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I can see the argument that her story was hyped up because she was an 18 year old girl. What did the soldier that helped her pull the bodies out or who drove the pickup truck to the evac site get? Awards are not always what they should be and it is very unfortunate. She acted with bravery and did her job very well, I don't want to sound like I am taking away from what she did, nor is it her fault. Sometimes people just get turned into something they never asked for.
A soldier I was with in that same province ran into a burning mrap and cut out the driver who was stuck in his seatbelt, he then dragged him out of the seat and carried him back down the ramp. By the time he got out of the truck they were both on fire and he put his driver out, then himself. This occurred while under SAF/IDF attack. He too was an 18 year old PFC, he got an ARCOM-V.
The one soldier who declined an interview because women have no place in combat should be reprimanded for his unprofessional behavior with the media.
I would think it isn't so much that this soldier does not deserve a silver star, as there are way to many other soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors who never get the recognition they deserve for doing their job with honor against an enemy that has none.
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