Awarding the Purple Heart: new changes

[topsgt38801]

Originally Posted by Eccie Addict

I think they should have 2 separate medals if they are going to do that.... What about the guys that have visible scars from a wound and mental wounds combined??

That goes back to the combat action badge that is now being awarded so soldiers that are serving in combat zones that are not infantrymen can be issued a medal for combat action. They are not eligible for one of the most envious and revered of awards the combat infantrymans badge. In my opinion, the CAB somewhat degrades the high standards set for being awarded the CIB. Adding the new one somewhat devalues the existing award.

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[Mature Companion]

You've not rambled.
I realize sometimes it's hard to explain things of this nature to folks who might not have a full understanding of what takes place in combat & overall military aspect. I however, have somewhat of a good understanding.
I'm in no way, discounting those whom have visible scars and loss of limbs due to combat casualty. I'm around them on a daily basis. I see what they been through and will continue to go through, the rest of their life. But let''s step back and look at those whom also served on the frontline in combat and suffered head trauma and or other non- visible injuries. They're just as deserving as their brother in arms.


This will be a touchy topic for many across the nation.


Nonetheless, Those that have put their lives on the line for our country and other countries. Are my hero's!

Originally Posted by topsgt38801

I can appreciate your stance on this and I know most intentions of everyone here are only meant to be positive, but until you have lived the life and seen what really goes with the honor and respect due these awards, I am not sure I am capable of explaining it. I am not lowering the service level of heroism of anyone who has served, been mentally or physically injured or both, but even with a college degree, I cannot find the true words to express my feelings on who should be eligible for these awards.

Every service member and their family makes a great sacrifice for the service of their country. We may also have political feelings about how things are run or the way politicians function in our country, but in the military when on active duty, you are there at the service of your country and the wishes of the civilian government and your political views are to be kept to yourself.

These awards and decorations are so precious and must be kept on an extremely high level of accountability and honor.

Every service member I have served with and been around is a hero in my eyes and and all are deserving of a medal, but the awards are such a high standard that great care must be exercised in being awarded so as not to devalue the award.

I have rambled extensivly on this subject and still cannot fully express how the awarding of the Purple Heart has such a great and special meaning. I will leave that for smarter folks than I am to determine.

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[topsgt38801]

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[Indefinable Ms. M]

As prior military and a military mom, my son just graduated as a combat engineer yesterday, this is good and bad. I believe an in depth evaluation should be completed on ones who would receive the purple heart for mental wounds. I understand that there are travesties that happen during war time and people are unable to cope. It is our responsibilities as americans to help them cope. We, I,they did, have and are protecting our freedom. Some americans forget this. Look at these so called Christians who are protesting at our soldiers funerals. At the moment the draft is not in effect and it a persons choice to join the military. Look what happened during Vietnam, probably one of the reasons for so much post traumatic syndrome was that the American scorned our soldiers. Americans are too spoiled. I suggest every one go live in a 3rd world country for at least a month. And yes I lived in Korea for 18 months. Not Seoul but 4 hrs south of there. How many Americans have forgotten 911? Ok I need to not post when drinking but have been traveling all day.

Proud Army Mom
Company A
31st Engineer Battalion
1st Engineer Brigade
And on the 8th day God created the Warlords and Hell stood at attention.

[Wakeup]

Originally Posted by topsgt38801

That goes back to the combat action badge that is now being awarded so soldiers that are serving in combat zones that are not infantrymen can be issued a medal for combat action. They are not eligible for one of the most envious and revered of awards the combat infantrymans badge. In my opinion, the CAB somewhat degrades the high standards set for being awarded the CIB. Adding the new one somewhat devalues the existing award.

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This I would disagree with. I'm a 19D, and I've done some of the most dangerous missions in Iraq on my two tours but because I wasn't 11 series I couldn't get any specific indication that I'd been in actual combat with our enemy before the new regulation for the CAB. I don't think the CAB being awarded to me degrades the CIB or the CMB at all. The difference is that only 11 series get the CIB, all combat arms. Only the 63 series gets the CMB, and those guys were with us on every mission we went on, right beside us. EVERYONE else is eligible for the CAB. The intended purpose of the CAB is awesome, because we have a lot of combat arms soldiers who aren't 11 series, the awarding of it has been what's bad.

A 19D getting a CAB because he gets shot at while kicking the door in of a bomb maker at 0300 doesn't degrade the CIB or CMB. A 42R getting one because Balad took IDF 400 meters from their practice tent is what degrades the CAB, the CIB and the CMB...that's not a problem with the award, it's a problem with the commanders awarding it...

[Chica Chaser]

Moved from Main Discussion to Sandbox as this is an important discussion, but not hobby related.

[Torqueman]

"that's not a problem with the award, it's a problem with the commanders awarding it..."

Usually the case....

[Guest032213-02]

Originally Posted by Wakeuр

This I would disagree with. I'm a 19D, and I've done some of the most dangerous missions in Iraq on my two tours but because I wasn't 11 series I couldn't get any specific indication that I'd been in actual combat with our enemy before the new regulation for the CAB. I don't think the CAB being awarded to me degrades the CIB or the CMB at all. The difference is that only 11 series get the CIB, all combat arms. Only the 63 series gets the CMB, and those guys were with us on every mission we went on, right beside us. EVERYONE else is eligible for the CAB. The intended purpose of the CAB is awesome, because we have a lot of combat arms soldiers who aren't 11 series, the awarding of it has been what's bad.

A 19D getting a CAB because he gets shot at while kicking the door in of a bomb maker at 0300 doesn't degrade the CIB or CMB. A 42R getting one because Balad took IDF 400 meters from their practice tent is what degrades the CAB, the CIB and the CMB...that's not a problem with the award, it's a problem with the commanders awarding it...

Is there an award for usage of anacronyms in a confined space?

[Guest040616]

I also have mixed feelings about this. Give me an injury to look at and I can make an informed determination of whether a PH might be justified based upon verifiable information. I am not downplaying the potential danger of a concussion that is severe enough to be worthy of consideration. However one can not ignore the fact that there is a cloudy area that could easily lead to abuse!

Just call me old school!!!!!