Medal of Honor

[rustler]

A, perhaps, interesting statistic regarding the Medal of Honor and the Victoria Cross.....

The Medal of Honor since it inception in 1861 has been awarded 3468 times. Almost half of these awards were made for actions during the Civil War, 1861-65. A further 426 awards were made for actions during the Indian Wars 1865-1891.

The Victoria Cross since its inception in, 1855-56, has been awarded a total of 1362 times, including the Cross of New Zealand and the Cross of Australia and the award of three bars. Nearly half of these awards, 628, were awarded for actions during The First World War, 1914- 1918.

The changing face of society? It seems that these highly coveted awards are becoming more difficult to win?

That said, it must be remembered that there are now several other awards that may be awarded instead of the highest of all. In the US The Distinguished Service Cross and the Legion of Merit. In the Commonwealth, The George Cross, Conspicuous Gallantry Medal and the George Medal for example.


For the record, during The Second World War, the US awarded 464 Medals of Honor. The Commonwealth awarded 182 Victoria Crosses.

[garthok newo]

If you have the time I urge you to watch the Medal of Honor ceremony today at 3 pm eastern daylight time. My poor writing skills cannot approach the description this honoree's actions deserve, better to let the official award description serve.

I admit that I am perhaps overly sentimental, but I'm having trouble clearing my throat and my vision seems to be getting burry.

And, to steal a quote "Where do we find such men."

[richardoe]

The VC is awarded for gallantry on the battlefield. The GC and GM are non battlefield awards and are in fact a civilian award.

[Wendigo]

Originally Posted by richardoe

The VC is awarded for gallantry on the battlefield. The GC and GM are non battlefield awards and are in fact a civilian award.

Nonetheless the recipients of the George Cross and others Medal are no less courageous and there are some truly inspiring stories of the George Cross winners here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...oss_recipients
Many were awarded posthumously to remember acts of outstanding courage such as giving their own lives in rescuing others in wartime and in peace.

[richardoe]

Im not belittleing the GC and GM (or any other gallantry award), but the fact remains that the VC is a decoration that can only be awarded for gallantry (or to be exact valour) in the face of the enemy. If Trooper Chris Finney ad been under fire from Iraqis and not Americans then he would have won a VC.

[Wendigo]

Originally Posted by richardoe

Im not belittleing the GC and GM (or any other gallantry award), but the fact remains that the VC is a decoration that can only be awarded for gallantry (or to be exact valour) in the face of the enemy. If Trooper Chris Finney ad been under fire from Iraqis and not Americans then he would have won a VC.

Which also explains why for example Charles Duncan was awarded the George Cross as he gave his life to save his comrades from a live grenade but at that time they were not under enemy fire.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Duncan_(GC)

Not forgetting numerous bomb disposal experts who gave their lives in the course of duty.

[spazarino]

Originally Posted by richardoe

The VC is awarded for gallantry on the battlefield. The GC and GM are non battlefield awards and are in fact a civilian award.

I thought the GC was the highest UK award to the military for non-combat actions.

[Navvet]

Just today, Sgt. Kyle J. White was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. It was awarded to him for an act of heroism he performed in 2007.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/14/us...=politics&_r=0

[richardoe]

Correct the GC is the highest award for "non combat" actions, but it was instituted by King George VI as a primarily civilian award. But the vast majority of awards of the GC have been to the military.

And sorry to be pedantic but its The Medal of Honour. And apologies for the spelling, but Im English!!