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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The House has unanimously approved a bill creating a South Carolina medal recognizing fallen military service members with ties to the state.

House members voted Tuesday to establish the new medal awarded posthumously. Families would receive the award. Another perfunctory vote would send the amended proposal back to the Senate, which unanimously approved the idea in February.

Its main sponsor is Sen. Thomas Alexander, and he has said such a medal is overdue. He says South Carolina needs to recognize those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for America's freedoms.

Recipients' names would be added to a roll maintained by the adjutant general's office.

The House amendment specifies that his office is not required to pay for the medal or its design.

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