Medal of Honor recipient asks to return to duty

Surf n Turf · 10-15-2013, 16:29

Medal of Honor recipient asks to return to duty
WASHINGTON — The former Army captain who received the Medal of Honor on Tuesday has asked to return to active duty in the Army, a rare move by an officer who has lived to wear the military's highest award.
Two U.S. officials tell The Associated Press that William D. Swenson has submitted a formal request to the Army and officials are working with him to allow his return.
Swenson was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in the White House Tuesday afternoon for risking his life to recover bodies and save fellow troops during a lengthy battle against the Taliban in Afghanistan near the Pakistan border in 2009.
The U.S. officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the request until a decision was made.
Swenson, 34, left the military in February 2011 as a captain, but he could rise to the rank of major once he rejoins. In order to successfully re-enlist, Swenson will have to pass a physical, a drug test and other routine reviews. But officials Tuesday were optimistic it would all fall into place.

http://www.columbian.com/news/2013/o...eturn-to-duty/

**PRB** · 10-15-2013, 16:32

I guess he had a good look at the civvy world.

Dusty · 10-15-2013, 16:33

He can't fight any more, can he? Or, did they change that?

the squid · 10-16-2013, 06:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRB

I guess he had a good look at the civvy world.

I think, from reading between the lines in many of the articles that I've read about the battle and the political fight that took place afterwards, is that he was more or less "forced" out for not towing the party line (or being "disloyal" as many senior officers like to phrase it). Keeping in mind that this happened two years ago, and at that time, I don't even think he was reccomended for a lower valor award in lieu of the MOH.

I don't think he even wanted to leave, and now that he has finally been recognized, he took this as an opportunity to get his foot back in the door.

Medal of Honor or not, his candor and demonstrated love for his men make him a man I think many would willingly follow. He seems to be one of the few whose service is about others and not his own pursuit of glory.

Utah Bob · 10-16-2013, 21:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by the squid

I think, from reading between the lines in many of the articles that I've read about the battle and the political fight that took place afterwards, is that he was more or less "forced" out for not towing the party line (or being "disloyal" as many senior officers like to phrase it). Keeping in mind that this happened two years ago, and at that time, I don't even think he was reccomended for a lower valor award in lieu of the MOH.

I don't think he even wanted to leave, and now that he has finally been recognized, he took this as an opportunity to get his foot back in the door.

Medal of Honor or not, his candor and demonstrated love for his men make him a man I think many would willingly follow. He seems to be one of the few whose service is about others and not his own pursuit of glory.

He was railroaded. The original paperwork for his MOH somehow got "lost". They need to fast track his re-entry. Combat leaders like him are an asset.

98G · 10-17-2013, 08:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dusty

He can't fight any more, can he? Or, did they change that?

I can't find a regulation regarding it, but whether he goes back into combat or not, we could sure use officers like him in the chain of command.

Dusty · 10-17-2013, 08:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98G

I can't find a regulation regarding it, but whether he goes back into combat or not, we could sure use officers like him in the chain of command.

When Bad Bob got his, they wouldn't let him bust heads anymore.

That's why there were still live communists in-country when we extracted from Vietnam.

the squid · 10-17-2013, 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utah Bob

He was railroaded. The original paperwork for his MOH somehow got "lost". They need to fast track his re-entry. Combat leaders like him are an asset.

My thoughts exactly.

What I wonder is if these same officers and officials now praising him for his courage and candor were the same ones so adament that he not be recognized or allowed to prosper as an Officer two years ago.

Would not surprise me a bit.

**Ambush Master** · 10-17-2013, 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dusty

When Bad Bob got his, they wouldn't let him bust heads anymore.

That's why there were still live communists in-country when we extracted from Vietnam.

No, but when President Nixon asked him what he wanted to do, after the ceremony, Bob said "To pay his respects @ the Tomb of the Unknown and return to my command" @ Recon Company CCC.

As to the topic of this Thread, I would like for the Good Captain to trade in his Crossed Rifles for Crossed Arrows!!! He's got the "moxy" that would make a good 18A!!!

Later
Martin