“The point is rather moot since in a few weeks everyone from private to 5 star general will salute him first. “
From me the clueless civilian, is that standard etiquette for a MOH winner still on active duty, or just your phrasing to describe the honor we should all show him. (Have goose bumps as I type this thinking about what he did.)
That, FRiend, is standard practice in the military, no matter the branch. You get the MOH, YOU get the salute, no matter the rank of the one doing the saluting.
The wearer of this medal is held in the highest regard and it is customary for all ranks to salute a recipient, regardless of the recipient’s rank. Additionally, wearers of the Medal of Honor are always saluted before others.
Some of the special privileges and courtesies afforded Medal of Honor recipients:
•Enlisted personnel who are awarded the Medal of Honor are authorized one automatic promotion if not already serving in the highest enlisted grade.
•Each recipient receives a monthly pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
•A special travel ID card entitles recipients who are not active duty or retirees to space-available military air transportation.
•Unlike other military personnel, Medal of Honor recipients may wear their uniforms at any time or place they choose.
•All Medal of Honor recipients receive invitations to attend Presidential inaugurations and accompanying festivities.
Since 1861, when the decoration was created, 3,467 medals have been awarded, 620 of those having been awarded posthumously.