(a) In general
The Secretary of Defense shall design and produce a commemorative service medal, to be known as the Atomic Civilians Commemorative Service Medal (in this section referred to as the Medal ), to commemorate the service and sacrifice of civilian employees and contractors of the Department of Defense and other Federal agencies who were instrumental in the development of our Nation’s atomic and nuclear weapons programs.
(b) Eligibility requirements
(1) Eligibility
Current or former civilian employees, and former employees of any contractor, of the United States Government shall be eligible for the Medal if such individual—
directly participated in the detonation of an atomic weapon or device;
directly participated in the cleanup of radioactive material resulting from any such atmospheric detonation;
directly participated in the cleanup of radioactive material resulting from an accident associated with an atomic weapon; or
was exposed to ionizing radiation resulting from the operational use of atomic weapons during World War II.
(2) Documentation
The Secretary of Defense may require individuals to submit supporting documentation for the medal authorized in subsection (a) to determine eligibility under paragraph (1).
(c) Distribution of medal
(1) Issuance to retired and former civilian employees
At the request of an eligible individual described under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary of Defense shall issue the Medal to such individual.
(2) Issuance to next-of-kin
In the case of am individual who is deceased but would otherwise be eligible for the Medal, the Secretary may provide for issuance of the Medal to the next-of-kin of such individual. If applications for a Medal are filed by more than one next of kin of such an individual, the Secretary of Defense shall determine which next-of-kin will receive the Medal.
(3) Application
The Secretary shall prepare and disseminate as appropriate an application by which eligible individuals and their next-of-kin may apply to receive the Medal.