Our buddy, Doug Sterner, sends us a link to an Air Force Times article about California Congressman Duncan Hunter’s campaign to influence the Pentagon to review it’s policies towards awarding the Medal of Honor to deserving members of the military;
Rep. Duncan Hunter, a Republican, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Tuesday citing four examples of troops he believes may have been overlooked for the nation’s highest military valor decoration.
The article goes on to mention a number of potential candidates including Alwyn Cashe who we mentioned the other day.
The Army Times says;
That’s a significantly lower rate than any other American war over the past century — 0.25 Medals of Honor for every 100,000 troops who served. It’s a fraction of the rate for the Vietnam War, about 2.8, and World War II, about 2.9.
The percentage is not what is important. But I agree that there are some VERY deserving folks that are under awarded.
I concur, Doc. However, it seems as if the MoH is awarded at times when the Administration comes under scrutiny for some reason or another…
Doc:
You are totally correct the numbers don’t mean a damn thing to me. There are a lot of deserving guys that probably didn’t get the real story on paper. I am sure there are a lot of deserving guys who we will never hear of.
This award should not now, nor EVER be political. Bravery is all to common in today’s Armed forces. I don’t care if your a SEAL SF, Joe, Marine Corpsman Chaplin etc, Courage is universal in our fighting services.
Honestly, I can think of maybe two examples that should be granted that haven’t. Cashe and the Marine who through himself on the grenade in Iraq but only received the Navy Cross(unlike MOH recipients McGinnis, Dunham, and Monsoor).
What about the Army Captain who didn’t get any award while the Marine SGT whose life he saved did.
Cedo, that was Rapheal Perralta. I absolutely agree, every Marine in the house witnessed him tuck the frag under his body. I am not sure why Chontosh would not be considered, and the Army Captain was side by side with Sgt Meyers. What they did both rate the award
#6 General Allen has already submitted him.
#7 Honestly, I know in general Chontosh’s story, but I haven’t really studied or read up on it to take a guess. I have a feeling in the next few years some of the DSCs will be upgraded, it happens after every war.
I remember a tale of a Marine captain that got an NX that during the initial invasion put his thin skined humvee between himself and his troops got out, and charged the enemy in a Wahdi/Canal RAN OUT OF AMMO and picked up THREE separate enemy weapons and kept fighting till the ambush was over. Should have been MOH in my opinion.
Second one I remember is a Medic in 101st. Company ambushed he was wounded in the legs twice, and refused medical care. Went out and dragged wounded back into the CCP. I think the number was like 10/12 before he PASSED out from blood loss. Got a SS. Both of those I think would be great examples.
I think in the end the fact that these wars were politically toxic is the main reason that there weren’t more MOH’s awarded, because it has to be an act of congress (not sure the process there). Bush certainly had trouble getting the congress to do anything, and I think the reason there have been a rash of MOH awareness (including some from previous wars) Is because first the Democrat controlled congress wanted Obama to look good, THEN well Republicans love the military *mostly* so of COURSE they’d give out awards of valor.
#9 Chontosh is THAT Marine LT I was referring to.
To your second paragragh, I think your referring to LT Bryan Jackson who also received the DSC. His story is very similar, but was an artillary Observer. I want to say he was in the 1st ID, I could be wrong though. Look him up with Chontosh.
Your third paragraph. I’m open to the idea that there was a reluctance to more willingly award the MOH, but frankly I see almost no evidence. The nature of the conflict made in much less likely that an individual would have such an opportunity(this is less so in Afghanistan) for it to be awarded. If there was any politics involved it was more likely institutional, then the public arena of political party gamesmanship. Lastly I’ve said before, much of it is also subjective. Many variables like Command(ers), witnesses, locale, and internal comparisons with the actions of others in said unit at the same time, play a role.
Cedo It was definitely an SSG 91W (at the time 68W now). I remember because the CO made such a big deal about it (“see Medics do cool shit too”) It happened in ’03 i think in Mosul AO.
I will agree that the big “battle” scenario that usually goes with MOH’s is not there as often, but the firefights are there and from most accounts they’re getting worse, well in the Stan anyway.
Okay, then they are two seperate events.
I meant two seperate people, sorry.