What do you do if you see an enlisted MOH recipient?

2019-01-25T22:12:41-05:00

Do you salute them, call the room to attention? Are they treated like Officers now?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 10:27 PM

2019-01-25T22:27:43-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Great question.

While military members aren't required to salute Medal of Honor recipients, they are encouraged to do so as long as the recipient is physically wearing the medal, even when the recipient is in civilian clothes.
Also, while military salutes in other situations are always up the the rank structure — meaning the junior soldier salutes the senior one — anyone may render a salute to a MoH recipient first. There have even been cases of American presidents saluting MoH recipients.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/customs-and-courtesies-when-around-a-moh-recipient

https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/6-special-benefits-that-medal-of-honor-recipients-are-entitled-to-get

Customs and courtesies when around a MOH recipient? | RallyPoint

Officers and enlisted alike generate salute, but do you call him/her sir or ma'am if enlisted? Do you call attention when entering/exiting? Reason I'm asking is because I have close ties to one and will probably come across him.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 11:39 PM

2019-01-25T23:39:34-05:00

One thing you shouldn’t do: Ask them about why they received their MH. As these things are generally handed out just about never (and for actions bordering on unbelievable), assume that the actions that warranted a MH probably happened on just about the worst day of that Soldiers’ life.

Salute them if you want (not required. And only if they are physically wearing the medal) and go about your business. Treat them according to their rank. They don’t want to be treated differently.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 11:44 PM

2019-01-25T23:44:30-05:00

Obviously enlisted Medal of Honor recipients aren't officers. However, regardless of a lack of regulation stating you have to, it is a tradition which was started in the U.S. Army long ago (or so goes the legend). Bottom line: No one will correct you for saluting a Medal of Honor Recipient, and--in fact--it is often encouraged considering what they (and their brothers) went through to receive it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2019 12:18 AM

2019-01-26T00:18:21-05:00

You buy them a goddam beer and ask them about their favorite team!

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2019 10:15 AM

2019-01-26T10:15:11-05:00

I would salute one. They gave up a lot and I think they’re deserving of that courtesy regardless of what rank they hold. They have my respect

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 26 at 2019 11:36 AM

2019-01-26T11:36:58-05:00

Strange, we were told to allows salute the MOH if they were wearing it, I know several personally, and have seen , COL and up saluting them when the enter the room, and most were enlisted. While around me the better receive the ultimate respect or I will put a boot you someone's 4 th POC. They went miles beyond what is normally and deserve it, tho most are too damn humble to say it.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Jan 26 at 2019 3:34 PM

2019-01-26T15:34:24-05:00

They are entitled to the military salute, form all personnel even flag officers, they are not officers and you do not call the room to attention.

Response by CSM Christopher Irwin made Jan 27 at 2019 8:11 PM

2019-01-27T20:11:28-05:00

Here's the deal brother...When in doubt "whip it out". There is little recourse if you salute without needing to versus NOT saluting and getting dressed down by an NCO within your radius. While there isn't (I may be mistaken) anything specific that says you SHOULD or SHOULDN'T, its a matter of respect and recognition - so YES, do it and you'll make a MOH member's day...If you're not supposed to...who gives a shit!? They earned it! Agree?