Congressional Medal of Honor (Iraq, Afghanistan, Baghdad, Marines)

[mrsengle]

I just found out about this.

In the time that we've been in Afghanistan and Iraq, only ONE Congressional Medal of Honor has been awarded.

Does anyone know why?

[Hawkeye48]

Two actually have been awarded, SFC Paul Ray Smith, USA and CPL Jason L. Dunham, USMC.

Smith earned his in April of 2003 due to his actions at the Baghdad International Airport.

Dunham threw himself on a grenade saving other marines after coming to the aid of an ambushed convoy in April of 2004.

We may see more coming down as well. These probably take forever to work their way all the way up to the Pentagon then to Congress.

[saltine]

Technically it is Medal of Honor not Congressional

[Evlevo]

In some ways this is a good thing.

The medal of honor is given out mostly to people who give their life to save others in one form or another (the diving on a grenade is probably the most common).

Since this war is run differently and there is a different opponent, there likely are not as many "sacrifice my live for theirs" opportunities.

I'd rather have more people live than more medals given out.

[bily4]

I read after the Jessica Lynch and Pat Tillman PR fiascos, the military is being very cautious now about formally awarding heroes with medals of honor. It is too bad; from what I understand there have been at least a half dozen guys that have thrown themselves on grenades and saved comrades' lives with their sacrifice. They should definitely be considered deserving.