Reserve armed force, member without component category covered 1332(a)(1) title except regular component, chapter, 5, 1917, November 12, 1918, September 8, 1940, January 1947, (other training) June 26, 1950, July 28, 1953.' 1933 1940 again 1947 1967. record reveal reason II. 1950 1953, time; again, why At oral counsel represented unable injuries received automobile accident, there support assertion. For purposes appeal, assume involuntary. Federal predicated 28 1361. certified App. 38, includes 'persons age computed USC 1332 since 1945 Retired Pay Non-Regular Military Service, force 1917 Benefits virtue 1331(c).' Id., 6. stayed only injunctive relief set forth complaint alleged unconstitutionality 1331(c); required hear application relief. See 2282. Title 1253 'Except law, any party Supreme granting denying, notice hearing, interlocutory permanent injunction civil action, suit proceeding heard determined district three judges.' Philbrook v. Glodgett, 421 707, 712-713, n. 95 1893, 1897-1898, 44 525. same bill contained created point system whether sufficient year count 20-year requirement. 1332. Years automatically considered service.' 1332(a). generally excluded prior effect, way determine substantial rendered years. Then, argues, exception men reward wartime service. quoted full 2, supra. Hearings H.R.2744 Services, 80th Cong., 2d Sess., 77 (1948). 29. interim, slight change provision. As originally enacted, 'retirement benefits.' 302(a), 62 Stat. 1087. into positive changed 'retired pay.' 70A 102. original ambiguous, phrase 'right accrue benefits' used elsewhere refer accrual credit 304, 1089. But see meaning intended, refers 'accrual' while 'eligibility' benefits. instance, Report described 'to . ..' S.Rep.No.2188, 85th (1958), U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News 1958, p. 3713. understanding expressed House representative Defense Department. stated '(t)he Department favors extension small benefit fact do meet requirement having Wars I II.' Consideration S.2630, H.R.4381, H.R.8775 H.R.781 Subcommittee 88, 7897 (1957). A later colloquy effect: 'Mr. Winstead. And differential passed get pass this? Ducander. They won't able retire all. covered.' 7905. primary components over long period time, thereby better more ready needs our national-defense structure.' S.Rep.No. 1543, (1948), Cong.Serv.1948, pp. 2161, 2168. H.R.2744, n.10, supra, (testimony Gen. Dahlquist), 22-24 Col. Maas). 15 excerpt quoted, 638. broader necessary accomplish purpose, cannot doubted apply wanted disqualify.

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