Two Yanks to Get Soldier's and Airman's Medal

[Squire Robertsson]

Some additional news.


Besides the Legion d'Honneur, Aleksander Skarlatos will get the Soldier's Medal
Oregon Guradsman Who Helped Stop Train Attack top Get Soldier's Medal

And Spencer Stone will get the Airman's Medal.
US Air Force's 'Captain America" to Receive Airman's Medal

On the awards:
Soldier's Medal--may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.

In 2001, the U.S. Army awarded an unprecedented number of Soldier's Medals (28) to personnel who risked their own lives to assist their fellow comrades in the wake of the September 11 attack on the Pentagon.

Airman’s Medal is a military decoration of the United States Air Force, and is awarded to those service members or those of a friendly nation who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Air Force, distinguish themselves by heroic actions, usually at the voluntary risk of life, but not involving actual combat. The saving of a life or the success of the voluntary heroic act is not essential.

As for the precedence, both medals rank below the Distinguished Flying Cross and above the Bronze Star.

 

[Squire Robertsson]

These two servicemen are going to get some strange look when standing inspection in their Class A's and B's with Soldier's\Airman's Medal and Legion d'H ribbons. Interesting combo for a pair of junior enlisteds.

 

[Lewis]

More chest candy than Audie Murphy.

 

[Squire Robertsson]

Have you seen Audie Murphy's (MAJ, USAR)decorations? MAJ Murphy's US decorations His non US decorationns

What the pair are receiving are not "I was there" awards.

More chest candy than Audie Murphy.

 

[Lewis]

Have you seen MAJ (TXNG) Murphy's decorations? What the pair are receiving aren't "I was there" awards.

I have never seen Audie Murphy's awards, but heard drill sergeants talk about them now and then.

 

[Squire Robertsson]

I just posted a 1948 Army photo of the then 1LT Murphy in dress uniform above.

 

[Lewis]

I just posted a 1948 Army photo of the then 1LT Murphy in dress uniform above.

Those are bigger than he was.

 

[Squire Robertsson]

Yeup. he was known for being undersized. As for the DI's comments, all I can guess is envy. Murphy earned each and every one. None of his wartime decorations were "I was there" ones.

Those are bigger than he was.

 

[Reformed]

As a USAF vet I can't help but feel a twinge of pride. One thing is for sure, those medals help with promotions in the enlisted ranks. You get so many points based on the type of medal. I was a crew member on a RC-135. Air medals were awarded based on hours/missions flown. They made a difference come promotion time. I am guessing the Army works the same way?

 

[wpe3bql]

I was a crew member on a RC-135. Air medals were awarded based on hours/missions flown. They made a difference come promotion time.

Reformed,

Did you get a medal simply for being on an RC-135, or was there some other factor besides just being on that recon aircraft--such as perhaps flying in what is designated as a "hazardous duty zone"?

I was in the REGAF Active Duty from March of 1965 - April 1969 as a 5-level aircraft electrician (from March 1967 to April 1969 on the RF-4C aircraft). Then from January 1990 to January 2005 as a 7-level avionics guidance and control systems technician on the C-130H2 transport aircraft.

While I never flew in an RF-4C, several times I flew in the C-130H2 primarily to check out a malfunctioning compass system, but this was not as a flight crew member. I never got a medal for any of those maintenance situations.

This is why I'm speculating that a person who merely flies on an RC-135 must meet some other criteria than just flying on that aircraft.

Am I correct in this assumption?

 

[Lewis]

As a USAF vet I can't help but feel a twinge of pride. One thing is for sure, those medals help with promotions in the enlisted ranks. You get so many points based on the type of medal. I was a crew member on a RC-135. Air medals were awarded based on hours/missions flown. They made a difference come promotion time. I am guessing the Army works the same way?

Don't know, wasn't in long enough to find out. But I did receive the good conduct medal, so I have that in common with Audie :laugh:

 

[Squire Robertsson]

This just in

Alek Skarlatos will be on this season's Dancing with the Stars.

 

[Salty]

Don't know, wasn't in long enough to find out. But I did receive the good conduct medal, so I have that in common with Audie :laugh:

The goodie medal only means you did not get an Article 15 for 36 months. If you see someone with 2 or 3 lifer stripes but not GCM, you have too wonder.

 

[Lewis]

The goodie medal only means you did not get an Article 15 for 36 months. If you see someone with 2 or 3 lifer stripes but not GCM, you have too wonder.

Honestly I never paid much attention to the awards on anyone's Class A's. But I suppose it's possible for someone to have been in a long time and never received the GCM, as you say.

 

[Salty]

Honestly I never paid much attention to the awards on anyone's Class A's. But I suppose it's possible for someone to have been in a long time and never received the GCM, as you say.

With the fruit salad most are wearing now, it might be hard to notice that Goodie Medal right off.
But now that most of the newbies will not be serving in a combat zone - they will only be wearing the NDSM or the ASR.

Back in the late 70's, I states that the only reason the Army came out with the Army Service Ribbon (for Army service in peace time) was that the NDSM (for military service during a time or war) was no longer authorized. Therefore, how could you gig someones uniform if they have no medals to wear.

In addition, A GI is less likely to wear his Class A's, as Class C's are not sometimes authorized for PCS or TDY travel.

BTW, Lewis, just curious - I assumed you served in the Army?

 

[Bro. James]

Motivation for "atta boy" awards is multi-faceted. The criteria has changed over the decades--a lot since Vietnam. Then there is the all volunteer force.

The motives in the military-industrial complex are similar. One gets promoted by awarding/promoting subordinates. Office politics is alive and well.

I have an NDSM(with several oak/palm trees), for the entire Viet Nam Era. There are also several Unit Citations. (These are usually for the COs to get promoted. The whole system is inflated and has little to do with merit. (My observations from 1964 through 2005).

P.S. Audie Murphy was afflicted with PTSD, long before it had a name.

War is hell in every dimension. What we have done and continue to do to our Veterans is despicable.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Bro. James

 

[Salty]

In addition, A GI is less likely to wear his Class A's, as Class C's are not sometimes authorized for PCS or TDY travel.

Should read ... as Class C's are NOW sometimes authorized....



Sorry, was in a rush to get to work this am.

 

[Lewis]

With the fruit salad most are wearing now, it might be hard to notice that Goodie Medal right off.
But now that most of the newbies will not be serving in a combat zone - they will only be wearing the NDSM or the ASR.

Back in the late 70's, I states that the only reason the Army came out with the Army Service Ribbon (for Army service in peace time) was that the NDSM (for military service during a time or war) was no longer authorized. Therefore, how could you gig someones uniform if they have no medals to wear.

In addition, A GI is less likely to wear his Class A's, as Class C's are not sometimes authorized for PCS or TDY travel.

BTW, Lewis, just curious - I assumed you served in the Army?

Salty, you have definitely retained a lot more of that information than I have!
I was active Army 4 years and reserve for 3. Were you a lifer?

 

[Lewis]

Motivation for "atta boy" awards is multi-faceted. The criteria has changed over the decades--a lot since Vietnam. Then there is the all volunteer force.

The motives in the military-industrial complex are similar. One gets promoted by awarding/promoting subordinates. Office politics is alive and well.

I have an NDSM(with several oak/palm trees), for the entire Viet Nam Era. There are also several Unit Citations. (These are usually for the COs to get promoted. The whole system is inflated and has little to do with merit. (My observations from 1964 through 2005).

P.S. Audie Murphy was afflicted with PTSD, long before it had a name.

War is hell in every dimension. What we have done and continue to do to our Veterans is despicable.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Bro. James

Well prior names for PTSD were shell shock and combat fatigue I believe.

 

[Salty]

Salty, you have definitely retained a lot more of that information than I have!
I was active Army 4 years and reserve for 3. Were you a lifer?

15 years Active Army
7 years State Guard

as far as remembering things - Long term memory is very good
I have no ideal what I had for breakfast yesterday!