[STARMAN 352ND]

He should of got the Medal of Honor....I wish there is a way to overturn this and give him the MOH.
JP
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?s...&article=57507

[Captain Eddie]

If his self-sacrafice does not desearve the Medal of Honor, what does?

[Old Crow]

I don't believe it for one second when they say the friendly fire aspect played no role in this decision. If you go back and read some of the past MOH citations over the years, you just come away scratching your head over how political the whole selection process must be.

[derhamburgerjung]

I have just checked Medal Of Honor Recipients: Congressional Medal of Honor Society and right the 3.entry of ANDERSON, JAMES, JR. states :

Suddenly, an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the marines and rolled alongside Pfc. Anderson's head. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he reached out, grasped the grenade, pulled it to his chest and curled around it as it went off. Although several marines received shrapnel from the grenade, his body absorbed the major force of the explosion. In this singularly heroic act, Pfc. Anderson saved his comrades from serious injury and possible death. His personal heroism, extraordinary valor, and inspirational supreme self-sacrifice reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Please, explain me where the difference is?

[mikeb1958]

Originally Posted by Captain Eddie

If his self-sacrafice does not desearve the Medal of Honor, what does?

The current Prez running this country into the ground maybe...
That soldier should of recieved the MOH for sure.

[skydriver]

This is total BS. That Marine gave his life no matter what. My prayers go out to his family. Hopefully this wrong will be righted.

[Old Crow]

From the Code of Federal Regulations regarding MOH eligibility:

...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; while
engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing
foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in
an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United
States is not a belligerent party (figure 1). The deed performed must
have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to
clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have
involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of the
service will be exacted and each recommendation for the award of this
decoration will be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit...

From the same regs, the standard for the Navy Cross:

...awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself/herself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of the Medal of Honor while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. To warrant this distinctive decoration, the act or the execution of duty must be performed in the presence of great danger or at great personal risk and must be performed in such a manner as to set the individual apart from his or her shipmates or fellow Marines. An accumulation of minor acts of heroism does not justify the award. The high standards demanded must be borne in mind when recommending the award...

By the way, the decision on this was not made by President Bush but by SecDef Gates.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Well then someone better get on Gates butt then....Like Gen. James T. Conway Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Because he really should have the MOH awarded to him.
JP

[jim]

I have read the requirements for the MOH and imho that marine deserves the medal.

I like to think that I have no bias and can be impartial , my impartial opinion is that he should have this award, I would be more interested to know why he was not considered deserving of the medal.

My thoughts are with his family on this , I feel very sad for them.

[Old Crow]

Well then someone better get on Gates butt then....Like Gen. James T. Conway Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Because he really should have the MOH awarded to him

The Marines recommended the MOH and are as mad as the family.

Here is a fact I did not realize until today and find unfathomable: between Iraq and Afghanistan, the Marines have just 1 MOH recipient.