Bill honoring Vietnam vets for service in after-war operation introduced to Congress

WISCONSIN (CIVIC MEDIA) – Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin and Republican Representative Tony Wied introduced a bipartisan bill Tuesday that honors Vietnam veterans who were not recognized for their service in removing explosive mines following the Vietnam War’s conclusion.

A news release from Senator Baldwin’s office details that the creation of the bill, titled “Honoring Operation End Sweep Veterans Act”, is inspired by Michael Cosgrove, a retired Navy Commander from Sturgeon Bay, WI. The ex-serviceman took part in Operation End Sweep, a mission to clear dangerous mines from Haiphong Harbor and the surrounding waters in North Vietnam after the war ended.

Veterans who participated in the effort are currently ineligible to receive a service medal because the United States had withdrawn from the conflict in January of 1973 – the operation was carried out one month later.

Cosgrove spoke on the importance of veterans being recognized for their bravery during the operation.

“I am a retired commander in the Navy. As a lieutenant, I was Executive Officer of an ocean-going minesweeper. In 1973, we sailed from Hawaii to Haiphong Harbor as part of Operation End Sweep, sweeping the mines we had placed in Haiphong Harbor,” Cosgrove said. “We spent 5 months in and out of North Vietnamese waters after Congress had declared the war ended. We received virtually no credit for our efforts. Most have no idea the operation even occurred. I would like to see this bill passed so that those of us who participated in End Sweep receive some recognition for our service.”

“The sailors who spent months sweeping for mines in North Vietnam risked their lives to clean up the legacies of the Vietnam War, save lives, and make good on the United States’ commitment to international law,” Senator Baldwin remarked. “Their service and sacrifice deserve to be honored and recognized alongside the millions of Americans who served their country during the Vietnam War. I’m proud to work with Representative Wied to honor these sailors.”

“Operation End Sweep marked the end of the Vietnam War and serves as a powerful example of the dedication and bravery of our Vietnam veterans, like Retired Navy Commander Michael Cosgrove of Sturgeon Bay, who risked their lives to clean up naval mines left behind in the war’s aftermath,” added Representative Wied. “I’m proud to stand with Senator Baldwin in introducing this bipartisan bill to ensure their service is honored equally alongside that of every other Vietnam veteran.”

The bill would also authorize funding for the removal of landmines and unexploded ordinances and victim support programs for those injured in Vietnam. The complete details of the “Honoring Operation End Sweep Veterans Act” can be viewed here.