(1) The superintendent of public instruction may award an honorary high school diploma to a current or former Montana resident who:
(a) did not receive a high school diploma; and
(b) actively served in the United States armed services during World War II from 1939 through 1947, during the Korean war from 1950 through 1953, or during the Vietnam conflict from 1961 through 1975; and
(i) died in active service;
(ii) was honorably discharged; or
(iii) was released from active duty because of a service-related disability.
(2) (a) The superintendent shall identify acceptable documentation of eligibility and establish procedures for applying for an honorary diploma.
(b) The superintendent may accept an affidavit to support the award if acceptable documentation is not readily available from the military or other sources.
(3) An eligible person shall apply for the diploma on a form provided by the superintendent. If an eligible person is deceased or incapacitated, an immediate family member may apply on the person's behalf.