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Operation Recognition

What is Operation Recognition?

The Operation Recognition program exists to recognize qualifying individuals whose high school education was interrupted by military service in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, or by internment. 

Effective January 1, 2004, California Assembly Bill 781 was enacted as law (Education Code § 51430) to authorize county offices of education to retroactively grant high school diplomas to those who meet the following criteria:

  • Individuals who served in World War II, the Korean War or Vietnam War and were honorably discharged from their military service.
  • Japanese-American citizens who left high school due to internment in World War II relocation camps.

Note: Families may apply on behalf of eligible persons who are deceased.

Eligibility Specifics

  • All recipients must have been enrolled in a high school prior to enlistment in military service or internment in a World War II relocation camp. Applications are open to anyone, regardless of where they attended high school.
  • Military service must have been during the following periods: 
    • WWII: December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
    • Korean War: June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955 
    • Vietnam War: February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975
  • Japanese-American citizens must show proof of having been interned in a relocation camp during the period of September 16, 1940 to December 31, 1946.

Operation Recognition Application Form

Required

Name of Diploma Recipientrequired
First Name
Last Name
Please select appropriate:required
Date entered the U.S. Armed Forces:required
Veterans, please provide:
Verification of military service and discharge papers (DD214).
For assistance in obtaining a copy of the necessary documentation, please contact the Santa Barbara County Veterans Service Office at 805-681-4500 or 805-346-7160.
Internees, please provide:
Verification of military service and discharge papers (DD214).
For assistance in obtaining a copy of the necessary documentation, please contact the Santa Barbara County Veterans Service Office at 805-681-4500 or 805-346-7160.
Name of person applying for this award if other than the veteran or internee to be recognized:
First Name
Last Name

Operation Recognition: Veterans Diploma Project

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Past Operation Recognition graduates