Author Topic: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor  (Read 4530 times)

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Offline Toastedturningtidelegs

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I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« on: April 09, 2008, 05:55:57 AM »
Hehehehe! This one could and does get ugly :-)
Quote
KitchenWitch  Donating Member  (1000+ posts) Wed Apr-09-08 04:46 AM
Original message
I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
 I know this is the highest possible honor anyone in the military can receive.

What is the percentage of Medals of Honor awardees that receive the distinction posthumously?

Sorry for the awkward wording.


 

 
So it starts :-)
Quote
1. According to Wikipedia (grain of salt optional)
 "Since the beginning of World War II, 854 Medals of Honor have been awarded, 528 posthumously."
"No one is so foolish as to prefer war to peace: in peace children bury their fathers, while in war fathers bury their children." Herodotus
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 KitchenWitch  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 04:54 AM
Response to Reply #1
2. The Wiki may not be completly accurate but I was thinking ...
 that most of the Medal of Honor recipients I had heard of, had received the award after death. And the Wiki kind of backs my assumption up.

Paul Wellstone - "The people of this country, not special interest big money, should be the source of all political power."
Resident Bitch of DU http://shetalldrink.blogspot.com/ 
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 dicksteele  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 05:03 AM
Response to Original message
3. Because the standard for awarding it is set so high...
 ...the kind of heroic action necessary to EARN it
is really likely to get you KILLED more often than not.





Now, a more CYNICAL theory:
When it comes to awarding medals to military personnel
for actions in the field, DYING is worth bonus points
in the "medal award" formula.

There are plenty of Veterans who've been awarded the "Bronze Star"
for some amazingly heroic acts. The only reason they got the
Bronze Star instead of the Medal of Honor is that they SURVIVED
the experience. 
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 KitchenWitch  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 05:04 AM
Response to Reply #3
4. I share your cynicism
 

My heart breaks a little more each day.

Paul Wellstone - "The people of this country, not special interest big money, should be the source of all political power."
Resident Bitch of DU http://shetalldrink.blogspot.com/ 
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Then intelligence rears its ugly head :-)
Quote
Wed Apr-09-08 05:13 AM
Response to Reply #4
5. **** your cynicism...
 the medal is awarded for a person who distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.







 
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 dicksteele  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 05:20 AM
Response to Reply #5
6.  Wow. Clueless and douchebaggish much?
 Edited on Wed Apr-09-08 05:22 AM by dicksteele
nm
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 CasualWatcher9 (156 posts)      Wed Apr-09-08 05:27 AM
Response to Reply #6
8. clue me in...
 what do you know about this that i do not?

douchebag? heh. do you ever look in a mirror?
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 dicksteele  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 05:35 AM
Response to Reply #8
13. I know that a great DUer asked an honest question, and you used it as an excuse to be an *******.
 And I know that your "clue me in" was an example of disingenuous snark,
not an actual request for information.

If the douchebag fits, wear it.
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 CasualWatcher9 (156 posts)      Wed Apr-09-08 05:42 AM
Response to Reply #13
15. i consider myself a great duer...
 and my "clue me in" was a response to your "clueless douchebag" comment.

so, let's begin again...

what is it that you know that i don't know about medal of honor recipients?

do you have anything to add to this discussion aside from your ******* comments?



 
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 dicksteele  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 05:44 AM
Response to Reply #15
16. Yeah, you're a legend in your own mind, like every TROLL always is. No surprise there.
 Edited on Wed Apr-09-08 05:50 AM by dicksteele
nm
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 CasualWatcher9 (156 posts)      Wed Apr-09-08 05:54 AM
Response to Reply #16
19. yes.
 i disagree.

i must be a troll.

we must all agree. and you are ok with that. you never question that, eh? maybe you should...
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 KitchenWitch  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 05:25 AM
Response to Reply #5
7.  belated welcome to DU
 I will anticipate your apology for completely missing my point.

Paul Wellstone - "The people of this country, not special interest big money, should be the source of all political power."
Resident Bitch of DU http://shetalldrink.blogspot.com/ 
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 dicksteele  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 05:29 AM
Response to Reply #7
9. You are too kind, my friend.
 In this case, MUCH too kind. 
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 CasualWatcher9 (156 posts)      Wed Apr-09-08 05:33 AM
Response to Reply #9
11. and "dick" in your username
 is so appropriate...
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 dicksteele  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 05:49 AM
Response to Reply #11
17. Yeah, I guess it is, since it's my REAL name. You brave enough to post yours?
 nm




 
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 CasualWatcher9 (156 posts)      Wed Apr-09-08 05:57 AM
Response to Reply #17
23. well, according to you...
 troll mctrollski.


 
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 dicksteele  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 06:03 AM
Response to Reply #23
27. Enjoy your stay, Mister McTrollski.
 nm
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 CasualWatcher9 (156 posts)      Wed Apr-09-08 05:31 AM
Response to Reply #7
10. no apology from me.
 your point is so meaningless as opposed to anyone ever awarded the medal of honor.
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 KitchenWitch  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 05:36 AM
Response to Reply #10
14. you are reading something into my previous post that is simply not there, pal
 I do not have to elucidate to you how much respect I have for the men and women who are choosing to serve in our military. And as much respect as I DO have for them, I have an inverse amount of respect for the selected officials that have put our men and women in harms way, and thus necessitating the awarding of countless Medals of Honor. Cynicism does not even BEGIN to describe the feelings I have for the Bush Misadministration.

There is your clue... Usually I charge a couple hundred bucks for such hints.

And although I deserve an apology from you, for your misreading my posts, I know I will not get one.

You will get no more kindness from me.

Paul Wellstone - "The people of this country, not special interest big money, should be the source of all political power."
Resident Bitch of DU http://shetalldrink.blogspot.com/ 
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 CasualWatcher9 (156 posts)      Wed Apr-09-08 05:51 AM
Response to Reply #14
18. cool...
 you post a suspect retort about medal of honor recipients.

i call you on your crap and you want an apology? please.

oh, and no charge to you, sister. i didn't misread anything.

and keep your kindness. i don't feel it.
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 dicksteele  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 05:56 AM
Response to Reply #18
22. I'll take that as a great big "YES" to the "Clueless and Douchebaggish?" question then.
 nm
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 CasualWatcher9 (156 posts)      Wed Apr-09-08 06:01 AM
Response to Reply #22
25. no. a big yes to the DICK question. n/m
 
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 Smith_3 (483 posts)     Wed Apr-09-08 05:55 AM
Response to Reply #14
20. No need to give such perspective. Your post was legitimate as it stood.
 Ensuring afterwards that it was not to be understood in a un-patriotic way is just giving credit to right-wing trolls such as him. Its not necessary. If some person feels like his nationalism was tread on, that is his problem.
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 dicksteele  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 06:01 AM
Response to Reply #20
26. Very well stated, Mister Smith. nm
 
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 CasualWatcher9 (156 posts)      Wed Apr-09-08 06:06 AM
Response to Reply #26
28. yes.
 never answer a question, dick.

just accuse the questioner of being a troll.

so much more productive in advancing your argument.
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 dicksteele  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 06:12 AM
Response to Reply #28
30. I'm happy to do whatever it takes to keep you talking, Mr. McTrollski.
 
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 CasualWatcher9 (156 posts)      Wed Apr-09-08 06:16 AM
Response to Reply #30
32. aside from answering my original question...
 are you happy to bless us with your thoughts? (any thoughts? do you have any thoughts?)

or is calling me a troll sufficient...
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 dicksteele  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 06:17 AM
Response to Reply #32
33. Fascinating. Please, tell us more.
 nm
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 CasualWatcher9 (156 posts)      Wed Apr-09-08 06:27 AM
Response to Reply #33
35. ok. you bore me...
 you have nothing to say. no banter or arguments to offer. nothing meaningful to contribute.

you have 1000+ posts and i don't. that is your claim to fame. good for you. i aspire for such credentials. 1000+ meaningless posts, saying nothing except "troll!".

try "witch!". its a bit dated but is essentially the same thing.

heh. good luck, bud. you are a credit to meaningful discussion.
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 dicksteele  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 06:34 AM
Response to Reply #35
36. Please, do go on.
 nm
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 SpiralHawk  (1000+ posts)     Wed Apr-09-08 06:26 AM
Response to Reply #14
34. "I have (smirk) lots of respect (smirk) for heros." - Commander AWOL Bush
 Edited on Wed Apr-09-08 06:30 AM by SpiralHawk
"And let us not forget the (smirk) heroism (smirk) of VP Dickie "Five Military Deferments" Cheney, and the other fabulous republicon homelander Chickenhawks like Limbaugh, O'Reilly, and Hannity. We all deserve a Shitload of Medals for our (smirk) heroism. Smirk.

"Bow down and worship us. We are (smirk) the heroic (smirk) 'leaders' of the republicon war-profit machine."

- Commander AWOL Bush,
Skull & Boner Occult Squad of the Vaunted Republicon Homelander Chickenhawk Division

"You can never change things by resisting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the old model obsolete." - Buckminster Fuller
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 izzie  (1000+ posts)      Wed Apr-09-08 05:34 AM
Response to Original message
12. There is a site for it on the internet.
 I have not been on it for a while so forget if it tells you that information.
izzie
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 Recovered Repug (124 posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 05:56 AM
Response to Original message
21. Here you go
 http://www.history.army.mil/mohstats.htm If you notice, the percentage of posthumous award increased greatly during WW2.
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 KitchenWitch  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 05:57 AM
Response to Reply #21
24. Thank you for the link!
 I appreciate it.

Paul Wellstone - "The people of this country, not special interest big money, should be the source of all political power."
Resident Bitch of DU http://shetalldrink.blogspot.com/ 
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 Syntheto (50 posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 06:10 AM
Response to Original message
29. The problem with the Congressional Medal of Honor...
 ...referred to in some military circles as "the Casket with Medal Handles" is that you have to be recommended for it. That means somebody has to see it and get the word out. Two things really stand out about this for me: Guy Charland, who was an infantryman in WWII and participated (read: 'survived') the D-Day landings wrote in his memoirs (please Google this, because I don't have the web address off-hand, and his memoirs are excellent) that, as his unit moved inland from the Normandy beaches, he came across a German anti-tank gun, with all of it's crew strewn around, shot dead. A short distance away, laying on it's back, was the body of an American paratrooper, without a mark on him. Charland surmised that the para had surprised the Germans and killed them all and maybe suffered a heart attack. Most of the soldiers on all sides were doing methamphetamines, so when you factor that in, that's a possibility. Anyway, Charland's group moved on, leaving the scene for the Graves and Registration people. That unknown paratrooper should have been awarded the Medal, but I couldn't find anything on it. The second example is Audie Murphy. The guy was no joke, and that famous scene where he held off a determined German advance with a machine gun on a burning tank destroyer lasted a lot longer than the brief bit they showed in "To Hell and Back". He performed several other acts worthy of the Medal, but you can only get it once. The point is, he had plenty of witnesses to his act. There were countless stories of the unknown soldiers sacrificing themselves for their comrades, but all done in the confusion and chaos of combat, and therefore, unrecognized. But, as every single recipient of the Medal has stated, including Murphy: "The real heroes are still over there", and in my opinion, that meant the boys and young men from all sides of the conflict. 
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 KitchenWitch  (1000+ posts)       Wed Apr-09-08 06:12 AM
Response to Reply #29
31. I will google Charland
 Sounds like a riveting read.

Thank you.

Paul Wellstone - "The people of this country, not special interest big money, should be the source of all political power."
Resident Bitch of DU http://shetalldrink.blogspot.com/ 
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thats all that was there but I have a feeling "The Navys second most decorated man" may make an appearence :-)....One hopes anyway :-)http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3129791
« Last Edit: April 09, 2008, 06:37:12 AM by franksolich »
Call me "Asshole" One more time!

Offline franksolich

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2008, 06:38:03 AM »
Edited by franksolich--sorry, sir--to include the name of the primitive originally posting this.

We want the primitives, when narcisstically googling themselves, to find themselves over here.
apres moi, le deluge

Milo Yiannopoulos "It has been obvious since 2016 that Trump carries an anointing of some kind. My American friends, are you so blind to reason, and deaf to Heaven? Can he do all this, and cannot get a crown? This man is your King. Coronate him, and watch every devil shriek, and every demon howl."

Offline franksolich

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2008, 08:05:02 AM »
You know, I'm not going to trust any numbers from the primitives, even if backed up by a link.

Remember, primitives lie.  All the time, primitives lie.

Any military experts in here know the answer to the question?

How many Medals of Honor have been awarded posthumously?

It's my impression as a professional civilian that while it's nice one has survived to get a Medal of Honor, it's more so to acknowledge those doing Great Deeds of Valor.....and the fatality rate of those doing Great Deeds of Valor tends to be, uh, rather high.

One needs to point out that in the socialist paradises of the workers and peasants, those doing Great Deeds of Valor, and dying doing it, well, their corpses were left to rot in fields or destroyed buildings, and unless they happened to be a member of the Communist Party, their relatives weren't even notified.

Edited to add: And I'm not talking about the second world war, either.

I heard many stories about the war in Afghanistan, 1979-1989, in which was the case.

I knew people in the socialist paradises of the workers and peasants who as late as the early and mid-1990s were still waiting to learn what happened to their fathers, sons, brothers, cousins, down there in the mountains.
« Last Edit: April 09, 2008, 08:08:50 AM by franksolich »
apres moi, le deluge

Milo Yiannopoulos "It has been obvious since 2016 that Trump carries an anointing of some kind. My American friends, are you so blind to reason, and deaf to Heaven? Can he do all this, and cannot get a crown? This man is your King. Coronate him, and watch every devil shriek, and every demon howl."

Offline TheSarge

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2008, 08:10:58 AM »
Quote
There are plenty of Veterans who've been awarded the "Bronze Star"
for some amazingly heroic acts. The only reason they got the
Bronze Star instead of the Medal of Honor is that they SURVIVED
the experience.
 


Bob Kerrey....Robert Foley...and Bruce Crandall...Audie Murphy and Woodrow Wilson Keeble would have serious disagreement with your boneheaded theory.


So this is how the DUmmies are going to start playing it out?  It's not enough to piss in the memories and the sacrifices of those who died...now they have to start dumping on those that received MOH?
 

:bird: :censored:



That sign was right...the ONLY soldiers these asshat terrorist loving scum respect are the ones that shoot their officers.


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Offline JohnnyReb

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2008, 08:16:31 AM »
what is it that you know that i don't know about medal of honor recipients?

#1- There ain't none of'em on DU........including TiT.
#2- They're better people than DUmp people.
#3- Even John Kerry couldn't lie his way into one of those medals.
#4- Most recipents have felt unworthy of the award......"Humility"..... an unknown qualty to the DUmpmasters.

The DUmpmasters, inspite of what they say, like to look down their nose at people. It must be hell for them to look down there nose and see no one there.
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Offline CG6468

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2008, 08:50:03 AM »
As of 2/26/2007, total MOH awarded: 3463. Total posthumous: 616.

SOURCE
Illinois, south of the gun controllers in Chi town

Offline franksolich

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2008, 09:14:30 AM »
As of 2/26/2007, total MOH awarded: 3463. Total posthumous: 616.

SOURCE


Thank you, sir.

But I'm surprised the percentage of those awarded posthumously is so low.

As I said above, given that the medals are awarded for Great Acts of Valor, and given that Great Acts of Valor have a high mortality rate, I had thought it would be like, two-thirds or three-quarters, or something.
apres moi, le deluge

Milo Yiannopoulos "It has been obvious since 2016 that Trump carries an anointing of some kind. My American friends, are you so blind to reason, and deaf to Heaven? Can he do all this, and cannot get a crown? This man is your King. Coronate him, and watch every devil shriek, and every demon howl."

Offline Splashdown

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2008, 09:18:33 AM »
There is also a website for the Medal of Honor Society"

http://www.cmohs.org
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Offline DixieBelle

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2008, 09:42:20 AM »
no lying titty primitive to set DU straight? I'm shocked. :-)
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Offline Splashdown

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #9 on: April 09, 2008, 09:46:05 AM »
TiTty has more medals than a third-world dictator.  :rotf:
Let nothing trouble you,
Let nothing frighten you. 
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience attains all that it strives for.
He who has God lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.
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"No crushed ice; no peas." -- Undies

Offline Rebel

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #10 on: April 09, 2008, 09:58:57 AM »
Wanna know how you receive a Medal of Honor, you f'n DUmbasses?

Here's a way:

Quote
Back in Italy, the 442nd was assaulting a heavily defended hill in the closing months of the war when Lieutenant Inouye was hit in his abdomen by a bullet which came out his back, barely missing his spine. He continued to lead the platoon and advanced alone against a machine gun nest which had his men pinned down. He tossed two hand grenades with devastating effect before his right arm was shattered by a German rifle grenade at close range. Inouye threw his last grenade with his left hand, attacked with a submachine gun and was finally knocked down the hill by a bullet in the leg.


Now go spread this bullshit to one of your Democratic Senators, Daniel Inouye. I'd be interest to hear how thinks about you fools. The Medal of Honor, while admired profusely, is probably the one, main award most military personnel never want to obtain. It takes gallantry, courage, and heroism that is unknown to anyone until exactly that time when it's needed. It takes placing others' lives above your own.

Now STFU about the military, pricks.
« Last Edit: April 09, 2008, 10:00:29 AM by Rebel »
NAMBLA is a left-wing organization.

Quote
There's a reason why patriotism is considered a conservative value. Watch a Tea Party rally and you'll see people proudly raising the American flag and showing pride in U.S. heroes such as Thomas Jefferson. Watch an OWS rally and you'll see people burning the American flag while showing pride in communist heroes such as Che Guevera. --Bob, from some news site

Offline CG6468

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #11 on: April 09, 2008, 10:06:16 AM »
Rebel, you forgot to mention that MOH winners do not talk about their experience or their awards and medals.

True heroes don't feel a need to pump up their egos. I recently read an article about a WWII vet who had died, and when his wife went through his things, she found that he wad been awarded the Silver Star. In almost 50 years of marriage he had never even mentioned it to her.
Illinois, south of the gun controllers in Chi town

Offline Rebel

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #12 on: April 09, 2008, 10:10:32 AM »
Rebel, you forgot to mention that MOH winners do not talk about their experience or their awards and medals.

True heroes don't feel a need to pump up their egos. I recently read an article about a WWII vet who had died, and when his wife went through his things, she found that he wad been awarded the Silver Star. In almost 50 years of marriage he had never even mentioned it to her.

No one knew my grandfather was awarded the Purple Heart until he was about 75 years old when he started talking about the past to me. He pulled up his pants leg and showed me a scar where he was bayoneted in the Philippines during WWII. My grandmother may have known, but she never said anything. He shot himself about a year later, about 10 years after my grandmother had died. Guess he was just rehashing old times.
NAMBLA is a left-wing organization.

Quote
There's a reason why patriotism is considered a conservative value. Watch a Tea Party rally and you'll see people proudly raising the American flag and showing pride in U.S. heroes such as Thomas Jefferson. Watch an OWS rally and you'll see people burning the American flag while showing pride in communist heroes such as Che Guevera. --Bob, from some news site

Offline TheSarge

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #13 on: April 09, 2008, 10:52:15 AM »
Wanna know how you receive a Medal of Honor, you f'n DUmbasses?

Here's a way:

Here's another:

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Just as they neared the end of their descent, intense enemy fire was directed at them, and Lt. (J.G.) Kerrey received massive injuries from a grenade which exploded at his feet and threw him backward onto the jagged rocks. Although bleeding profusely and suffering great pain, he displayed outstanding courage and presence of mind in immediately directing his element's fire into the heart of the enemy camp. Utilizing his radioman, Lt. (J.G.) Kerrey called in the second element's fire support which caught the confused Viet Cong in a devastating crossfire. After successfully suppressing the enemy's fire, and although immobilized by his multiple wounds, he continued to maintain calm, superlative control as he ordered his team to secure and defend an extraction site. Lt. (J.G.) Kerrey resolutely directed his men, despite his near unconscious state, until he was eventually evacuated by helicopter. The havoc brought to the enemy by this very successful mission cannot be over-estimated. The enemy soldiers who were captured provided critical intelligence to the allied effort. Lt. (J.G.) Kerrey's courageous and inspiring leadership, valiant fighting spirit, and tenacious devotion to duty in the face of almost overwhelming opposition sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

That Lt. (J.G.) is former Nebraska Governor and Senator Bob Kerry (D-Neb).



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The Medal of Honor, while admired profusely, is probably the one, main award most military personnel never want to obtain. It takes gallantry, courage, and heroism that is unknown to anyone until exactly that time when it's needed. It takes placing others' lives above your own.

The second one being the Purple Heart.
« Last Edit: April 09, 2008, 10:54:26 AM by TheSarge »
Liberalism Is The Philosophy Of The Stupid

The libs/dems of today are the Quislings of former years.  The cowards who would vote a fraud into office in exchange for handouts from the devil.

If it walks like a donkey and brays like a donkey and smells like a donkey - it's Cold Warrior.  - PoliCon



Palin has run a state, a town and a commercial fishing operation. Obama ain't run nothin' but his mouth. - Mark Steyn

Offline jukin

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #14 on: April 09, 2008, 12:56:46 PM »
Wikipedia should never be used as a source for actual facts.
When you are the beneficiary of someone’s kindness and generosity, it produces a sense of gratitude and community.

When you are the beneficiary of a policy that steals from someone and gives it to you in return for your vote, it produces a sense of entitlement and dependency.

Offline Chris_

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #15 on: April 09, 2008, 03:02:11 PM »
Rebel, you forgot to mention that MOH winners do not talk about their experience or their awards and medals.

True heroes don't feel a need to pump up their egos. I recently read an article about a WWII vet who had died, and when his wife went through his things, she found that he wad been awarded the Silver Star. In almost 50 years of marriage he had never even mentioned it to her.

I can confirm this characteristic among vets, when my stepfather died a few years ago, we discovered that he had two Bronze Stars, one Silver Star, and two Purple Hearts, from his service in WWII (he was 101st Airborne, and jumped into France the night before D-Day).

We knew he served, and in what outfit, but he never spoke about his decorations......

doc
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline TheSarge

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #16 on: April 09, 2008, 03:04:35 PM »

I can confirm this characteristic among vets, when my stepfather died a few years ago, we discovered that he had two Bronze Stars, one Silver Star, and two Purple Hearts, from his service in WWII (he was 101st Airborne, and jumped into France the night before D-Day).

We knew he served, and in what outfit, but he never spoke about his decorations......

doc

If I remember the story correctly...the author of "Flags Of Our Fathers" had no idea his father had been one of the six to plant the flag on Iwo until after he'd died and the son was looking through some of his military papers.  He had never mentioned it to anyone.

That discovery is what prompted the writing of the book.
Liberalism Is The Philosophy Of The Stupid

The libs/dems of today are the Quislings of former years.  The cowards who would vote a fraud into office in exchange for handouts from the devil.

If it walks like a donkey and brays like a donkey and smells like a donkey - it's Cold Warrior.  - PoliCon



Palin has run a state, a town and a commercial fishing operation. Obama ain't run nothin' but his mouth. - Mark Steyn

Offline dutch508

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #17 on: April 09, 2008, 04:10:10 PM »
As of 2/26/2007, total MOH awarded: 3463. Total posthumous: 616.

SOURCE


Thank you, sir.

But I'm surprised the percentage of those awarded posthumously is so low.

As I said above, given that the medals are awarded for Great Acts of Valor, and given that Great Acts of Valor have a high mortality rate, I had thought it would be like, two-thirds or three-quarters, or something.

Check out the awardee dates. The criteria for awarding the MoH was much lower during the American Civil War. It slowly got harder and harder to get until now it is at the level of extremely difficult to win, and IMHO, rightfully so.

The torch of moral clarity since 12/18/07

2016 DOTY: 06 Omaha Steve - Is dying for ****'s face! How could you not vote for him, you heartless bastards!?!

Offline RedTail

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #18 on: April 09, 2008, 06:48:26 PM »
Rebel, you forgot to mention that MOH winners do not talk about their experience or their awards and medals.

True heroes don't feel a need to pump up their egos. I recently read an article about a WWII vet who had died, and when his wife went through his things, she found that he wad been awarded the Silver Star. In almost 50 years of marriage he had never even mentioned it to her.

I can confirm this characteristic among vets, when my stepfather died a few years ago, we discovered that he had two Bronze Stars, one Silver Star, and two Purple Hearts, from his service in WWII (he was 101st Airborne, and jumped into France the night before D-Day).

We knew he served, and in what outfit, but he never spoke about his decorations......

doc

Can you request records for the citations/reports accompanying these awards? It would drive me nuts not to know the how behind them.

*Red*

Offline CG6468

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Re: I have a question regarding the Medal of Honor
« Reply #19 on: April 10, 2008, 12:21:20 PM »
RedTail, you can read them online.

http://www.history.army.mil/moh.html

The list includes members notr only of the Army but of all of the military services, including Douglas Munro, the only U.S. Coastguardsman to be so honored.
Illinois, south of the gun controllers in Chi town