[optimistically_conservative]

OK, Anne's correct about how he lost his Senate seat, but let's set the story straight on his service:

Army General Order 4361, dated June 9, 1968, states that the Silver Star was awarded to U.S. Army Capt. Max Cleland "for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in Vietnam." In 1968, then Capt. Cleland was in action at the battle of Khe Sanh. Below is the language contained in his Silver Star Order:

"Awarded: Silver Star; Date Action: 4 April 1968; Theater: Republic of Vietnam

"Action: For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Cleland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 4 April 1968, while serving as communications officer of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Calvary during an enemy attack near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam.

"When the battalion command post came under a heavy enemy rocket and mortar attack, Capt. Cleland, disregarding his own safety, exposed himself to the rocket barrage as he left his covered position to administer first aid to his wounded comrades. He then assisted in moving the injured personnel to covered positions. Continuing to expose himself, Capt. Cleland organized his men into a work party to repair the battalion communications equipment which had been damaged by enemy fire. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

"Authority: By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1968."

The action cited occurred on April 4, 1968, four days before the grenade explosion that cost Sen. Cleland both legs and an arm.

As has been widely reported in the Atlanta Constitution beginning in 1968, then-Capt. Cleland, an Army Signal Officer, volunteered for infantry service to relieve the stranded Marines and members of the Army's 1st Cavalry at the battle of Khe Sanh.

While disembarking from a transport helicopter, Capt. Cleland reached for a grenade he believed had become dislodged from his web gear. Later it was discovered that the grenade belonged to a young soldier new to the theater. That soldier had improperly prepared the grenade pin for easy detonation and had dropped it while coming off the helicopter. The grenade exploded and severely injured Capt. Cleland.

The Silver Star is the third-highest valor decoration of the United States. Sen. Cleland also was awarded a Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Parachutist Badge.

[Lancey Howard]

The action cited occurred on April 4, 1968

Isn't that the day MLK was killed?

[Texas_Jarhead]

thanks for posting the citation, clears things up for me...

[highlander_UW]

"When the battalion command post came under a heavy enemy rocket and mortar attack, Capt. Cleland, disregarding his own safety, exposed himself to the rocket barrage as he left his covered position to administer first aid to his wounded comrades. He then assisted in moving the injured personnel to covered positions. Continuing to expose himself, Capt. Cleland organized his men into a work party to repair the battalion communications equipment which had been damaged by enemy fire. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Wow, well, this is infinitely more respectable a reason for award then chasing a fleeing wounded Viet Cong behind a shed and killing him.

[ZULU]

Thank you for the history lesson.

Now go back and read about Benedict Arnold's war record before he turned into a synonym for traitor.

Hero at Balfour Island, wounded in action at Quebec, wounded in action at Saratoga - conspired with British to surrender George Washington and West Point, a key defense post connecting New England with the rest of the revolting colonies. Later served with British forces in Connecticut and Virginia.

Clelland can go to the same Hell that Benedict Arnold is in and take his medals with him.

[carton253]

I think the specific issue that Ann was referring to was the "grenade incident" and how it was hyped and misrepresented.

[Thommas]

Army General Order 4361, dated June 9, 1968, states that the Silver Star was awarded to U.S. Army Capt. Max ."

It was with curiosity that I read the language contained in the award commemorating Max's gallantry. Curious because I have read it more than a dozen times on other soldier's Silver and Bronze Star histories. When I served in the Army from 1975 to '81, I encountered many a staff officer with the award plaque on their walls, all virtually with the identical language. After a while of seeing this amazing similarity, I had to ask our Battalion Adjutant how this could be? (ignorant little 2nd Louy that I was.)

What came from his files was, to explain the matter, was a "cookbook" that described the proper format and language necessary to procure the appropriately requested award for a given individual. The format was replete with examples of each award language that was guaranteed to procure the requested award; and of course, these examples all mirrored the histories I had noticed before. These cookbook depictions even left blanks for the insertion of dates, units, and places of the supposed action of gallantry.

Furthermore, its not surprising that a horrifically wounded soldier would have an award recommendation made about an event that "occurred" just days before his incident of grievous injury or death. War is hell, and you have only to witness the shattered lives of so many that have returned from the fires of its belly to know that these people have sacrificed more than the common man. They've been there, done that, and are forever marked as special.

But.. don't pull out the bag of medals as proof of honor or valor. The dishonesty that permeates the process of granting such kudos is too suspect to be evidence of anything. The true laurel wreath is in knowing the guy/gal was able to serve and did so honorably.

[Sloth]

Continuing to expose himself, Capt. Cleland organized his men into a work party

What a pervert.