The Operation Recognition Program, a joint effort of the Riverside County Board of Education, the Riverside County Office of Education, and the Riverside County Department of Veterans' Services, presents diplomas to residents of Riverside County who missed completing high school due to military service in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, or due to internment in World War II Japanese-American relocation camps.

Riverside County’s Operation Recognition is modeled after programs implemented in other states. Numerous county offices of education and school districts throughout California operate similar programs. Operation Recognition high school diplomas are authorized by the California Education Code. Education Code section 51440 authorizes the granting of retroactive high school diplomas to eligible veterans. Education Code section 51430 authorizes the retroactive granting of diplomas to Japanese-American citizens whose internment by federal order in World War II prevented them from graduating from their home town high school.

Riverside County residents who left high school to serve in the U.S. military during World War II (December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946), the Korean War (June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955), or the Vietnam War (August 5, 1964* - May 7, 1975) (*or from February 28, 1961 for veterans who served in country before August 5, 1964) may apply to receive their diplomas through Operation Recognition. Applicants must provide proof of Honorable Discharge from U.S. military service.

Operation Recognition also awards diplomas to Japanese-American citizens who did not complete high school due to internment in a World War II relocation camp. Applicants must show proof of internment during the period of December 7, 1941-December 31, 1946.

Diplomas are awarded through the Operation Recognition program at ceremonies held on an annual basis. Family members may submit an application to recognize a qualifying individual posthumously. There is no charge to participate in Operation Recognition.

For more information please contact Yadira Chavelas, (951) 826-6570, or by email, ychavelas@rcoe.us, for more information.