42 U.S.C. § 214
Presentation of United States flag upon retirement
Upon the release of an officer of the commissioned corps of the Service from active commissioned service for retirement, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall present a United States flag to the officer.
An officer is not eligible for presentation of a flag under subsection (a) if the officer has previously been presented a flag under this section or any other provision of law providing for the presentation of a United States flag incident to release from active service for retirement.
The presentation of a flag under this section shall be at no cost to the recipient.
A prior section 214, acts July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title II, § 213, 58 Stat. 689; Apr. 27, 1956, ch. 211, § 2(a), 70 Stat. 116, authorized allowances for uniforms, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 87–649, § 14b,
Section applicable with respect to releases from service described in section on or after