Posted on 11/11/2009 7:07:45 PM PST by Mamzelle
I'm not military, but my understanding is that a Purple Heart is for those wounded in action. Do these dead and wounded qualify? If not, would it be proper to lobby for them to receive the medal.
Since we are involved in a war on terror, and this was a terrorist attack, it would seem fitting to award Purple Hearts.
Probably not. For the DOD to issue a purple heart, they’d have to admit that Hasan was a traitor. That’s not going to fly, politically.
Obama would probably like to give one to Hasan.
I mean, I don’t want to offend. But this is combat to my eyes. They came under enemy fire. And it is a chance to point out to General Diversity that if he insists that soldiers die for diversity (instead of freedom), at least they should be honored for it.
Well, maybe we should give this bird a launching party.
No... they wont... because it was an act of treason,
and Obama will never recognize it to be what it is.
who gives a care about medals? These soldiers are dead.
I'm in.
I'm in.
Let me put this gently - no.
And they are victims, not “fallen.”
I’ve emailed my reps, such as they are, to agitate for awarding the Purple Heart to the dead/wounded of the Fort Hood massacre.
This needs to be made an upfront in your face political issue that forces the POTUS, the Army Chief of Staff, and the entire chain of command to say either YES or NO and know the reason why!
These Soldiers were killed or wounded by a known enemy terrorist! The Purple Heart honors those whose blood was shed in wartime, whether they were actively engaging the enemy or not. And Nidal Hasan is the terrorist enemy, he is for now the tip of their spear!!
“They also serve who only stand and wait.”
Yes, they should be treated as killed or wounded in combat, JMHO! (FUBO!)
You are thinking about a piece of medal when soldiers have been killed?
Screw your head on straight.
Commanding General at Ft.Hood would be a good place to start. Military appreciates chain of command in correspondence.
You have a problem.
it depends if an American is in the white house.
A very significant piece of medal.
It is a symbol from the CIC our country to the soldier's family that they did not die in vain.
Although they were processing in or out at Ft. Hood, they are still in the fight.
If UAV drivers in Nevada can get DFCs and Air Medals then why not?
Maybe the Jerk will admit this was a jihad attack!
No. Do not lobby anyone about it. Nobody joins the military to get medals and the people that receive them never feel they are deserving.
Not everything is worthy of getting one’s panties in a bunch and it seems to happen a lot on this site.
Actually, I think they might. I'm not military (so not sure of the policies of awarding medals), but I live right by Fort Hood and there is still non-stop coverage of the jihadi massacre on our local news channels. I heard just a day or two ago that the victims would likely receive Purple Hearts. Again, I don't know if this would be standard protocol or a special exception.
FWIW.
Good question, Mamzelle...I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it unfolds.
Shame on you!
The event would have to be officially recognized as terrorizm...
And shame on you, too.
DFC is for skill, not loss of life or bravery. The Purple Heart will loose it’s meaning if it is awarded for non combat loss of life.
This is a new situation for us, there needs to be a new Medal.
And double shame on you!
3. Criteria: a. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force who, while serving with the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded;(1) In any action against an enemy of the United States;
(2) In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged;
(3) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party;
(4) As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces;
(5) As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force;
(6) After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the department concerned, or jointly by the Secretaries of the departments concerned if persons from more than one department are wounded in the attack; or,
(7) After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations, while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.
(8) After 7 December 1941, by weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict, regardless of the fire causing the wound.
(9) While held as a prisoner of war or while being taken captive.
b. A wound for which the award is made must have required treatment by a medical officer.
You don’t know what others think. Particularly the family members.
It appalls me to think that FReepers are trivializing the Purple Heart. Sickening, actually.
The Purple Heart is a high honor, given to note the profound sacrifice that the awardee made for our Country. It is awarded to those injured and killed in a conflict.
The unarmed victims at Ft. Hood deserve that recognition; and the Army/Administration needs to award the medal as a gesture affirming that Hasan was acting as a traitor and as an enemy combatant.
Given that John Kerry got one, I don’t think the people who are suggesting the Ft. Hood victims deserve it are “trivializing” it.
Ah, you are sharp. Now I need a purple heart, too.
John Kerry did that on his own. Lets not let him win that battle. Your sarcasm is not lost but your lack of decency is.
Before you whack me over the head, I read that completely incorrect. I apologize for that. Good grief!
I definitely have a problem with Obama.
My opinion, yes.
In light of the current CIC, not gonna happen. Zero is going to continue to spin this as someone who snapped after being picked on. And then make political hay out of it to push other agenda - “health care”, “gun control”, etc. It’s already started. Dingy Harry is using this incident to push the “health care”.
This is one of those things that Congress may correct years from now. I predict you’ll see the decorations handed out when the Republicans regain control of Congress. It would be an excellent 2-fer: recognize our casualties for their sacrifice, and stick it to Obama.
This is one of those things that Congress may correct years from now. I predict you’ll see the decorations handed out when the Republicans regain control of Congress. It would be an excellent 2-fer: recognize our casualties for their sacrifice, and stick it to Obama.
Not to worry. It’s late. Reading comprehension fades as bedtime approaches :-)
G’night
No they won’t. This is being categorized as a crime involving Americans, not combat with an enemy soldier.
All they got were purple lips, in the form of cursory attention from BHO.
So? Those killed due to enemy action or while in war situations (for example crashes while being inserted, but not due directly to enemy action) get the Purple Heart.
Plus there's over twice as many wounded as killed.
Plus, they never "call the roll, for victims of crimes or accidents.
I heard that President Obama was going to award Hasan the purple heart. /sarc
Best comment I read all week.
I served in the military and I know how I would feel about receiving an award because of this attack.
Don’t take me wrong .These folks at Hood deserve recognition for their service.
I just can’t put a medal over life.These folks were gunned down in cold blood.If it had been a combat situation,I’m sure some results would had turned out different.
The Purple Heart is not awarded to soldiers who have died while not engaged in combat.
Reckon this incident got to me alittle.
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