Should this Soldier have gotten a medal?

2018-12-26T20:52:02-05:00

I knew a Soldier who found himself in a dangerous situation. He handled it admirably, and I've always wondered if he should have gotten the Soldier's Medal, or perhaps some lesser medal.

Here's what happened (all on video):
SM pulls up to a gas pump to fuel up his POV. His wife is in the passenger seat. He turns off the car and exits it. As he steps out, a bystander alerts him to flames in the engine compartment that had just become visible. SM re-enters the burning vehicle (parked next to a gas pump), and restarts the engine so he can drive it away from the pump. He drove it to a gravel area near the main road, away from bystanders and the pumps. Then he grabbed a fire extinguisher he kept in the car, and told his wife to get clear of the car, while he used the fire extinguisher in a failed attempt to control the flame. He then moved away from the car and called the fire department.

I understand that the criteria for the Soldier's Medal generally involve risking one's life to save the life of another. Does re-entering a burning car next to a gas pump, in order to move it away for the safety of a half dozen bystanders, qualify for this? Is it negated by the fact that he put the car next to the pump in the first place (obviously this was before there were flames visible).

Pictured is the actual car, ablaze, moments after SM's failed application of the fire extinguisher.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2018 8:54 PM

2018-12-26T20:54:06-05:00

I would say yes.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Dec 26 at 2018 8:55 PM

2018-12-26T20:55:43-05:00

I believe he deserve a medal. However, it would be up to his chain of command to make it happen.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2018 9:07 PM

2018-12-26T21:07:07-05:00

Hmm maybe shouldnt of ignored the “Check Engine” light...

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 26 at 2018 9:10 PM

2018-12-26T21:10:40-05:00

GREAT PRESENCE OF MIND! Medal yes! SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2018 9:28 PM

2018-12-26T21:28:20-05:00

Respectfully, I don’t think the situation would warrant a soldiers medal. For a Soldiers Medal, Looking at AR600-8-22, ch3-14, “...The same degree of heroism is required as that of the award of the DFC. The performance must have involved personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Awards will not be made solely on the basis of having saved a life.”

Referencing then, the Distinguished Flying Cross, ch3-13, “...The performance of the act of heroism must be evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his or her comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. ”

In the described situation, did the soldier do anything that was so exceptional and outstanding, setting himself apart from what his comrades would have done in that same situation? I would argue no. I don’t think the majority of soldiers would let their spouse burn in the car as they watched and did nothing. While his actions were certainly appropriate, I dont think they rise to the level of exceptional and outstanding, to the degree that he has set himself apart from what others would do in the same situation.

(*note. The soldier did the right thing, for sure. As described, I think an ARCOM would be warranted. Also, something more personal, like a coin presented by the CG.)

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Dec 26 at 2018 9:53 PM

2018-12-26T21:53:33-05:00

We gave a Navy Achievement Medal to a sailor who did something similar. I saw your comment about the soldier not being high in the command's eyes... my take is they are either deserving of the medal because their actions brought credit upon the service or not (says so on the bottom of the certificate), not that we would have given you one if you weren't such a poor soldier. The other side is that the medal may get them to improve in military life, too.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 26 at 2018 10:07 PM

2018-12-26T22:07:49-05:00

Possibly. However, there is a complexity. It's HIS vehicle.

This changes the (perceived) "tone" of his actions. I am not implying that his actions are not worth commendation or acknowledgement, but... what we are willing to do for ourselves is often greater than what we are willing to do for others.

If this was someone else's vehicle, file the paperwork for an ARCOM, as I think it would be more appropriate than a Soldier's Medal (or equivalent), mainly because every gas station has an emergency shut-off switch (big red button), and the heroism is "indirect" as opposed to "direct" (the Marine I know with the Navy Marine Corps Medal has it for a Grenade Pit Incident, so I am likely jaded to the high end).

However, being his own vehicle and his own spouse, there are elements of Subjectiveness that change whether this is a "heroic act" or something anyone of us would do for our own property or loved ones (or believe we would until faced with the same decisions). This would shift my assessment of the act to something more akin to "acknowledgement" which would be an AAM or a Coin (which I believe the Army used to replace Letters of Appreciation).

I absolutely think his actions should be recognized, mainly because as Marines put it on the end of all our awards, he "Reflected credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the Unites States Naval Service" (or whatever verbiage the Army uses). He's a shining example of WHAT TO DO, and we need GOOD EXAMPLES.

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Dec 26 at 2018 10:35 PM

2018-12-26T22:35:28-05:00

I would put him in for a Soldiers Medal

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2018 8:11 AM

2018-12-27T08:11:49-05:00

Sure, but therre has to be a 638 recommending it. If bo one writes one, then how will he ever get it... if you have the facts, then draft a submission and maybe sit down with the CDR & 1SG

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2018 8:54 AM

2018-12-28T08:54:02-05:00

I'd say no. It was his car, and his responsibility to get that thing away from the pumps. Would anyone think he acted correctly if he just walked away and let that car catch the pumps on fire and kill a bunch of other people? And possibly a KITN for not yelling at his wife to get out of the car before he drives it away.

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Dec 28 at 2018 8:59 AM

2018-12-28T08:59:12-05:00

His command would have to be cognizant of understanding the benefit of recognizing a Soldiers actions and how it would benefit morale, that is if the Command gave a rats ass about Morale of the troops to begin with. Case in Point. My last command. NAS Key West. While Stationed there with NAS Weapons before I transferred to Security, The Monroe County Fair was asking for displays from the various Military Commands. Understanding the plight of the Military after Vietnam, having been spit on in SFO and ATL while flying home. I took the challenge. My theme, Weapons for PEACE, Using Inert Bombs Rockets and Missiles. I made a display of Mk-82 500# Snake-eye and conical fin bombs, Sidewinder and Sparrow Missiles, 2.75 MityMite and 5" Zuni Rocket Pods with rockets extending out of the pod. and tons of photographs. needless to say, the Air Force, the Special Forces, and Coast Guard all fell by the wayside to my display and I won First place in the Military Display and Grand Prize of all displays. The 4 ft. Trophy is in the Operations Building on base to this day. The Ribbon is in my house. The one extra item that was in the display were 4 Class A extinguishers and 3 10# ABC Extinguishers. the third day of the fair, one of the Porta-Pottys caught fire, One of the people from Stock Island VFD who knew I had extinguishers notified me and we ran with all the extinguishers and extinguished the 2 pottys that were burning and saved the rest that were in the line as well as the 5 18 wheeler tractors that were parked right beside them. By the time the KWFD arrived, it was all over they just wet the ground where the fire had spread a bit.

A week later I received a letter of commendation from the Stock Island Fire Dept. commending me on my forethought and fast actions saving property and possibly preventing injurt if the trucks might have ignited. The Command forwarded the letter. with no other endorsements. No official letter of commendation, no letter of agreement, God forbid that the command think that between the fire and the first place award I might be in line for a NAVY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL... The only thing the Skipper was worried about was getting his star. He had already been passed over twice, and one more time he was out of the Navy.

So the Command he was at plays a big part as do the Officers over him.

Response by 1SG Cj Grisham made Dec 28 at 2018 11:49 AM

2018-12-28T11:49:52-05:00

I would say no. Did his inaction or failure to maintain his vehicle contribute? He saved his own family, so it could be argued it based on "selfish interests" and not necessarily valorous. Otherwise, I think a Soldier's Medal would be in order. Regardless, he's still a hero for what he did.

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Dec 30 at 2018 8:03 AM

2018-12-30T08:03:29-05:00

I don't think a medal but certainly a letter of commendation.

Response by SGT Leigh Barton made Jan 4 at 2019 4:16 PM

2019-01-04T16:16:52-05:00

Confronting this situation by reentering a burning vehicle that contained another passenger within it in order to move the vehicle to a safe area and minimize the danger to the passenger and bystanders would be a legitimate reason to issue the soldiers medal. The fact that he parked it there is a normal action prior to refueling. He was made aware of the fire AFTER the vehicle was stopped and he exited the vehicle.

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Jan 5 at 2019 8:08 AM

2019-01-05T08:08:05-05:00

I am proud that he got back in the car and drove it away from the pumps. But his first priority should have been getting his wife to safety. two calling the FD. As for getting a medal lets just say he did a good job The End.

Response by CPT Jeff Robinette made Jan 6 at 2019 11:39 PM

2019-01-06T23:39:29-05:00

We had a soldier while one As leaving Germany that jumped into the cold water of the Regnitz River to rescue a woman who has jumped intobtow river to commit suicide. He saves she but he drowned. He was posthumously awarded the Soldier's Medal.
Given that insurance I would say that he should.

Response by 1SG Mark Dietze made Jan 7 at 2019 7:09 AM

2019-01-07T07:09:06-05:00

Only if he is an officer

Response by SGT John Fielden made Jan 8 at 2019 9:11 AM

2019-01-08T09:11:02-05:00

Compare to other awardees, JFK received the NMCM the equivelent for his PT-109 incident.
As far as the driver, great move,
I'm going to say, no.

Response by SFC Scott Parkhurst made Jan 16 at 2019 10:11 PM

2019-01-16T22:11:15-05:00

Not sure....I got a AR COM., for working 5 hours on a multiple MVA where 3 people passed away but was able to save three other's....And also saved one of the spouses from jumping into traffic cause he lost his wife....I also got one of our own to come and get them flown out....Did I expect a medal for all that...hell no! It was all caught on video and film (photo's)...that's why my Unit heard of it, otherwise I would have never said anything....We do these things cause we do....I was a medic...I was needed...end of story.

Response by Sgt Clayton Brannon made Jan 17 at 2019 4:46 PM

2019-01-17T16:46:09-05:00

If there is a question of whether they should or should not receive a medal then they should not. It should be very clear with no doubt when awarding medals.

Response by PFC John Longan made Jan 18 at 2019 7:20 AM

2019-01-18T07:20:01-05:00

He did what anyone with a brain would have, why should he get anything?

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Jan 18 at 2019 9:29 AM

2019-01-18T09:29:02-05:00

Happens everyday to someone, somewhere. Maybe not exactly the same but similar situations. To me, it is more of a sign of the liberal times, everyone gets a medal, mediocrity is perpetuated. NO MEDAL!! I saved two children from drowning when I was at MCAS Beaufort, SC. Two at different times. Walked away after giving the kids to their mothers. Did not think of medals, only glad I was there. The only thing the Marines knew was that I had gotten sunburned once. Times are different, people are also, values have degraded and it is showing in the military...…………. sadly. Do some reading on this site, some of the things I read are simply appalling and smack of poor values, poor discipline, poor critical thinking skills and some are just immoral others are little girl silly.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Jan 18 at 2019 2:21 PM

2019-01-18T14:21:46-05:00

No, not in this case. And I would ask if this is some kind of joke but ,I know it is not. Odds are he did something ignorant to cause this fire like driving it while it was overheating or leaving something under the hood. At best , he might merit an attaboy or a certificate of appreciation from Bn. Co. Though are worth 5 points , often harder to get one of them than most dinky medals anyway..

But not the Soldier's Medal , it would be dishonoring/cheapening that award. If it was someone else car. possibly.With a situation of Burning car, saving trapped children/people, getting burned in the process, maybe . It is that kind of action that might merit a Soldier's Medal.

Response by PO2 Don James made Jan 18 at 2019 4:51 PM

2019-01-18T16:51:05-05:00

Well I assume he was a enlisted person. If he were an officer, he would have been awarded the Navy Crooss. Officers are awarded medal for getting uo in the morning.LOL

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Jan 19 at 2019 7:37 PM

2019-01-19T19:37:25-05:00

This a tough one. A couple of things to note.

Cars DO NOT explode, it takes pressure and heat for an explosion, and a car doesn't have that. So, the idea the car could have exploded is false, in most cases.

Something else to note, moving the car added oxygen to the fire making it worse.

Gas stations have safety measures to protect them when something like this happens, so he really only protected property, as his wife and he were never in any real danger, had they just exited the vehicle. And had he used the fire extinguisher BEFORE moving the vehicle, he might have been able to extinguish the flames.

I think he deserves an army achievement medal, for keeping his shit together in a scary situation, and thinking about protecting property and the safety of other people. I would submit him for an arcom, and let them down grade it.

Response by PFC David Cantrell made Jan 20 at 2019 8:08 AM

2019-01-20T08:08:17-05:00

Due to it being done as a civilian instead of on duty it’s a hard thing to guage but I do commend him for a beautifully handled situation and his logic along with situational awareness were perfect!!

Response by Nathan Oram made Jan 20 at 2019 8:49 PM

2019-01-20T20:49:59-05:00

Granted I am an 'observer' here, but I am a Security Site Supervisor now though. I've had Security Officers who were well on the road to being nothing more than a hot mess. But then they do something jaw-droppingly awesome out of the blue. That's when I give them the 'I know you have it in you to be better' speech. I put them in for a commendation for their actions and then redouble my efforts to get them the training and tools they need to be successful. Bottom line is, I can be mad as hell at one of my Security Officers, but if they show me a glimmer of hope that they have what it takes, deep down, I show them that I am willing to go the extra mile for them.

Just my two cents...

(When posting this, I post on my own behalf not as a representative of the Security Company I work for.)

Response by SFC Louis Willhauck, MSM, JSCM, and ARCOM made Jan 21 at 2019 6:34 AM

2019-01-21T06:34:44-05:00

I will say this rates a medal better than that woman clerk who got an AAM for showing up to work on time... or women getting the AAM for a 300 PT score for doing what a man has to do to just pass...

Response by SP5 Alan Morland made Jan 21 at 2019 2:23 PM

2019-01-21T14:23:27-05:00

Yes

Response by LCpl Darryl Prentice made Jan 22 at 2019 10:30 AM

2019-01-22T10:30:42-05:00

I'd say yes most softies of today would run a mile in under 4min

Response by LTC Andrew Addison made Jan 22 at 2019 8:30 PM

2019-01-22T20:30:40-05:00

Did he do a pmcs on his vehicle? Kindof reeks of lack of due diligence on his part. Soldier's Medal? Really? Wow.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 3:21 PM

2019-01-23T15:21:48-05:00

I often wonder if the expectation of a medal or reward should grow in magnitude as you advance in rank because the expectation of you as a soldier grows in rank as well. In other words, maybe if a private or specialist did this, we could conclude they should receive a medal. But I would argue that a SGT or higher ranked NCO would be expected to act like this SM acted in this particular situation, and therefore he would not get a medal. If he risked his life to remove someone from a burning vehicle, then a medal would be a definite consideration. Anyway, that's my two bits on it.

Response by Rosemary Briscoe made Jan 23 at 2019 7:17 PM

2019-01-23T19:17:18-05:00

It's the qualities that the military instilled in him that made him do it I believe.

Response by SFC Dennis Cash made Jan 23 at 2019 7:32 PM

2019-01-23T19:32:15-05:00

HE DID WHAT ANYONE ELSE COULD HAVE DONE, HOWEVER, HIS QUICK TIMING AND COURAGE TO DO THIS WAS GREAT.
I DO NOT BELIEVE HE SHOULD GET A MEDAL FOR IT AS THERE ARE MANY SM THAT GO INTO COMBAT AND DO THE BEST THEY CAN AND GET NOTHING DEPENDING ON THE COMMAND.

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Jan 24 at 2019 11:02 AM

2019-01-24T11:02:30-05:00

A medal? Hmm, perhaps if it wasn't his own car. But since it was, I don't think a medal is warranted.

Response by SGT Leigh Barton made Jan 24 at 2019 1:36 PM

2019-01-24T13:36:07-05:00

Reentering a burning vehicle is not a "normal" reaction. This was action taken to protect life and limb at significant risk to his own. The vehicle could have easily chosen that moment to detonate. Enough said.

Response by LTC Andrew Addison made Jan 25 at 2019 9:37 AM

2019-01-25T09:37:11-05:00

As a volunteer fireman I did more than this guy...

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Jan 25 at 2019 4:41 PM

2019-01-25T16:41:08-05:00

I don't think his actions rise to the level of the Soldier's Medal, depending on the command climate it might squeak by for an ARCOM, but in any unit I ever served in it would take an exceptionally well written recommendation and still be downgraded to an AAM if it was approved at all.

Response by 1SG Dale Cantrell made Jan 26 at 2019 11:12 PM

2019-01-26T23:12:38-05:00

No , I do not see any event that would warrant a SOLDIERS medal

Response by PO2 Roger LaFarlette made Jan 27 at 2019 1:19 PM

2019-01-27T13:19:29-05:00

It hardly matters that it's his own vehicle. His risk was preventative to a far greater loss than him and his family.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Mar 2 at 2019 4:29 AM

2019-03-02T04:29:39-05:00

Well, he DID save lives other than his own. He should have gotten some recognition.

Response by CSM Tommy Nester made Mar 3 at 2019 10:21 AM

2019-03-03T10:21:25-05:00

I commend his actions but he should not get recognition for a medal if anything a letter of appreciation or certificate from the gas station and maybe a letter of commendation from his Company Commander.

Response by SSG Marshall Paul made Mar 3 at 2019 5:06 PM

2019-03-03T17:06:32-05:00

No on the medal. Yes on an attaboy. The fire extinhuisher ran out before the fire was out, deduct the attaboy for not having bigger or using improper technique. Sorry, but it's just not a big deal to do what one is supposed to do.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2019 6:13 PM

2019-03-03T18:13:35-05:00

Perhaps we should reevaluate this situation for anyone who doesn't think this soldier should be recognized for his actions.

1. Soldier reentered a burning vehicle in order to move it away from a position that could potentially cause a greater threat to the safety of others.

2. The soldier acted quickly and decisively by removing other civilians from the proximity of the vehicle, while trying to put out the fire and waiting for help to arrive.

Does the soldier deserve a soldiers medal? Probably not. Should the soldier be recognized for his ability to think quickly and minimize the potential risk to others? Yes.

An AAM or ARCOM are wonderful tools that are not used to their fullest potential. They are peacetime medals that should be awarded to any soldier who places theirself at risk in order to protect others. Regardless of how minimal the risk may be.

The fact that it was his car with his family inside has no effect on the outcome. His main focus was obviously to protect all life, or else he would have tried to put out the fire and not even bothered to move his car. Not only did he minimize risk to other people in the area, but also minimized risk to the actual gas station and other vehicles that may have been present.

Let's reflect on one last thing. If this soldier had been an officer, do you believe this would have even been a question? Said officer would have been given an ARCOM minimum for his valiant actions. Then the officer would be recognized as a great influence and mentor/role model for young soldiers within the unit. Yes I understand that this wouldn't be a guarantee even if it were an officer, but in a majority of these situations where an officer is involved, the question wouldnt be whether or not an award was deserved, rather which award will they be recommended for.

I apologize for the rant. It's just too many times I see posts like this. Too many times I see people saying an award isn't necessary or shouldn't be recommended. We are/were all soldiers. It is our duty to take care of our own. The only way forward is to remove the stigma that awards are only deserved by the select few, or after training exercises, during PCS, and after deployments. If deserving soldiers were put in for awards more often, we could transition to a system where soldiers could be recognized for their achievements without having to hit certain milestones in their military career.

Response by TSgt Jose Aurelio Pizarro Pizarro made Mar 4 at 2019 4:00 PM

2019-03-04T16:00:00-05:00

I was wounded in Vietnam, but my commander was a captain and he don't send me to the hospital. Two new soldiers were killed on from of me for a bobby trap. They doesn't spend in the field a half hour, I was lucky that day because they take my position in the square line In the line of the squadron line and the result was that. The doctor takes fifteen points on the chest and shoulder. My gunnery assistant take my bazooka and some other soldier take my two rounds for the bazooka.
When I get back to the field, I enlist for four years because I was ready to kill that officer. I still carry that courage inside of me and I know I have to forget that memory haunts me.

What you were doing in my position?

Response by SSG Todd McAllister made Mar 6 at 2019 10:22 AM

2019-03-06T10:22:55-05:00

Something I haven't seen in the comments yet is, did he do a proper PMCS of the vehicle prior to starting his drive? If so, would the vehicle still have caught fire? Maybe, maybe not, good actions to remove the vehicle from the gas pumps but hardly medal worthy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2019 11:47 AM

2019-03-06T11:47:29-05:00

Hmm I would not have submitted him... if it was someone elses car manybe a aam... but sure not a Soldiers Medal

Response by SGT Paul Casteel made Mar 6 at 2019 6:21 PM

2019-03-06T18:21:28-05:00

I wonder if a Soldiers Medal with a Lemon Device for driving a POS might be appropriate.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 8 at 2019 9:00 AM

2019-03-08T09:00:25-05:00

I'm wondering why he let his wife stay in the car while it was on fire. I think he wasn't thinking of others as much as he should have been. i don't think he should have gotten a medal because we receive medals for deeds and service we provide to others such as our unit, our fellow SMs, our nation, our state, etc. We don't get medals because of the service we perform for ourselves. I think the whole concept of selfless service has been lost in many ways, for example, why is this even a question?

Response by SPC James Gromley made Mar 8 at 2019 8:34 PM

2019-03-08T20:34:23-05:00

Yes, but unless this took place on a military post, this is not worthy a military metal, a civilian one yes there are those he would meet the qualifications for in the actions he took. The fact he was a soldier most likely is why he took the risk he took to prevent what could have been a tragic event. I for one do salute the actions he took in saving his wife and all those near by!

Response by LCpl Jason Keiser made Mar 9 at 2019 10:40 AM

2019-03-09T10:40:06-05:00

You are an idiot. Yes it qualifies. Id rather have him in my fox hole than you.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Mar 10 at 2019 3:18 AM

2019-03-10T03:18:07-04:00

It's not a military matter. His actions were brave, decisive and the end result is to me be commended. Still they aren't in the line of duty and any medal or commendation should come through civilian authorities. He has my admiration and respect for his actions. I don't see a medal from the military as being justified.

Response by CPL Dale Ketron made Mar 10 at 2019 5:26 PM

2019-03-10T17:26:49-04:00

https://www.army.mil/article/210851/human_resources_command_nco_awarded_soldiers_medal_for_saving_man_from_burning_truck

Human Resources Command NCO awarded Soldier's Medal for saving man from burning truck

FORT KNOX, Ky. -- Selfless service is one of the core Army values. Soldiers go further, endure more, and always place their team before themselves, especially in the face of nearly insurmountable danger.

Response by SMSgt Alex Medina made Mar 15 at 2019 9:50 AM

2019-03-15T09:50:47-04:00

I don't think he qualifies for a military medal but there are other medals he can qualify for. Regardless of his actions on parking his vehicle next to the pumps, he did NOT know his vehicle was on fire! I knew a military member in the Air Force who got the Air Medal for putting out an ground aircraft fire!!!! They started the fire in the first place!!!! But they still got the medal!!!

Response by CW3 Tim McCarthy made Mar 16 at 2019 10:02 AM

2019-03-16T10:02:17-04:00

My question would be why he didn't get his wife out of the vehicle before moving it to the gravel area. Seems pretty stupid to me. This, to me, would indicate either a lack of urgency and negate an immediate danger situation or a lapse in judgment. As for a medal? Really? not sure about that. Good job though!

Response by SGT(P) Matthew Kremer made Apr 12 at 2019 10:45 AM

2019-04-12T10:45:12-04:00

It didn't happen on duty or have anything to do with the military........why would there even be talk of medals?

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Apr 14 at 2019 10:04 PM

2019-04-14T22:04:29-04:00

The SM did save the day to include his wife, and countless innocent bystanders, and possibly thousands of dollars to the service station, he's a soldier who acted on survival mode and did hid due diligence, in the eyes of possibly the fire department would have he and his wife should have ran from the car after it burst into flames, he could have gotten injured or worse, I applaud his actions that's a SM who can be depended on, give the guy a break how would you have reacted to this same scenario, there are everyday hereos just face it

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Apr 15 at 2019 10:33 AM

2019-04-15T10:33:21-04:00

Yes.. Apparently we need a medal for everything. I just read about an Army E7 arrested in Ft Knox for assault. Story not the issue...but the fact the article commented that so far she had amassed 4 Good Conduct Medals and 19 Army Commendation and Army Achievement Medals. That's a hell of a lot of 'over and above' work. So how does one compete with these over achievers who's command brass hand out medals like candy? Enhance and embellish. So this SM pulls into a gas station, known to be frequented by gangs (they have to get gas somewhere) taking his life in his hands (most assaults happen at night) and then sees flames coming from under his car...(the average person would have never saw them)...he has the courage to move the car and get his wife out...(questionable decision making here,,since you'd think he'd have had her get out first). Then using his own fire extinguisher, fails at putting out the fire. So in this case...all kidding aside...no...this doesn't warrant anything but a hearty pat on the back and way to go.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made May 14 at 2019 8:45 PM

2019-05-14T20:45:23-04:00

I would say its worth putting him in for a Soldier's Medal. The worst that could happen is that it is downgraded to an ARCOM.

Response by PO1 Richard Borowski made May 31 at 2019 12:08 AM

2019-05-31T00:08:10-04:00

What??? Get a medal for doing what he should have? Has our military become a bunch of candya--es that they need participation trophies now. You don't get awards for doing what you should. That's just a grumpy old sailors' thoughts.