The media constantly refers to Max Cleland as a "hero."
I'd be curious to actually KNOW what his heroics were involved with his particular war incidents.
Can you ellucidate?
Thanks
max cleland is not a hero. He has betrayed his country.
Max Cleland lost two legs and a hand in Vietnam because he was screwing around with a live grenade. I've heard he was drunk on Budweiser at the time but I'm not sure about that. What I am sure about is this: He did not receive a Purple Heart for his injuries because he was not under enemy fire at the time.
Max Cleland is living proof that liberals will exploit any- and everything for their cause...even the loss of two legs and hand. While I am sympathetic to Cleland for the loss of his limbs I think it's disgusting that the man has so little shame he allows himself to be described as a hero when real heroes don't get the time of day.
He should be ashamed of himself but I've always said to liberals the end justifies the means.
He got a silver star in an action not related to his war wounds. I hope we have the good sense to keeping our criticism to his actions as a Senator and Kerry supporter and lay off his service in Vietnam. However he lost his limbs, it was while doing his duty and unlike John Kerry he has never lied about what happened to him.
* Awarded Bronze Star and Silver Star
"Cleland volunteered as communications officer for 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, which had been chosen for Operation Pegasus the relief of Khe Sanh in April 1968. CPT Cleland was on a mountaintop with his Signal team to set up a radio relay when he lost his legs and right arm to a grenade explosion. For Khe Sanh he received the Bronze Star for meritorious service and Silver Star for gallantry in action."
The awards of star medals appear unrelated to the grenade explosion accident which caused hs injuries. The Silver Star Medal Citation references action on 4 April. The grenade explosion was on 8 April.
Silver Star Medal Citation
Captain Cleland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 4 April 1968 during an enemy attack near Khe Sanh.
When the battalion command post came under a heavy enemy rocket and mortar attack, Captain 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, Captain 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.
Grenade Explosion Accident. In his own words,
On April 8, 1968, I volunteered for one last mission. The helicopter moved in low. The troops jumped out with M16 rifles in hand as we crouched low to the ground to avoid the helicopter blades. Then I saw the grenade. It was where the chopper had lifted off. It must be mine, I thought. Grenades had fallen off my web gear before. Shifting the M16 to my left hand and holding it behind me, I bent down to pick up the grenade. A blinding explosion threw me backwards.
http://www.disinfopedia.org/wiki.phtml?title=Max_Cleland <-- Has references