Distinguished Warfare Medal
Mar 11, 2013 16:19:26 #
With all the recent discussion about the use of drones in combat, I thought that this might be an interesting topic, the newly proposed military decoration called the "Distinguished Warfare Medal", proposed by Secretary Panetta for outstanding achievement by individuals in such capacity as drone pilots or counter-cyber attack specialists. While I can agree with the Secretary for a need for some type of special recognition, many veteran's groups are upset that it is being ranked in precedence about decorations such as the Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, and The Soldier's Medal.
A recent statement by a veteran's organizations put it this way,
"We believe that medals earned in combat, or in dangerous conditions, should maintain their precedence above non-combat awards. Placing the Distinguished Warfare Medal above the Bronze Star and Purple Heart diminishes the significance of awards earned by risking one's life in direct combat or through acts of heroism. Moreover, the Distinguished Warfare Medal's placement directly above the Soldier's Medal - an award for bravery and voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy diminishes the precedence given to acts of individual gallantry in circumstances other than combat."
A recent statement by a veteran's organizations put it this way,
"We believe that medals earned in combat, or in dangerous conditions, should maintain their precedence above non-combat awards. Placing the Distinguished Warfare Medal above the Bronze Star and Purple Heart diminishes the significance of awards earned by risking one's life in direct combat or through acts of heroism. Moreover, the Distinguished Warfare Medal's placement directly above the Soldier's Medal - an award for bravery and voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy diminishes the precedence given to acts of individual gallantry in circumstances other than combat."
Mar 11, 2013 16:27:41 #
BW326 wrote:
With all the recent discussion about the use of dr... (show quote)
I agree. I should be rated about the same as a Gedunk medal.
Mar 11, 2013 17:00:18 #
Mac wrote:
I agree. I should be rated about the same as a Gedunk medal.
Mac, at first I thought that you were just being witty but then I looked it up in Wikipedia ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gedunk_bar
As it turns out, I should have been awarded one of those "Gedunk Medals" because I pulled mess duty on the troop transport ship going over to VN in late '66.I'm writing to the Defense Dept right now about that!
(I wonder if they will have a parade or anything that goes with that? Guess it won't hurt to ask.)
Mar 11, 2013 17:17:48 #
Oh great. Does that mean I don't get my discount at Dunkin Donuts anymore because I don't have the DWM ?
Maybe if I said I have the ' F U ' award they'll relent ?
Sarge69
Maybe if I said I have the ' F U ' award they'll relent ?
Sarge69
Mar 11, 2013 17:59:48 #
BW326 wrote:
quote=Mac I agree. I should be rated about the sa... (show quote)
We called the National Defense Service Medal the gedunk medal because everybody got one.
Mar 11, 2013 19:39:39 #
A lot of these drones are being operated from bases in Nevada and New Mexico. How would that rate any higher than lets say a Marksmanship medal?
Mar 11, 2013 23:29:53 #
I read it wrong. "Distinguished Welfare Medal" For fighting the job market.
Mar 12, 2013 08:36:32 #
Great, that means I've got two gedunks, (National Defense). One for the Air Force and the one they gave us in the Reserves when we got back from the Gulf. Along with 2 for "Good Conduct". You had to really screw up not to get one of those. It does need to go lower, just above National Defense.
I've got my Dads from the big one (WW 2) with two PH and a Bronze Star. No way should it be anywhere near those!
I've got my Dads from the big one (WW 2) with two PH and a Bronze Star. No way should it be anywhere near those!
Mar 12, 2013 08:38:25 #
Mar 12, 2013 08:41:02 #
Mar 12, 2013 10:00:16 #
BW326 wrote:
With all the recent discussion about the use of dr... (show quote)
Bill,
As a Nam Vet who has seen friends die and be wounded in combat, I have a real problem with this administration and Leon Pannetta. How do you even equate these two situations, common sense tells you combat places you in deaths crosshairs. There is no way I can place a medal given to someone safely behind the lines above those awarded in a combat situation.
George
Mar 12, 2013 10:04:28 #
George H wrote:
quote=BW326 With all the recent discussion about ... (show quote)
It makes perfect sense to me. If Obama can get a Nobel Peace Prize for his good intentions, why shouldn't a cubicle pilot get a Distinguished Warfare Medal? I would guess that he should also get a Purple Heart for a paper cut or stapler stab.
Mar 12, 2013 10:10:43 #
ole sarg
Loc: south florida
Regarding the National Defense Medal. I got mine because I was with the military advisory command in Nam first two tours were before Gulf of Tonkin and there was no other medal to give that reflected the tours. Had no idea it was given to most. But on the other hand, if one enlisted or was drafted and served in defense of one's country having seen combat or not still served. More than I can say for Dick Cheney or the vast majority of our leaders in both parties!
This new medal will be lowered in status because of the justified uproar.
I think the Air Force promoted this medal to its position because only a very few in the Air Force actually go in harms way. Probably as a percentage less than 5% actually go into theater or fly a combat mission. Unlike WWII where the 8th Air Force suffered more casualties and death than the Marine Corp!
This new medal will be lowered in status because of the justified uproar.
I think the Air Force promoted this medal to its position because only a very few in the Air Force actually go in harms way. Probably as a percentage less than 5% actually go into theater or fly a combat mission. Unlike WWII where the 8th Air Force suffered more casualties and death than the Marine Corp!
Mar 12, 2013 10:16:57 #
I wouldn't be at all surprised if the very last pilot to fly a combat mission for the US Air Force isn't already in high school.
Mar 12, 2013 10:36:34 #
Why does it really matter? A wanna-be can make up any story and place medals on his own chest and the courts have said it his right - freedom of speach protection. I'm not going to dig for it, but didn't some politician in the last election get caught doing exactly this. Claiming military experience and with medals and never served! Also look at Bushe's grandure of military experience he claimed.
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