Operation Recognition allows certain veterans to earn high school diplomas if they left school without graduating.

Section 305 of the NYS Education Law created Operation Recognition to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans who left school before graduation by awarding them a high school diploma.

Who is Eligible?
To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. The applicant must have been a member of the US Armed Forces, and
   Engaged in qualified service during on of the below periods:
   
   -World War II - December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946
   -Korea - June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955
   -Vietnam - May 1, 1961 - April 30, 1975
   
2. Received a satisfactory discharge, and
   A resident of New York State

What documentation is required to prove eligibility?

1. DD214 (copy of a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) OR
2. A Certificate of Service OR
3. A letter from a recognized veterans agency affirming such service

How do you apply for a diploma?

1. Interested veterans should bring their honorable discharge certificate or letter to any New York State school that issues general or local diplomas. There is no fee for this service.
2. Candidates do not need to show evidence of attendance at a school in New York State. They only need to affirm in writing that they do not possess a high school diploma.
3. Candidates possessing a high school equivalency (or GED) diploma are also eligible.

For Additional Information Contact:
The NYS Education Department (518) 474-8940

\\Bpsfs03\kwhelan\my files\My Documents\DEPT OF GUID & ALT ED\Guidance\WWII and Korean War Vets\app (doc file - 69kb)
The attached form can be downloaded, completed and returned, along with a copy of the honorable discharge paper(s) to: Tonja M. Williams, Director, Dept. of Guidance & Counseling Services, Room 506 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202

doc file: You need the Microsoft Word program, a free Microsoft Word viewer, or a program that can import Word files in order to view this file. To learn more about the free Microsoft Word Viewer, visit the Microsoft Word website.

• http://veterans.ny.gov/operation_recognition.html
  New York State's Division of Veteran's Affairs - New York State's Benefits. Operation Recognition allows certain veterans to earn high school diplomas if they left school without graduating.

  Section 305 of the NYS Education Law created Operation Recognition to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans who left school before graduation by awarding them a high school diploma.