Medals...

[Bigmack]

Last week the Pentagon announced the first award of a MOH in the Iraq clusterfuck. I'm not denigrating anybody's service or sacrifice, but how do we know the whole thing isn't made up as some kind of Rovian ploy?

I was thinking about the "rescue" of Jessica Lynch, the Pat Tilman (friendly fire) Silver Star and the attacks on Kerry for his "little" wounds and "undeserved" Silver Star.

Seems to me the Repubs - and this war - have damaged the image of the military and devalued medals more than us peaceniks ever wanted to.

[Renew Deal]

1. The first was given over a month ago.

Also it's a very complicated process that requires recommendation from your unit and congressional approval IIRC. I doubt it's a scam.

[BOSSHOG]

2. Eyewitness accounts

indicate the servicemember in question drew fire to himself and saved several American Soldiers in doing so. He died in the attack and unfortunately cannot proudly wear his medal. I agree, if a medal recipient does not swear allegiance to the party he/she is scum regardless of the nature of their service. Very sad. Ajnd to think limbaugh, delay, etc who never served consider themselves heroes. I served 24 years in the Navy and the Swift Boat Lying Bastards did not return one of my emails last summer. If I had the opportunity I'd kick their asses, every last one of them. They tarnished my uniform, my service and my personal awards. They are scum and solely for political reasons. The truth be damned.

[Journeyman]

3. As others here point out, it's a reviewed process. . .

that requires multiple confirmations. In the absence of evidence proving deception, I choose to give credence to the honoree's story.

I think the most telling evidence for this award's credibility is that it is the only Medal of Honor awarded so far. Oh, certainly, BushCo has tried to foist some incredible stories upon us, but the truth has eventually surfaced. That there has been only one Medal of Honor awarded, and it has come at the end of an adequate review period, speaks to its validity.

That a certain no-class element in the Republican party has done its best to discredit the military, its image, and its heritage, tells us all we need to know about them and their values. I will never let them dictate the debate, or prescribe the patterns of belief, for any aspect of our society.

I encourage you to do a little research on the Medal of Honor. Though there were devalued awards given in the early years (all of Mr. Lincoln's coffin guard received the MoH -- later rescinded), in modern times -- and especially since World War 1 -- the honor of the Medal has been strenously upheld. And from what I've read of Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith's exploits outside Baghdad, his selfless sacrifice for the lives of his buddies is in keeping with the traditions of the Award.