[greenberetTFS]

Originally Posted by wet dog

After much time out of the net, I'm back home and reading many, many threads. Seeing that this subject had not been to active of late, I did want to include my thoughts.

The words, "Received", "Win" and "Won" are often interchanged with medals. While my opinion does not warrent my vocabulary to use the word "won", it congurs up the feeling that medals are a contest, like my son's soccer tournaments. Medals of Valor, beit, Bronze, Silver, DSC, or MOH are not awards of contests, but symbols of heroism bestowed upon them by their fellow soldiers for actions above the call to duty.

Raely have I met a soldier, who had awards for bravery that thumpt his own chest, but more often than not, I have witnessed humility, thanks, and graciousness.

Some of the earliest recipients of the MOH were quiet 'drummer boys' who never left their posts during extreme fighting periods of our own Civil War. Their bravery were marked as examples for soldiers and citizens alike.

If by chance history was different and Shughart and Gordon were not killed in Somolia, but were captured with Durant. If by chance they were still with us, their actions would be no less heroic. They stepped from the safety of high ground, (Blackhawk), and stepped in harms way to defend a fallen brother.
It is because they lost their lives that day we honor their memory and esteem them in the highest regards.

Like all things, things change - it should not surprise us that the Medal Awards Committee changes to. I would encourage all of us, not to use the words "Win" or "Won" when referring to our nations Medals.

The medals will fade with time, collect dust or end up in old shoe boxes stored in closets, but my graditude for their "recipients" will never diminish.

I thank all of you for your service, and may God's love comfort your families.

WD

WD,

Excellent post,very well expressed and I concur with you 110%........

Big Teddy