Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Sean M Cary]

Sean, you'll get no debate from me.  Can only speculate on the reasons why the review went as it did and consider the reasons why.  Suggesting such doesn't mean one agrees with them.  Just recognizes what they might be.

I am glad such a review wasn't mine to do.  I have a hard time not bowing before heroes and would award too easily I fear.  Knowing only the public facts I can't fathom the decision in this case.  But such decisions are well well above my pay grade.

The First Sergeant (now Sgt Major) who shielded a wounded Marine with his body (made the news getting carried out by two Marines with his M9 still in his hand) from an insurgent grenade during the battle of Fallujah "only" got the Navy Cross.  Some believed he rated the Medal of Honor as well...guess that is the bar in some way.  Dunham wrestled an insurgent and then jumped on a grenade knocked from his hand, put his helmet over it and took the blast...not much different then Peralta. 

I hope there is not some stupid quota in place...but on the whole, my Corps is much more stringent then the other services about issuing any awards, valorous or not.  (and I have done joint tours, so have seen it from different aspects).

Sean

[elvislee]

Sean, you'll get no debate from me.  Can only speculate on the reasons why the review went as it did and consider the reasons why.  Suggesting such doesn't mean one agrees with them.  Just recognizes what they might be.

I am glad such a review wasn't mine to do.  I have a hard time not bowing before heroes and would award too easily I fear.  Knowing only the public facts I can't fathom the decision in this case.  But such decisions are well well above my pay grade.

I agree completely with twolane ... To be taotally honest; when I FIRST read anything of this I felt ANGER.... I guess when a man gives the ultimate; it's hard for me to understand how he can not receive the same....GOD Bless them all...Salute

[VaEagle]

This debate reminds me of the struggle to get a friend of mine the CMO for his actions in Vietnam. At first he didn't want an award since he was just doing his job but those who served with him and others like me tried for years to get him the CMO and we found resistance from the admin and we felt it was due to his status as a sniper.
Info about him here for those not familiar with his name : Carlos Hathcock.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Hathcock

[elvislee]

This debate reminds me of the struggle to get a friend of mine the CMO for his actions in Vietnam. At first he didn't want an award since he was just doing his job but those who served with him and others like me tried for years to get him the CMO and we found resistance from the admin and we felt it was due to his status as a sniper.
Info about him here for those not familiar with his name : Carlos Hathcock.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Hathcock

Gy. Hathcock...What a Marine  I've read an excerpt or two from one of his books (Can't remember which one) where he zapped a NVA General from a thousand + yards or something to that effect. I gotta buy those books...Semper Fi

[VaEagle]

This a good book about Carlos Hathcock's life.
http://www.deathfromafar.com/htm/08_products_detail.php?id=21

[BLM777]

This a good book about Carlos Hathcock's life.
http://www.deathfromafar.com/htm/08_products_detail.php?id=21

Man, what a name from the past.  Met him at Quantico and had the opportunity to shoot with him at the Camp Perry matches.  Certainly an outstanding Marine and one of the toughest I've ever seen in dealing with his illness the many years before his death. I don't think there's a doubt that his unequaled career as a sniper kept him from the CMO and public tribute so well deserved.  Not a popular subject among the anti-war crowd.   May he enjoy the best the Lord has to offer.....

[Sean M Cary]

Man, what a name from the past.  Met him at Quantico and had the opportunity to shoot with him at the Camp Perry matches.  Certainly an outstanding Marine and one of the toughest I've ever seen in dealing with his illness the many years before his death. I don't think there's a doubt that his unequaled career as a sniper kept him from the CMO and public tribute so well deserved.  Not a popular subject among the anti-war crowd.   May he enjoy the best the Lord has to offer.....

his son was/is in the Marine Corps...  Was a shooter as well, had friends who used to shoot with him.

[elvislee]

They ain't giving up...Sgt. Peralta's Mother from what I understand, refused the Silver Star...Sure would would like to know the details of the team that did the final review for Gates...

http://northmobile.mediacomtoday.com/community/news/story/index.php?source=National&id=D93A6FKG0&pd=20080920