1 "It's very humbling to know that the guys thought that much of me and my actions that day, to nominate me for that," Petry told the Army News Service.

Thank God we still have men like this, willing to serve.

2 A solid for a solider.

3 What grand and glorious men and women we have that protect us. I hope they protect the value and meaning of that medal and not turn it into a political thing. That young man earned his medal.

4

A true hero:  thank you for your service and example.

5 I don't have a problem with them being stingy about awarding this honor, it's just that it doesn't state that it must be awarded posthumously. There have been many instances of extreme valor that I have read about that were certainly deserving of this award and the military member survived that action. It is, after all, the nation's highest award and while it is not given freely, it should have been awarded many more times up to this point, nearly ten years into war.

6 Posted by: The Robot Devil at June 01, 2011 11:59 AM (136wp)

He's humbled.

That says everything I need to know about this man.

Wow. We are indeed lucky and blessed to have these men fighting for us.

7 Don't you mean War on Terrorism, Drew?

8

That's "soldier", not "solider".

Sgt. Giunta left the Army.  I am not sure why, but it relieves a green second lieutenant from the burden of giving orders to a MOH recipient.  And, as a matter of military courtesy, saluting him first.

Note that all these Rangers kept moving up, into the zone of fire.  One after another, wounded, moving up, wounded, kept firing, wounded, bandaged themselves and each other.

As somebody said, these guys, when they pass, will be one pace to the left of The Throne, and slightly behind.

9 There are no words. I am in awe of this man and those like him. Too bad he has to accept said medal from this oval office interloper.

10 Thank you for your sacrifice Sgt. Petry. You are what makes this country great. It is comforting to here of people like this still around. Humble always I am sure he will say he just did what needed to be done. How many of us can say the same?

On another note. Just saw this in the news. Another bad ass soldier doing what needed to be done. Wish we had more of them.

http://tinyurl.com/3txy9y3

11 RLTW!

12 If only the CinC could be one tenth the man SFC Petry is.

May God bless and protect all our troops wherever they serve.

13 8

That's "soldier", not "solider".

Sgt. Giunta left the Army.  I am not sure why, but it relieves a green second lieutenant from the burden of giving orders to a MOH recipient.  And, as a matter of military courtesy, saluting him first.

Note that all these Rangers kept moving up, into the zone of fire.  One after another, wounded, moving up, wounded, kept firing, wounded, bandaged themselves and each other.

As somebody said, these guys, when they pass, will be one pace to the left of The Throne, and slightly behind.

Posted by: Richard Aubrey at June 01, 2011 12:07 PM (wxHHM)

I... was going to comment, but you nailed it.  Nothing more to add.

14 10 Thank you for your sacrifice Sgt. Petry. You are what makes this country great. It is comforting to here of people like this still around. Humble always I am sure he will say he just did what needed to be done. How many of us can say the same?

On another note. Just saw this in the news. Another bad ass soldier doing what needed to be done. Wish we had more of them.

http://tinyurl.com/3txy9y3

Posted by: Greg at June 01, 2011 12:13 PM (3KpsL)

"I've been through five deployments. I've fought the Muqtada militia, everybody you can think of, so weapons getting pointed at me, it doesn't really bother me anymore," he said. "I took the weapon away from him and put him on the ground and the rest was history."

Awesome!

15 BTW.

I don't believe we are overly stingy with the MOH.

There are plenty of awards being handed out for gallant action in combat. There is simply not enough recognition from the media unless it is something like the MOH. Frankly, there is not enough in general about the actions undertaken by heroes on our behalf reported by the media. They would rather talk about how great it is that Obama can match his own socks.

16 15 BTW.

I don't believe we are overly stingy with the MOH.

There are plenty of awards being handed out for gallant action in combat. There is simply not enough recognition from the media unless it is something like the MOH. Frankly, there is not enough in general about the actions undertaken by heroes on our behalf reported by the media. They would rather talk about how great it is that Obama can match his own socks.

Posted by: Marcus at June 01, 2011 12:19 PM (CHrmZ)

He can? 

17

Such a shame that the man who will award this outstanding soldier the honor has more in common with his enemy than the soldier himself. Assuming he can tear himself away from the golf course.

18 What else can I say, but badass?

It swells my heart to know I am defended by men like Petry.

19 #8, he said in an interview that he'd always planned to leave the Army and go to college at the end of his first enlistment. Wonder if he'll go for a commission after he finishes his degree.

20 We are seeing living MoH recipients because Obama can't trot out dead ones to make himself look good.

21 17

Such a shame that the man who will award this outstanding soldier the honor has more in common with his enemy than the soldier himself. Assuming he can tear himself away from the golf course.

Posted by: maddogg at June 01, 2011 12:21 PM (OlN4e)

If I was Petry I'd request that the award be presented by the Army Chief of Staff... or better yet, the SMA.

22 A cadre of Medal of Honor recipients (especially surviving ones) will be an important resource, link and example for future generations of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines to all the heroes of the last 10 plus years.

--It's also a lame parallel, but living MOH recipients would also serve as useful input into who should and would receive future medals (just like former Heisman winners have votes for the present trophy).

23 Real heros

24 Picking up a live grenade and throwing it=guts. Much smarter than jumping on it, IMHO. I wish we would stop skating around the words "won" and "winner." They sound much more fitting, and are more traditional, than "received" and "recipient." I swear, "recipient" makes it sound like a part of the plumbing.

25

15Frankly, there is not enough in general about the actions undertaken by heroes on our behalf reported by the media.

 

Bingo. More importantly, so many of our "countrymen" are so self absorbed and sheltered that they would not want to hear about it even if they did maintain focus.

 

26 Posted by: Iron Balls McGinty at June 01, 2011 12:25 PM (/7n/7)

Yeah, I think we can draw the line at ridiculous comments like this. Whether on purpose or not you actually just demeaned a hero.

27

The Medal of Honor did not begin with the Second World War. It was first awarded during the Civil War.

I am thankful that we have men and women in the service of our country who exhibit the bravery that has long characterized this Medal.

When I was a cadet at Texas A&M University, I walked frequently past the portraits of Medal of Honor winners at what was then then Memorial Student Center. (early 70´s). We also had the inscription there "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."John 15:13. I can not think of any phrase that better characterizes the honor of our brave soldiers..

28 20 We are seeing living MoH recipients because Obama can't trot out dead ones to make himself look good.

Posted by: Iron Balls McGinty at June 01, 2011 12:25 PM (/7n/7)

think.  then post.  I'm guilty of inverting the two occasionally, but on this topic you should probably tread a little more carefully.

29 15 BTW.

I don't believe we are overly stingy with the MOH.

There are plenty of awards being handed out for gallant action in combat. There is simply not enough recognition from the media unless it is something like the MOH. Frankly, there is not enough in general about the actions undertaken by heroes on our behalf reported by the media. They would rather talk about how great it is that Obama can match his own socks.

Posted by: Marcus at June 01, 2011 12:19 PM (CHrmZ) 

Nonsense.  He has staff to do that.  The media gets tingly when he picks makes his NCAA picks, or orders shrimp. 

God bless these brave men.  I pray in '12 we elect a CiC worthy of the military.

30 Posted by: Marcus at June 01, 2011 12:19 PM (CHrmZ)

There were 4 MoH awarded for actions on D-Day alone and it's only that low because there was a rule in place at the time that there could only be one awarded per division. That's likely why the LT Winters (Band of Brothers) didn't get it for the action at Brecourt Manor.

There's got to be a happy medium between 9 in 2 wars over 10 years and handing them out like participation medals.

31 My God,

I am such a small little shit in the presence of men like like this.

Thank you, Lord.

32 From wikipedia:
Privileges and courtesies

The Medal of Honor confers special privileges on its recipients. By law, recipients have several benefits:

    Each Medal of Honor recipient may have his or her name entered on the Medal of Honor Roll (38 U.S.C. § 1560). Each person whose name is placed on the Medal of Honor Roll is certified to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as being entitled to receive a monthly pension above and beyond any military pensions or other benefits for which they may be eligible. The pension is subject to cost-of-living increases; as of 2011, it is more than $1,100 a month.

    Enlisted recipients of the Medal of Honor are entitled to a supplemental uniform allowance.
    Recipients receive special entitlements to air transportation under the provisions of DOD Regulation 4515.13-R.
    Special identification cards and commissary and exchange privileges are provided for Medal of Honor recipients and their eligible dependents.
    Eligibility for interment at Arlington National Cemetery if not otherwise eligible.
    Fully qualified children of recipients are eligible for admission to the United States military academies without regard to the nomination and quota requirements.
    Recipients receive a 10 percent increase in retired pay under 10 U.S.C. § 3991.
    Those awarded the medal after October 23, 2002, receive a Medal of Honor Flag. The law also specified that all 103 living prior recipients as of that date would also receive a flag. (14 U.S.C. § 505).
    Recipients receive an invitation to all future presidential inaugurations and inaugural balls.
    As with all medals, retired personnel may wear the Medal of Honor on "appropriate" civilian clothing. Regulations also specify that recipients of the Medal of Honor are allowed to wear the uniform "at their pleasure" with standard restrictions on political, commercial, or extremist purposes; other former members of the armed forces may do so only at certain ceremonial occasions.
    Many states offer distinctive Medal of Honor vehicle license plates to recipients without additional charges or fees.

If you think they're being stingy about handing these out, I think they have to consider the length of our combat role in those regions.  No doubt we'd have hundreds of recipients otherwise.

33 27

The Medal of Honor did not begin with the Second World War. It was first awarded during the Civil War.

I am thankful that we have men and women in the service of our country who exhibit the bravery that has long characterized this Medal.

When I was a cadet at Texas A&M University, I walked frequently past the portraits of Medal of Honor winners at what was then then Memorial Student Center. (early 70´s). We also had the inscription there "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."John 15:13. I can not think of any phrase that better characterizes the honor of our brave soldiers..

Posted by: Harry at June 01, 2011 12:29 PM (j0bb0)

I was able to visit the pentagon when I was an MTI years ago.  We got a VIP tour, so there was no one else around.  When we went into the Hall of Heroes the tour moved on and I found myself alone in that room.  I can't describe it.  I'll never forget those 15 minutes.  I read every name. 

This was right after Randy Shugart and Gary Gordon received their medals.  It took me about another 10 minutes in the head to "get my uniform in order" before I could rejoin the tour.

34 Will Barry award the medal from the eighteenth hole at Andrews?

^{Sorry for the cheap joke.} 

Sgt. Petry is from my (former) state of New Mexico, which has a long and proud tradition of military service.  God bless the sergeant and all the other brave men and women serving in our military.

35 This metal of honor is like someone throwing pies. Lets talk about the debt ceiling

36 I read his story earlier today.

A true American hero.  Took a bullet, lost his hand in an attempt to throw a grenade back to save his comrades, stayed calm and in control and lead without regard to his own well being.

God bless this man.

37 They should be stingy about awarding the CMOH.

Once you get that medal, if you are still alive, your career in the military is generally over. Everyone in the military salutes you, from the head of the joint chiefs on down. Fitting such an individual into a military unit is damned near impossible, as he can, at that point, do almost no wrong.

38 Here's another...

Marine/Special Ops/ CIA Mike Spann was questioning prisoners in Nov 2001. Spann asked the prisoners who they were and why they joined the Taliban. They massed around him. 'Why are you here?' Spann asked one. 'To kill you,' came the reply as the man lunged at Spann's neck

Pretty much sums up the WOT

39 There's got to be a happy medium between 9 in 2 wars over 10 years and handing them out like participation medals.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 12:34 PM (Fz+L5)

 

That's the problem.  If you are going to award this honor for legitimately heroic acts that go above and beyond the many heroic acts performed on a daily basis by our men and women in the military, it should not need to be a strictly academic, quota-based decision. 

I respect all fellow combat veterans and servicemembers and I have seen/heard of many acts which would, in many peoples' eyes, be deserving of the MoH.  Then again, I understand that there is a difference between a heroic act and one that goes a step beyond to become MoH-worthy.  It is, when you get right down to it, a situational/subjective assessment in many regards with a large administrative component.  However, if our collective definition of MoH-worthy acts is in line with the award criteria and that criteria is met, it should be honored whether it is high in number or not posthumous.

Outside of all of that, it is always good to see someone who truly deserves the recognition getting that recognition I salute SFC Petry.

40 Will Barry award the medal from the eighteenth hole at Andrews?

^{Sorry for the cheap joke.} 



Not really a cheap shot.

Given the 70 rounds he's played since taking office, it's a legitimate question.

41 I had the pleasure of serving with two ALIVE MoH recipients, one a CO and the other a fellow NCO and they continued to be respected and fine Soldiers!!!

42

Genuine badass. The stuff of legend. Pick up an enemy grenade, get your hand blown off, tourniquet yourself, then radio for help.

Bless you Sgt Petry.

43 42,

I would think that he was following his training and his heart, doing something like that is spur of the moment I've been in firefights and I would have given all my guys a MoH in every one of them, when you are in a dire situation anything can happen.

44 I was out at Camp Pendleton, once again in the early 70´s, when someone pointed out a major to me and told me that he had been awarded the Medal of Honor. I did not catch his name so I do not know if it was true or not. I have no reason to believe otherwise. However, I think it is good for the services to have such heroes in their midst to remind them of the honor that is expected from each and every one.

45 The embodiment of the Ranger Creed.

RLTW SFC Petry.

46 I meant to say each and every soldier, sailo0r, marine, etc.

47 My father was stationed on a four-service post in Europe. There was an NCO who was a MOH recipient on the post. My dad said he never got tired of watching generals salute this man.

He also said that the guy would come back to the post most nights drunk, and nobody ever said a word. The feeling was that he was entitled to a bit of slack.

48 make that seaman. and I give up.

49 "Sailor" is correct.

50 47,

As  I said I served with two of them and they were just regular good Soldiers no slack in them actually I think it made them better.

51 It has been a long time since I was in the service and I couldn´t think of anything nice that we ever called them. (I am kidding).

52 40 Will Barry award the medal from the eighteenth hole at Andrews?

^{Sorry for the cheap joke.} 



Not really a cheap shot.

Given the 70 rounds he's played since taking office, it's a legitimate question.

Posted by: © Sponge at June 01, 2011 12:48 PM (UK9cE)

--He bolted right after laying the wreath at Arlington to hit the links.

Douche³

53 48 make that seaman. and I give up.

Posted by: Harry at June 01, 2011 12:58 PM (j0bb0)

LOL.  soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.  That covers it all.

54

--He bolted right after laying the wreath at Arlington to hit the links.

Douche³

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 01:01 PM (BP6Z1)

I didn't see the ceremony, but heard he had more of an "I've got somewhere better to be" attitude through the whole thing.  Pure rumor, but given his previous actions over the past 3 years, I do not doubt it ONE BIT.

55 Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 12:34 PM (Fz+L5)

I don't completely disagree. But I believe the circumstances under which the MoH is awarded have been fairly consistent over the years.

I personally believe it was under-awarded in Vietnam. But they kept the relatively low rate of award after WWII (and arguably Korea) pretty consistent.

And Winter's was robbed. Brecourt Manor still has some actions that are used as textbook examples.

56 54,

Prolly because someone told him that the Military thinks he sucks.

57 As dark as our current situation may at times appear, there will always be a chance for freedom to survive while men like this still draw a breath.

58 I still haven't gotten over Barry's pronunciation of corpsman.  Just.Boggles.The.Mind.

59 Posted by: Marcus at June 01, 2011 01:04 PM (CHrmZ)

What do you mean by "rate of award"?

60

OT, but a good chunk of the northeast is under a tornado watch through this evening, from NJ up to Maine (including my whole state of NH).  I wouldn't mention it, but given the craziness related to tornadoes recently, its best for everyone to be prepared.

 

61 57,

As glorious as these individuals may be, all of his brothers along side him are just as Brave and remarkable in combat.

62 Prolly because someone told him that the Military thinks he sucks.

Posted by: 'Nam Grunt at June 01, 2011 01:06 PM (0Snra)

I'm sure him doing nothing to ensure their votes would be counted absentee didn't help, either.  I mean, besides the fact he hates them and wants them to be under full control of the UN.

63 I think the quote from Teddy on the memorial says it all. I never heard that one before. I had to look it up cause the first couple of lines sucked me in. Learn something knew everyday.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

64 61 57,

As glorious as these individuals may be, all of his brothers along side him are just as Brave and remarkable in combat.

Posted by: 'Nam Grunt at June 01, 2011 01:11 PM (0Snra)

I'm guessing there was more than 1 medal awarded for that action.

65 I've seen Soldiers do things under fire that made me shake my head in combat and not get any kind of an award for it.

66

#58.

In all honesty, I have never spent any time around any liberals ever, thank God. But how can anybody be a functioning human being in the USA and not know how to pronounce corpsman?

Oh wait, I think I just answered my own question.

67 Bless you Staff Sgt Petry. And thank you.

"We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us."

Attribute it to whomever you like, it's a great and fitting quote.

68

In all honesty, I have never spent any time around any liberals ever, thank God. But how can anybody be a functioning human being in the USA and not know how to pronounce corpsman?

Oh wait, I think I just answered my own question.

Posted by: Harry at June 01, 2011 01:15 PM (j0bb0)

The rules change when you hate your country.

Remember, libs don't want the US to exist.  They want a 'one world' society where everyone dances in fields and sings kumbaya all day.   They hate a strong and independent America and will stop at nothing to destroy it.

That's why they all love France so much.  They're uppity and think they know better and socialism "spreads the wealth around, so it's good for everybody."
Just like JEF.

69 65 I've seen Soldiers do things under fire that made me shake my head in combat and not get any kind of an award for it.

Posted by: 'Nam Grunt at June 01, 2011 01:14 PM (0Snra)

One undeniably great thing about America is those that wear our uniform make uncommon valor not that uncommon.

70 Prolly because someone told him that the Military thinks he sucks.

Posted by: 'Nam Grunt at June 01, 2011 01:06 PM (0Snra)

They think correctly. His one actual documented accomplishment will be to push the boundaries of suck to the furtherest limits of the 3 physical dimensions and 8 additional postulated dimensions.

71 I was stuck in traffic earlier behind a BMW driven by a gray-haired guy sporting a Veterans for Obama sticker.  I see him fairly often, think he lives near me. 

I'd dearly love to have the chance to ask him, Why??

72 He is a true hero, he deserves the medal of honor

73

They think correctly. His one actual documented accomplishment will be to push the boundaries of suck to the furtherest limits of the 3 physical dimensions and 8 additional postulated dimensions.

Posted by: maddogg at June 01, 2011 01:19 PM (OlN4e)

The "Blue Falcon in Chief".

74 Just because noone did anything for me or my fellow Brothers when we returned home not even a hand shake when we wandered through airports, I make it a point to shake a Soldiers hand and maybe pay for their drink or meal when I spot them, always!

75 I would give my right hand to deserve the MOH like SFC Petry.

76 Our CiC:  Captain Training Pants.

77 Posted by: 'Nam Grunt at June 01, 2011 01:00 PM (0Snra)

No criticism was implied. On the contrary, I agree that the guy deserved the slack. And...my dad told me that he came back drunk, but was always respectful of the uniform. He wasn't sloppy or loud or obnoxious. He just liked to get hammered.

78 Another thing is that we must promote our heroes, an example is the team that killed Osama Bin Laden, in the next few months i think we will see movies and games about that event. pariuri online

79 Cleanup on aisle 72 and 78.

80 I think most people that have ever had anything to do with the service realize that many, many, many fine young men and women step up and do what has to be done. Many are unknown and unheard of. The world is a better place because they passed through here.

81 'Thank you' seems so inadequate.

I agree with Marcus, the media gives our Heroes no credit, no attention.

Every one always says we need real heroes.

We don't.  We already have them.  They wear the uniform of the US CG, Army, Navy, Marines.

For those that served, or are serving, thank you.

For those whose loved ones have/are served, thank you, too.

82 80,

When I was a young super duper Airborne Trooper I never thought in in my wildest dreams that I would become part of the phrase that "Old Soldiers never die, they just fade away" I will always be a Soldier.

83 Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 01:11 PM (Fz+L5)

A little dated, but this is a good analysis I read awhile ago.

84 The military recognition system is severely broken, has been for decades. I've seen medal packages (as well as packages for various other awards at all levels of service) denied due to a typo on the routing sheet for the package because some pencil-neck has nothing better to do than nit-pick. Medals are downgraded due to quotas - regardless of the action or the deservedness of the award. Or some senior officer doesn't think a junior enlisted person deserves an award simply because of their rank. I know of one circumstance that occurred in Iraq. An E7 was awarded a Bronze Star and an E6 was awarded an ACM. The E6 was denied a Bronze Star simply based on his rank. I swear, I heard unit leadership say that. The E6 was also wounded but had a Purple Heart denied on some BS technicality as well. Sometimes people don't even get medals because a supervisor or superior simply didn't want to write one. MOH's are indeed unique and should be awarded for unique and extreme acts of heroism. There are other medals for other actions or those not quite meeting the quals for a MOH - the various service Crosses, Silver Star, etc.

85 >>Posted by: 'Nam Grunt at June 01, 2011 01:11 PM (0Snra)

Agreed, but recognition of of the indomitable spirit of the individual flies in the face of the plans that collectivists like Barky have for this country.
But certainly all of them are under appreciated by a lot of
(mostly the leftys) Americans.    

86 Congrats, Sgt. First Class Petry.

87 During a heavy engagement once upon a time my Chaplain received the MoH for bringing us ammo in his steel pot, lasted approx. 4 days many KIA and wounded his name was Litke, go figure where does a guy like that crawl 100 meters just to resupply a bunch of Grunts?

88

#82

Although my association with the military was in my early adulthood, and I am now in my late 50´s, (more than 35 years ago) I have always been a Marine at heart. I appreciate the men and women who believe in something bigger than themselves (as opposed to despicable public figures who think it is all about themselves).

89 88,

I don't know what stops me from smacking some of these youngsters today when I'm out and about and happen to hear their conversations, we didn't say things about the military like that when I was young and stupid.

90 I have met at least 2/3 of the living MOH recipients and a couple of them are good friends. There are some things that they have made clear in public forums and are important to convey. 1. They have no input as to who gets the medal, nor do they want input. 2. the nature of combat today is far different. Rarely are you in hand to hand combat with the enemy. 3. Many actions in past conflicts were MOH worthy, but there was no one left living to witness them. 4. The chain of command might be a little stingy with MOH citations, but it's really hard to know. They cast no dispersions on the current chain of command, or the process. They all had to go through it too-many of them unknowingly. 5. They don't consider themselves heroes. They are representatives of the people that came before them, and virtually everyone remembers the fallen. Like one of them said, "it was the worst day of my life." 6. anyone that goes out and tries to "earn" a MOH is crazy. They will not live to tell the tale.

91 Well maybe because I'm an Army brat as were my circle of friends before I joined the Army, Military kids are better adjusted than their douchbag peers.

92

#89.

Since I do not live in the USA at this time, I do not run into the situation you are talking about. But...

The last time I went to the States I was looking for people who had voted for Obama just so I could give them a piece of my mind, and no one would own up to voting for him, except my step father and he was super repentant for voting for him. He is an old time Democrat (WWII veteran) that had to learn the hard way that today´s Democrat party is not the party of Roosevelt.

93 Hooah!

94 Men like SFC Petry don't do what they do for medals or recognition but that doesn't mean we shouldn't ensure they all know how thankful we are to them and amazed by what they do.

Oh, Drewsie, I'm sure you'll figure out a proper use of the heroism and deaths of servicemen to score a political point.

95 today´s Democrat party is not the party of Roosevelt.
Posted by: Harry at June 01, 2011 01:51 PM (j0bb0)

Take a fresh look at Roosevelt. Harry Hopkins his closest adviser liked Uncle Joe ....... a lot.

96

As a civilian I can see why the process is so slow.

 

All the REMFs have to justify their existence.

97 I can't locate his name presently but the MOH should have been awarded for an action in Iraq that would be described as an over the top exaggerated scene if it were in a movie. I can't do the description justice so if anyone knows who I am referring to please post because I would like to read the citation again. It involved a Humvee patrol being ambushed from a trench built across th road. He drove directly at the ambush, into the trench, got out and went down the trench killing as many of the enemy until his weapon no longer functioned, picked up an AK from one of the enemy and proceeded to keep on taking out those who stupidly chose to keep fighting this chuck norris ain't got nothing on him badass.

98 AIRBORNE!!! On Veterans Day, 11Nov67 I was one of seven wounded troopers saved by MOH recipient Pfc John Barnes III, Deadham, Mass. John undauntedly sacriviced himself by rolling onto a grenade thrown amongst the wounded. His valourous actions saved the lives of seven of his Brothers. For that I am eternally indebted and grateful for soldiers like John and Sgt 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry. God Bless! (John 15:13) 

99 Posted by: weiner's weener...get it? hehe at June 01, 2011 01:52 PM (DZboX)

--Giant douchetroll

100

One of my cousins, an elderly nun, was being transfered into the old nun's home, so my wife and I invited her over for a nice family dinner. Sister comes into the house and in her inimitable manner sys, "Here, this is for you," and hands me a small package.

I open it and there are several leather cases with US ARMY embossed on the front.

I open the first one, Purple Heart, the second one, another Purple Heart, and the third one?

Bronze Star.

They were her brother's who was killed in World War II in France.

I teared up.

101 I didn't see the ceremony, but heard he had more of an "I've got somewhere better to be" attitude through the whole thing.  Pure rumor, but given his previous actions over the past 3 years, I do not doubt it ONE BIT.

Posted by: © Sponge at June 01, 2011 01:03 PM (UK9cE)

Wasn't this his infamous speech where he said "The U.S. military is one of the best in the world"?

And, Sgt. Petry, G-d Bless You. 

102 Posted by: Marcus at June 01, 2011 01:32 PM (DrChn)

Thanks, I'll take a look.

103 Found his name. Lieutenant Brian Chontosh. Unfortunately I can't link.

104 Posted by: Marcus at June 01, 2011 01:32 PM (DrChn)

From the link you gave me:

Moreover, most of the casualties are from roadside bombs, not what we typically think of as combat. That said, if we were fighting World War II with today's troops and equipment, we probably would have had one MoH for every 800 or so dead. So, even by the fairly strict standards of World War II, there would be about twice as many MoHs during the last five years of fighting. That translates to another four, MoHs.

Another 4 MOHs is 50% of what we have so we're actually lagging behind WWII rates by a fairly significant margin.

Also, I'd say there reliance on combat deaths isn't really the way to go. Yeah, today enemy relies on roadside bombs but WWII enemies had ways to kill today's don't (artillery, air power, ships, etc). I get you have to use some standard but I'm not sure that's the way to go. But again, even then we are still lagging behind.

105 The MoH has been issued very quickly- as in a week - when the effort was made to award the medal before an airman died of his wounds (but he was to tough to die and went on to live an extraordinary life).  http://tinyurl.com/44al223

106

55, when an Internet campaign started after the "Band of Brothers" hysteria to get Major Winters' DSC upgraded to the Medal of Honor, Winters put out a statement and stopped that shit pretty quick. He wanted neither the Medal nor the attention.

84, my Bronze Star recommendation was kicked back from 4th ID's HQ with a note to resubmit as an Army Commendation Medal (think that was my third). I was pissed at the time. My CSM apologized, and meant it. Not his fault.

103, then-1LT, now-Major Chontosh earned the Navy Cross for that engagement, which is certainly nothing to sneeze at.

107 SGT Dan I agree that the second highest honor is nothing to sneeze at but I think his action deserved the MOH based on the commendation citation. I may be out of line but injury status may be a subconscious factor when making the recommendation.

108 He sounds like an amazing man. He makes me want to be a better person to be deserving of such a sacrifice. I agree that they have been stingy with such honors especially in light of that bogus Special Restraint award for doing nothing in combat. Can the military people let me know if there is a person or dept that we can write to about it? I think they should hear from people other than code pink.

109

My father was an Infantry platoon leader in the ETO. In his opinion, anybody who took one step forward deserves a medal.

You'll note that, on Army uniforms, the CIB comes below the MOH, if any, and above anything else.  There's a reason for that.

110 A Medal of Honor can be approved very, very quickly:

"... Army Air Force officials, led by Major General Curtis LeMay and Brigadier General Lauris Norstad approved Erwin's award of the Medal of Honor in a matter of hours, so a presentation could be made while he still lived.  A medal was flown to Guam and presented to him in the hospital there...."

Read it all.  Prepare to be humbled and weep at the sheer courage.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_E._Erwin

111 20 We are seeing living MoH recipients because Obama can't trot out dead ones to make himself look good.

Posted by: Iron Balls McGinty



I take a back seat to no one in my dislike and disdain for Obama.  But, with all due respect, Iron Balls... Fuck you. 

You could not be more wrong to disparage Guinta's and Petry's courage like that.

112 97 I can't locate his name presently but the MOH should have been awarded for an action in Iraq that would be described as an over the top exaggerated scene if it were in a movie.

I can't do the description justice so if anyone knows who I am referring to please post because I would like to read the citation again. It involved a Humvee patrol being ambushed from a trench built across th road. He drove directly at the ambush, into the trench, got out and went down the trench killing as many of the enemy until his weapon no longer functioned, picked up an AK from one of the enemy and proceeded to keep on taking out those who stupidly chose to keep fighting this chuck norris ain't got nothing on him badass.

Posted by: polynikes-Romney supporter at June 01, 2011 02:22 PM (9zDBm)

Brian Chontash.  "Over into the battlement the humvee went and out the door Brian Chontosh bailed, carrying an M16 and a Beretta and 228 years of Marine Corps pride. And he ran down the trench....When he was done Brian Chontosh had cleared 200 yards of entrenched Iraqis from his platoon's flank. He had killed more than 20 and wounded at least as many more...."

Watch this and just be thankful he's on our side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K1udLtRa7c

113 If you're feeling sort of empty because there aren't that many live CMOH recipients around these days, try reading up on a few Navy Cross and Distinguished Service Cross recipients. Some of them were just a teensy bit heroic, and they'll do just fine till the Real Official Thing comes along.

114 #109, the Combat Infantryman's Badge is worn above all ribbons, including the Medal of Honor. While the pattern of wear for Army badges was somewhat informal in WWII, with parachute infantrymen putting the jump wings above the CIB, etc, it's all pretty well cast in stone now.

Google "Army Regulation 670-1", it's the wear and appearance of Army uniforms reg.

115 A real hero and not a political hack scribbling their name to treaties we dont need or want