Congressmen push to award Harlem Hellfighter posthumous Medal of Honor

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 19:02:15 -0500

In earlier American history, minority soldiers were denied recognition of their bravery and service. Regardless of your political affiliation, I say we back Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and Rep. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y. to pass this one-time waiver of the “five-year rule” for Sgt. Henry Johnson, posthumous award for MOH. In addition what do you think of the five-year rule?

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/11/19/congressmen-push-to-award-harlem-hellfighter-posthumous-medal-honor/

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 1:40 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 01:40:54 -0500

"Eleven years later, Johnson died destitute, estranged from his family and still unrecognized for his service."

Positively tragic. His recognition is long overdue. These stories make me cry. Fortunately, there are some policy-makers that actually give a damn about our heroes. As for the rest of them...*bites lip*

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 1:53 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 01:53:28 -0500

I hope that more investigations into these forgotten heroes continue...this soldier should get the MOH.

As for the 5 year rule...makes no sense, especially when a given conflict may now last longer then the 5 years. I don't even understand why the statute of limitation was even put on something as important as MOH recognition

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 7:20 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 07:20:08 -0500

The politics of the time affects people, personalities, process, & procedures. There should be no time limit on fair play, and fair consideration of new facts.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 7:29 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 07:29:15 -0500

PS--there should also be rules for reconsideration, or consideration for an upgrade to a higher award such as in this case.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 6:20 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 18:20:22 -0500

They are doing a bunch of re-evaluations for the MoH. Hell they just awarded the MoH to a LT from the Civil War. Henry Johnson is very famous in Albany New York and he certainly should be considered for the MoH.

Response by COL Timothy S. made Nov 22 at 2014 3:17 PM

COL Timothy S. — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 15:17:32 -0500

With CIB's, CAB's, Bronze Stars and ARCOM's handed out like candy during OIF, I can understand the time limit applied to more significant decorations to ensure the evidence to support the recommendation can be vetted. But time elapsed since the event should not be the sole screening criteria used to determine whether or not Congress can consider a recommendation to award the MoH. If the evidence supports actions that fall in the category of, "Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty," regardless of when, I say award the Soldier the MoH.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 12:21 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 12:21:49 -0500

Absolutely! Honor does not have an expiration date.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2014 6:56 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 18:56:12 -0500

Down to the last step.
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/pentagon/2014/12/12/obama-henry-johnson-moh/20327603/

Obama will decide on top honor for black WWI hero

ALBANY, N.Y. — The decision to grant a posthumous Medal of Honor for a black World War I hero from New York moves to President Barack Obama's desk

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Mar 11 at 2017 7:47 AM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 07:47:03 -0500

I don't know. My Silver Star was downgraded by FMFPac from a Navy Cross , the equivalent of the Distinguished Service Cross Johnson has already been rewarded for his heroism by Clinton. My Squadron CO, after being promoted to Col and assuming the group commander position, went to the Wing and got the wing Commander to appeal the FMF downgrade decision. Two Army UH-1 pilots., Freeman and Kettles, have received Medals of Honor as upgrades of the Distinguished Service Crosses they were previously awarded for action similiar to the action for which I received my Silver Star. An indication of the traditional disparity between the Army and the USMC in the awards area. I'm satisfied with my Silver Star despite the fact that my contemporaries at the Squadron, Group and Wing level thought it should be a Navy Cross, and certainly don't feel that it rises to the level of a MOH. Statements have been attributed to FMFPac officers that there was a Navy Cross given to another person during the same time period and they didn't want to diminish the value of the Navy Cross. In short, I'm saying that revising the decisions made at the time is risky and should be made with caution.

I'm a caucasian, ex-enlisted officer of swiss heritage, but have never found any evidence that my heritage in any way influenced the award.

Response by LTC James McElreath made Nov 4 at 2018 11:47 PM

LTC James McElreath — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 23:47:36 -0500

This is one of many reasons there should not be a stupid five year rule! Then again no action means no one has to do anything as is usually the case!