(a) Presentation of flag 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. (b) Multiple presentations not authorized 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. (c) No cost to recipient The presentation of a flag under this section shall be at no cost to the recipient. (July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title II, § 213, as added Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VI, § 652(b) , Oct. 5, 1999 , 113 Stat. 665 .) Editorial Notes Prior Provisions 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 , Sept. 7, 1962 , 76 Stat. 499 . See section 415 of Title 37 , Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries Effective Date Section applicable with respect to releases from service described in section on or after Oct. 1, 1999 , see section 652(d) of Pub. L. 106–65 , set out as a note under section 12605 of Title 10 , Armed Forces. CFR Title Parts 21 16