(a) Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, the commissioner shall award a high school diploma to a person who

1. (1) makes application under (b) of this section; if a person is deceased or incapacitated, an immediate family member may apply on behalf of the person;
2. (2) never received a high school diploma; and

3. (3) actively served in the United States armed forces or the Alaska Territorial Guard during the period of August 7, 1940, through July 25, 1947, and

   1. (A) died in active service;
   2. (B) was honorably discharged; or
   3. (C) was released from active duty because of a service-related disability.