Posted on Nov 15, 2022
Should Nick Eslinger's Distinguished Service Cross be upgraded to a Medal of Honor?
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The title was edited to reflect the fact that it was upgraded from a Silver Star to a DSC.
His citation: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Nicholas Michael Eslinger, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company C, 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on 1 October 2008, in Samarra, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM VII. Without regard for his own personal safety, during a grenade attack on his dismounted patrol, Second Lieutenant Eslinger saved the lives of the soldiers under his command by moving to the grenade, covering it with his body and throwing it back in the direction of the enemy. Second Lieutenant Eslinger's actions prevented at least six soldiers from being severely wounded or killed. Following these actions, Second Lieutenant Eslinger continued the pursuit of the enemy combatant, leading to his detention. Second Lieutenant Eslinger's bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflects distinct credit upon him, the Multi-National Corps Iraq, and the United States Army.
Covering a grenade with his body and throwing it sounds like an awful lot of MoH citations I've read. In fact, it seems that such an action is the classic way to automatically qualify for the nation's greatest honor.
His citation: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Nicholas Michael Eslinger, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company C, 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on 1 October 2008, in Samarra, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM VII. Without regard for his own personal safety, during a grenade attack on his dismounted patrol, Second Lieutenant Eslinger saved the lives of the soldiers under his command by moving to the grenade, covering it with his body and throwing it back in the direction of the enemy. Second Lieutenant Eslinger's actions prevented at least six soldiers from being severely wounded or killed. Following these actions, Second Lieutenant Eslinger continued the pursuit of the enemy combatant, leading to his detention. Second Lieutenant Eslinger's bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflects distinct credit upon him, the Multi-National Corps Iraq, and the United States Army.
Covering a grenade with his body and throwing it sounds like an awful lot of MoH citations I've read. In fact, it seems that such an action is the classic way to automatically qualify for the nation's greatest honor.
Medals
Medal of Honor
Valor
Combat
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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Sounds like this one needs an upgrade! Thoughts guys?
CMSgt Marcus Falleaf Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SFC William Farrell Maj Robert Thornton SPC (Join to see) Sgt (Join to see) LTC David Brown CWO4 Terrence ClarkPFC David Foster MSgt (Join to see) SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SFC (Join to see) MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. Cpl Vic Burk MSgt Dale Johnson SSG Michael Noll PO1 Jeff Chandler SPC Jon O. SGT Jim Arnold SPC Michael Terrell
CMSgt Marcus Falleaf Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SFC William Farrell Maj Robert Thornton SPC (Join to see) Sgt (Join to see) LTC David Brown CWO4 Terrence ClarkPFC David Foster MSgt (Join to see) SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SFC (Join to see) MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. Cpl Vic Burk MSgt Dale Johnson SSG Michael Noll PO1 Jeff Chandler SPC Jon O. SGT Jim Arnold SPC Michael Terrell
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MSG (Join to see)
Unfortunately, unless the incident with the grenade results in the loss of eye, limb or life, a MOH is usually not given. What really sucks is the case of Rafael Peralta.
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
MSG (Join to see) I haven't heard his story. I'll have to look it up. In my view, an injury from the grenade should not be required for the MoH to be awarded.
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MSG (Join to see)
SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA - Agreed. However, other than Marine Sergeant Peralta (whom I believe deserves it), the other post-Vietnam recipients of the MOH involved loss of life, limb and eyesight involving grenades
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Yes this hero deserves the MOH. Keep in mind that hero’s are often awarded a lesser medal while the politics settle, and then upgrading to the MOH.
I have long said we should be careful with the word hero as opposed to warrior, he is a Hero among men. All who fight are Warriors.
I have long said we should be careful with the word hero as opposed to warrior, he is a Hero among men. All who fight are Warriors.
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We could sit here and argue/discuss all day long the merits of this LT, however, the devil is in the details of the actions and write up....not to mention the perception/though process of the approving chain. Of the 5 MOH involving grenades (post-Vietnam), 3 were killed and two were severely injured...to include loss of limb or eyesight. I'm certainly not knocking the titanium set this LT has, but the historical data is against him.
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No doubt a courageous act, but the Silver Star is appropriate. I think the discriminating factor here between other "grenade" related MoH citations is that the grenade didn't go off and he wasn't injured or killed.
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MSG Thomas Currie
Whether or not the grenade went off doesn't change the bravery or risk involved.
The distinction between the top level awards for valor depends more on timing, witnesses, and who supports the recommendation rather than either the act or the outcome. Most silver star awards could just as easily be a DSC or MOH (and vice versa).
Upgrades on the other hand are largely determined by who is championing the cause and the ethnicity of the recipient.
The distinction between the top level awards for valor depends more on timing, witnesses, and who supports the recommendation rather than either the act or the outcome. Most silver star awards could just as easily be a DSC or MOH (and vice versa).
Upgrades on the other hand are largely determined by who is championing the cause and the ethnicity of the recipient.
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I am not at all saying this is how it went down. But based on that citation, this is what I picture in my head:
S3: How'd it go out there on patrol today, LT?
Eslinger: Well, sir, we captured a bad guy.
S3: A bad guy, huh? How do you know he was a bad guy?
Eslinger: He threw a grenade at us.
S3: A grenade? Shit! Is anyone injured?
Eslinger: No sir.
S3: OK then. Go ahead and process the detainee through and get back to your troops.
SSG Schmetlap is one of Eslinger's squad leaders who has been watching...
Schetlap: Sir! LT's just being modest. No one was injured because LT jumped in front of the troops, picked it up and threw it back at him.
S3: Wait... the grenade didn't go off?
Eslinger: Not immediately, no.
Schmetlap: Dumbass never cooked it off.
S3: and then you threw the live grenade back at a SINGLE guy? in town?
Schmetlap: Absolutely. Scared the shit out of the dude. Slowed him down enough while he was fleeing for LT to flag his ass down. He almost got away and back to his buddies, but not with LT on the case!
S3: So you ran down a single attacker who was fleeing in a classic baited ambush?
Eslinger: Ummm... yes? SIR?
S3: I see.
MoH for that???
ARCOM. At best.
It was Platoon vs. ONE GUY. No one was jnjured, no one fought bravely through critical wounds, no one faced overwhelming odds, no one was outgunned, no one was surrounded, cut off, or left for dead.
Also, the citation is fluffed. That alone is worthy of downgrade. You can't jump on a grenade whilst also throwing it back. The only way you can cover a grenade AND throw it back is if it doesn't go off. One of three things happened: 1) He didn't actually jump on the grenade (in which case why is it in the citation?); 2) the grenade was a dud (in which case, why throw it back?); or 3) dumbass forgot to pull the pin (in which case, why use the grenade when rifle fire is more accurate and more discriminate, plus the grenade can be saved as evidence?).
Yes, I applaud Eslinger's instinctual bravery in protecting his Soldiers. It is worthy of award. But not MoH.
S3: How'd it go out there on patrol today, LT?
Eslinger: Well, sir, we captured a bad guy.
S3: A bad guy, huh? How do you know he was a bad guy?
Eslinger: He threw a grenade at us.
S3: A grenade? Shit! Is anyone injured?
Eslinger: No sir.
S3: OK then. Go ahead and process the detainee through and get back to your troops.
SSG Schmetlap is one of Eslinger's squad leaders who has been watching...
Schetlap: Sir! LT's just being modest. No one was injured because LT jumped in front of the troops, picked it up and threw it back at him.
S3: Wait... the grenade didn't go off?
Eslinger: Not immediately, no.
Schmetlap: Dumbass never cooked it off.
S3: and then you threw the live grenade back at a SINGLE guy? in town?
Schmetlap: Absolutely. Scared the shit out of the dude. Slowed him down enough while he was fleeing for LT to flag his ass down. He almost got away and back to his buddies, but not with LT on the case!
S3: So you ran down a single attacker who was fleeing in a classic baited ambush?
Eslinger: Ummm... yes? SIR?
S3: I see.
MoH for that???
ARCOM. At best.
It was Platoon vs. ONE GUY. No one was jnjured, no one fought bravely through critical wounds, no one faced overwhelming odds, no one was outgunned, no one was surrounded, cut off, or left for dead.
Also, the citation is fluffed. That alone is worthy of downgrade. You can't jump on a grenade whilst also throwing it back. The only way you can cover a grenade AND throw it back is if it doesn't go off. One of three things happened: 1) He didn't actually jump on the grenade (in which case why is it in the citation?); 2) the grenade was a dud (in which case, why throw it back?); or 3) dumbass forgot to pull the pin (in which case, why use the grenade when rifle fire is more accurate and more discriminate, plus the grenade can be saved as evidence?).
Yes, I applaud Eslinger's instinctual bravery in protecting his Soldiers. It is worthy of award. But not MoH.
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SFC Casey O'Mally
COL Randall C. - Sir,
I read only the citation provided here. But if it was live and the pin pulled and all of that, there was no way there was time to both cover the grenade AND throw it back. And it falls pretty much perfectly in line with my scenario in my head.
And regardless of any of that, again, it was a platoon vs. One guy... and no injuries (or at least no significant ones.
That is not the stuff of MoHs.
I read only the citation provided here. But if it was live and the pin pulled and all of that, there was no way there was time to both cover the grenade AND throw it back. And it falls pretty much perfectly in line with my scenario in my head.
And regardless of any of that, again, it was a platoon vs. One guy... and no injuries (or at least no significant ones.
That is not the stuff of MoHs.
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
SFC Casey O'Mally this was not an M67 fragmentation Grenade. It was an RKG3 anti tank grenade or some such. He rolled toward it which blocked it with his body and picked it up to throw it, and it exploded as he said "gre-"
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SFC Casey O'Mally
SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA That is not "covering it with his body" as the citation reads.
I want to be clear. I am not saying his actuons were nothing, should be ignored, or were NOT heroic.
But I just don't see Silver Star, based on that citation, let alone MoH. For the reasons already noted.
Is it possible a whole shit ton more than that happened which warrant the Star or maybe even MoH? Absolutely. But you asked us to evaluate based on citation. And the citation falls short.
I want to be clear. I am not saying his actuons were nothing, should be ignored, or were NOT heroic.
But I just don't see Silver Star, based on that citation, let alone MoH. For the reasons already noted.
Is it possible a whole shit ton more than that happened which warrant the Star or maybe even MoH? Absolutely. But you asked us to evaluate based on citation. And the citation falls short.
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CPO Nate S.
COL Randall C. - Sir, I read the account Narrative along with the Citation again (https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/5563). This passage in the narrative caught my eye:
"....After the grenade landed within the formation, Second Lieutenant Eslinger quickly assessed the situation, realizing that if the grenade detonated where it landed, it would kill or injure at least six Soldiers that were in the blast radius. With complete disregard for his personal safety and well-being, Second Lieutenant Eslinger ran towards the grenade located approximately six feet in front of him and covered it with his body. When the grenade did not immediately go off, he threw it back over the wall in the direction of the enemy. Second Lieutenant Eslinger did this fully knowing that there was a high probability that the grenade could detonate and kill him as he tried to save his Soldiers...."
Frankly, if a young 2nd LT has the discipline to cover the grenade, in a split second realize it had not gone off and then have the wits to through it back all while knowing a 1,000 things could go wrong, is processing on an order of magnitude at x10 most. Some 2nd LTs I have known would have pushed a private toward the grenade to save their own lives and then offered a Bronze Star write up. I am just an old Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman and I don't know much about leadership (LoL), but if this "Ensign" is willing to protect his men in this way and is smart enough to save their lives and ultimately save his own life because he could process in a millisecond the situation, then this speaks to the intangibles we all want as Senior Enlisted in our young officers. I would, if allowed, return to AD to serve with him, and I am in my 60s.
If anything, the citation was not written as well as the narrative supporting his actions. In fact, it is this language that could have been strengthened in the citation. I am also willing to be that more took place that was forgotten that should have been provided.
Besides, the words "...is just being modest" are true of every "hero" I have had the privilege to know.
Ho! Here is something about a few of the women who have demonstrated honor and in our military since the beginning of the nation. I developed this for Women's history month a few years ago. I thought this might also provide perspective for this discussion.
Just saying.................
"....After the grenade landed within the formation, Second Lieutenant Eslinger quickly assessed the situation, realizing that if the grenade detonated where it landed, it would kill or injure at least six Soldiers that were in the blast radius. With complete disregard for his personal safety and well-being, Second Lieutenant Eslinger ran towards the grenade located approximately six feet in front of him and covered it with his body. When the grenade did not immediately go off, he threw it back over the wall in the direction of the enemy. Second Lieutenant Eslinger did this fully knowing that there was a high probability that the grenade could detonate and kill him as he tried to save his Soldiers...."
Frankly, if a young 2nd LT has the discipline to cover the grenade, in a split second realize it had not gone off and then have the wits to through it back all while knowing a 1,000 things could go wrong, is processing on an order of magnitude at x10 most. Some 2nd LTs I have known would have pushed a private toward the grenade to save their own lives and then offered a Bronze Star write up. I am just an old Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman and I don't know much about leadership (LoL), but if this "Ensign" is willing to protect his men in this way and is smart enough to save their lives and ultimately save his own life because he could process in a millisecond the situation, then this speaks to the intangibles we all want as Senior Enlisted in our young officers. I would, if allowed, return to AD to serve with him, and I am in my 60s.
If anything, the citation was not written as well as the narrative supporting his actions. In fact, it is this language that could have been strengthened in the citation. I am also willing to be that more took place that was forgotten that should have been provided.
Besides, the words "...is just being modest" are true of every "hero" I have had the privilege to know.
Ho! Here is something about a few of the women who have demonstrated honor and in our military since the beginning of the nation. I developed this for Women's history month a few years ago. I thought this might also provide perspective for this discussion.
Just saying.................
Nicholas Eslinger - Recipient -
Nicholas Eslinger graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 2007.
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When I was a young Navy Hospital Corpsmen attending Class "A" (i.e., basic) Corpsman School at Balboa NH in San Diego in the 1977 after my first sea duty tour, I walked along the passageway where all of Navy Corpsman who had received the CMoH citations were displayed. I would try to read one a day. I read each of them more than once. Now, thanks to the internet I have had the honor of reading the citations of medics in the US Army. One citation, which was made into a movie (Hacksaw Ridge) is about Private Edmond Doss, an Army Medic, regarding his service on Okinawa during WWII was striking, all while being a conscientious objector, but still wanting to serve his country - to SAVE LIFE!!! I cannot tell you how many times I have read and re-read his citation!
I often wondered if placed in their situations if I'd be able to measure up. During my career I was not tested in those ways. Tested in other ways, sure and I measured up! I have some recognition for those efforts! But none of us knows how we will respond when faced with the potential for the -"ultimate sacrifice" in the moment!
I will take a moment to say that the Navy Hospital Corpsman is the most highly decorated rate in the U.S. Navy, to date being the collective recipients of 23 Medals of Honor, 199+ Navy Crosses and 984+ Silver Stars. Over 50 Army medics have received the Medal of Honor for their valor in combat (fearlessness under fire another shared trait).
All I can say is that if the grenade went off immediately or was delayed the act was one of self-sacrifice - INTENDED - for the greater good, which are his - TROOPS and the overall mission!!!
Can we ask any more of our young leaders (Officer or Enlisted) than this willingness to leave it all on the field of battle, even though some in our nation will NEVER understand this kind of thinking or selfless action! How can we ask more than to train someone to be willing to give their life of their own free will and accord for another? We cannot!!!
WADR - CSM Chuck Stafford I respectfully disagree with your assessment that just because someone's actions did not result in their death or injury they should not be considered for our nation's highest award. By this standard all our LIVING Medal of Honor recipients should have been dead to be eligible! Audie Murphy, one of nation's most decorated WWII veterans would not live up this standard of death then a medal!
Also, MSG (Join to see) I very much appreciate and respect your perspective! Yes! History may be against him, and the devil is in the details of the write-up, yet would it hurt for a formal review to consider the upgrade?
Also thank you for sharing regarding Rafael Peralta. It is interesting that I had been in the navy for 3 years when he was born. It is nice that the US Navy commissioned an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) for his heroism. (https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/people/namesakes/rafael-peralta.html). He too could be considered for an upgrade! Besides this class ship will have a service life of 35 to 45-yrs. according to Navy Sea Systems Command. So, lots of sailors and some Marines will learn of his heroism under fire! And that is NOT a bad thing!
Finally, I have read the citations from the War on Terror MoH / Post-Vietnam MoH recipients {(https://mohmuseum.org/war-on-terror-medal-of-honor-recipients/) or (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_post-Vietnam_War_Medal_of_Honor_recipients)} they each have a common theme as you read their citations.
Just sharing perspective.....................Lt Col Charlie Brown, SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA, COL Randall C.
I often wondered if placed in their situations if I'd be able to measure up. During my career I was not tested in those ways. Tested in other ways, sure and I measured up! I have some recognition for those efforts! But none of us knows how we will respond when faced with the potential for the -"ultimate sacrifice" in the moment!
I will take a moment to say that the Navy Hospital Corpsman is the most highly decorated rate in the U.S. Navy, to date being the collective recipients of 23 Medals of Honor, 199+ Navy Crosses and 984+ Silver Stars. Over 50 Army medics have received the Medal of Honor for their valor in combat (fearlessness under fire another shared trait).
All I can say is that if the grenade went off immediately or was delayed the act was one of self-sacrifice - INTENDED - for the greater good, which are his - TROOPS and the overall mission!!!
Can we ask any more of our young leaders (Officer or Enlisted) than this willingness to leave it all on the field of battle, even though some in our nation will NEVER understand this kind of thinking or selfless action! How can we ask more than to train someone to be willing to give their life of their own free will and accord for another? We cannot!!!
WADR - CSM Chuck Stafford I respectfully disagree with your assessment that just because someone's actions did not result in their death or injury they should not be considered for our nation's highest award. By this standard all our LIVING Medal of Honor recipients should have been dead to be eligible! Audie Murphy, one of nation's most decorated WWII veterans would not live up this standard of death then a medal!
Also, MSG (Join to see) I very much appreciate and respect your perspective! Yes! History may be against him, and the devil is in the details of the write-up, yet would it hurt for a formal review to consider the upgrade?
Also thank you for sharing regarding Rafael Peralta. It is interesting that I had been in the navy for 3 years when he was born. It is nice that the US Navy commissioned an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) for his heroism. (https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/people/namesakes/rafael-peralta.html). He too could be considered for an upgrade! Besides this class ship will have a service life of 35 to 45-yrs. according to Navy Sea Systems Command. So, lots of sailors and some Marines will learn of his heroism under fire! And that is NOT a bad thing!
Finally, I have read the citations from the War on Terror MoH / Post-Vietnam MoH recipients {(https://mohmuseum.org/war-on-terror-medal-of-honor-recipients/) or (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_post-Vietnam_War_Medal_of_Honor_recipients)} they each have a common theme as you read their citations.
Just sharing perspective.....................Lt Col Charlie Brown, SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA, COL Randall C.
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Since it was upgraded from a Silver Star to DSC I believe it’s an appropriate award. Could someone argue it should be upgraded further, I suppose. But in the end the award does now fit the bravery of this outstanding example of a warrior.
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I agree with an upgrade to the MOH. The fact that the grenade failed to explode is immaterial. It was intended to explode, and simply malfunctioned. I was confronted by a person who tried to kill me with a semi-automatic pistol. She pulled the trigger three times, but the weapon failed to fire. The weapon functioned perfectly, but she had failed to Jack the slide to load a round into the firing chamber
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It appears that the kinder, gentler military looks at awards with a broader spectrum today than they did a few years ago. Did the event meet the present criteria for the Medal of Honor? Submit the request and see. Remember to get political [Senator or Representative support] along with military backing.
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