What do you think of today's announcement that two WWI heroes will receive the Medal of Honor?

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Thu, 14 May 2015 17:51:50 -0400

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2015/05/14/world-war-one-william-shemin-medal-of-honor-henry-johnson/27315323/

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 14 at 2015 5:56 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 14 May 2015 17:56:32 -0400

I like the idea that we are constantly reviewing some of these events. History needs to be looked at from time to time and dusted off, and if there was an oversight, recognition should be granted.

Response by SPC Mark Beard made May 14 at 2015 6:19 PM

SPC Mark Beard — Thu, 14 May 2015 18:19:23 -0400

why did it take so long !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 6:26 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 18:26:01 -0400

If it was earned they should get it. too bad they didn't see it happen.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made May 14 at 2015 6:31 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 14 May 2015 18:31:50 -0400

If it was warranted and I think it was then Congratulations. Just hope they still have family that can receive it.

Response by SFC Charles S. made May 14 at 2015 6:44 PM

SFC Charles S. — Thu, 14 May 2015 18:44:46 -0400

I think it's pretty damn sad and sorry; that if they did enough to earn them back in WWI, and they are just now getting approved... and I'm giving whoever approved the award now the credit that it actually met the requirements for the award. Why were they not approved much earlier?

There must have been some decision to go back and review these for whatever reason and if it was for a political reason allowing them or selecting them based on something less than the standard then SHAME on who ever approved them now.

Giving them the benefit of the doubt I am in awe of their selfless service to our Country, while being shocked that it was not sooner.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 7:44 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 19:44:07 -0400

In the future our grandchildren may be asking the same question of why someone did not receive the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan or Iraq and they are just now receiving them 50-75 years after the actions took place. There are many reasons that can come into play. Politics, race, religion, personality conflicts, lack of proper processing of paperwork, those involved did not believe it deserved it at the time but now these same factors may influence the awarding of the medal. The same criteria that was used then is not used now and the same criteria used now will not be used in the future.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 8:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 20:27:01 -0400

they earned it... so, no argument here... I see it as a wrong being righted.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 14 at 2015 8:35 PM

COL Charles Williams — Thu, 14 May 2015 20:35:08 -0400

Always good, even if way too late. GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made May 15 at 2015 12:47 AM

SSgt Donnavon Smith — Fri, 15 May 2015 00:47:54 -0400

While this is cool, but why were these decorations revisited after 98 years?

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made May 15 at 2015 9:10 AM

MSgt Manuel Diaz — Fri, 15 May 2015 09:10:34 -0400

Well not knowing the WW1 medal of honor criteria, and I am probably wrong, I have to believe they were caught up in the old regime practice of not focusing on heroic actions of minorities. I only say that because I have read it occurred; however they were recognized as hero's but not medal of honor at that time.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made May 15 at 2015 4:07 PM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Fri, 15 May 2015 16:07:19 -0400

What those men faced, every one of them, in that meat grinder... They all deserve it. The more I learn about WWI, the more horrified I become. My fellow warriors, we are but toy soldiers standing on the shoulders of giants. One of the many sorrows of today's era is the gut wrenching ignorance of this war, it's veterans, and their sacrifice.