Have you ever received an award you felt you didn't deserve?

CW2 Jonathan Kantor — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 13:37:26 -0400

I received a DMSM as a PCS award from CENTCOM. I didn't feel that I deserved that high of an award. Also, I received another DMSM for a combat tour in Afghanistan. I felt I should have received a BSM because.. you know, the regulations and all.

Anyone else?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 11 at 2014 1:42 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 13:42:08 -0400

I would agree. Sometimes an award is given that is "too high" for what the award is written for. Sadly, by doing this, we are taking away from the prestige the medal is supposed to have. Look at the BSM, that medal was once one held up really high, now we have guys with 4,5,6 OLCs on their BSMs and all they did was sit on a FOB for a year.

This by no means means that you fall into this boat; but I feel sometimes leaders to get award happy at times.

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made Apr 11 at 2014 3:19 PM

SFC Craig Dalen — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 15:19:51 -0400

The DMSM is authorized for personnel that achieved above and beyond the norm for a BSM or MSM. That is a high honor in which I am sure you deserved.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 11 at 2014 6:34 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 18:34:46 -0400

Just the opposite.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2014 3:47 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 15:47:06 -0400

I have seen too many soldiers get rewards that did not deserve it. I have also seen too many not get recognized that deserved it.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jun 27 at 2014 9:38 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 09:38:58 -0400

Basically I see it where you worked for a JOINT HQ which decided that the NORM was to give out that type of award. I can almost with 100% certainty assure everyone that if you were in a regular line unit in the ARMY that you would never see such an award. I have been on both sides of the coin with awards, but I can say rank in my 27 years has driven the train.

While assigned to Honduras, the only unit that did not receive JSAM and JCOMs were the aviation battalion because they were part of the brigade in Panama who strictly had a Army COC. All others at Soto Cano received joint service awards, even though 100% of the missions were supported by aviation assets and crews.

I think it is a matter of timing and logistics of who and where you work at times.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 8:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 08:56:04 -0500

Yeah I don't have this problem, I can't even get awards that I DO deserve.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 8:57 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 08:57:21 -0500

I would not worry about it. In most cases, those awards are passed through the chain of command who are responsible to make sure the award is correct and abide by the regulations. In my experience, they seem very thorough although I guess it can be different in some commands. Regardless, you earned it, so wear it with pride!