Is it just doing your job or extraordinary actions?

MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 00:11:52 -0400

Just read in the Army Times about a SSG who undoubtably saved a Soldiers life by tossing a mis-thrown live grenade from a pit. The SSG is now being considered for the Soldier's Medal. Personally I think it is well deserved.

However, I others I know have replied that this is just part of the job. Or, was he supposed to just stand there and let it kill the kid that threw it?

Wondering what your thoughts are about when it stops being "just your job" and becomes something extraordinary.

http://mobile.armytimes.com/article/20140430/NEWS/304300063

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 12:36 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 00:36:57 -0400

A life was saved in duty and while not in combat it rises to the level of heroism in any case.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 1 at 2014 7:39 AM

SFC Christopher Perry — Thu, 01 May 2014 07:39:29 -0400

There is doing your job, and then there is risking your life to save the lives of others in the process of "doing your job".

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 11:03 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 11:03:10 -0400

I read the article. From my interpretation, he chased after the grenade, no doubt stepping over the trainee who froze, in the very confining space of a grenade pit, when he had the opportunity to abandon the pit and save himself. Yes, he was just doing his job, and yes, he deserves recognition for it.

As an aside, let’s give a point for effort to the kid that got back on his feet and accomplished his second grenade throw. That took some guts, too.

Two quotes come to mind:

"Heroes are victims of circumstance. In that moment, they long to be honest cowards." - Umberto Eco

"That and fifty cents might get you a soda." - a friend of my dad's, when I asked him about his Silver Star